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    Home » Kitchen Hacks » Kitchen Hack 3 (How to Make Bananas Ripen Faster)

    Kitchen Hack 3 (How to Make Bananas Ripen Faster)

    Published: Apr 25, 2023 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    A comparison for how to ripen bananas in the oven.
    A before and after photo of bananas.
    A before and after photo of bananas.

    Do you want to make banana bread but your bananas aren’t ripe? No worries, I’ve got several methods you can use to ripen bananas quickly, whether it’s overnight or in just 15 minutes, along with what to do with them now that they’re ripe!

    Bananas that have been baked in the oven.


     

    If you’ve ever made banana bread and it’s just been “so-so”, it’s probably because your bananas weren’t over ripe. Whether it’s a traditional banana bread, one with a cream cheese filling or zucchini or a hummingbird cake, you need super ripe bananas for the flavor to come through.

    Bananas will ripen naturally in about 4-5 days if kept in a warm area. That works great if you are eating them for breakfast, but it can be difficult to time your baking projects around when your bananas are going to be perfectly ripe.

    A bunch of slightly green bananas.

    Normally, I’m trying to keep bananas from ripening faster than I can eat them. However, when you have the opposite situation and you’re bananas are green, or just ripe enough to eat, then you’ve got several choices as to how to ripen bananas so you can start cooking!

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      How to Ripen Bananas Fast

      If you need ripened bananas right now, you can ripen them in the oven. All you have to do is put them in the oven, unpeeled, and bake them for 15 minutes. If they are green, it might take a few more minutes.

      A baking sheet of slightly green bananas.
      Place the bananas on a baking sheet.
      A baking sheet of brown bananas.
      Bake and remove when skins have turned brown.

      The skins will turn black and the banana will ripen and turn mushy which is perfect for baking. Instant gratification!

      Ripened bananas in a measuring cup.
      Remove peels and let cool before using.
      Bananas smashed in a measuring cup.
      They should be soft enough to easily mash.

      I suggest placing them on parchment paper or aluminum foil as sometimes they will split open and the juice will run out.

      You will need to let them cool before using them, just peel the bananas and place them in a bowl to cool.

      How to Quickly Ripen Bananas overnight

      If you’re not in a hurry but you still want to speed up the process, there are a couple of different ways to make bananas ripen faster.

      • Brown paper bag – place the bananas in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana or an apple or even by themselves. Fold the top down to trap the ethylene gas that bananas will produce, this is what speeds up the ripening of fruit. This also works to ripen peaches or any other fruit that ripens off the tree. This method will take 1-2 days.
      • Plastic wrap – don’t have a brown paper bag, then place the bananas in a bowl with an apple or ripe banana and cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. The gases will be trapped and hasten the ripening time. This should ripen the bananas in a day.

      How to freeze bananas

      When bananas get too ripe to eat, you can easily freeze them for smoothies or your baking projects. You can freeze them with the skins or without. I prefer to remove the skins so they take up less room in the freezer.

      Place peeled bananas on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for an hour or two. Once frozen, place in an airtight container. By flash freezing, it will be easier to remove just the amount of bananas you need.

      Bananas can be frozen for 3-6 months. When you’re ready to use them, let them thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter. Drain off any of the liquid after they have thawed.

      What is the best way to keep bananas from ripening too quickly?

      There are several steps you can take to keep your bananas from ripening too fast.

      • Hang them upside down – this will slow down the ripening process as the ethylene gas is released from the stem.
      • Wrap the stems with plastic wrap – for the same reason as hanging the bananas, this will slow down the process as it traps the ethylene gas produced by the stems.
      • Store out of direct sunlight – the sun will increase the temperature of the bananas causing them to ripen quicker.
      • Store in the refrigerator– once they have reached the ripeness that you prefer, store them in the fridge. This will stop the ripening process for a couple of days. The peels will turn brown but the bananas will stay firm.

      FAQs on How to Ripen Bananas

      How do you ripen bananas without a paper bag?

      If you don’t have a paper bag, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

      Do bananas ripen faster in the fridge or on the counter?

      Placing bananas in the fridge will stop the ripening process, so let them ripen on the counter and then place in the fridge.

      Do bananas ripen slower when hanging?

      Hanging bananas can slow down the ripening process due to ethylene gas produced by the stems.

      Can you use the microwave to ripen bananas?

      You can soften bananas in the microwave but not ripen them. To soften, poke the skins with a fork and microwave for 15-30 seconds.

      What to make with ripened bananas

      With perfectly ripe bananas in hand, here are some favorite banana recipes to try.

      Breakfast Foods

      Brown Butter Banana Walnut Bread with Vanilla Butter

      Slices of banana bread topped with vanilla butter.
      Brown Butter Banana Walnut Bread with Vanilla Butter
      This twist on classic banana walnut bread adds brown butter which transforms the bread. Add a swirl of vanilla infused butter for an unforgettable breakfast, brunch or snack.  So delicious you'll need to make two, one to eat immediately and one for later.
      Get the Recipe

      Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread

      A loaf of chocolate banana bread.
      Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread
      To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of fruit plus chocolate together. I know, I know! I should really give it another try, but believe you me, I have and I don't know why, but it's just not my thing. (from Kim at Kickassbaker)
      Get the Recipe

      Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread

      A plate of sliced cream cheese banana bread
      Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread
      This Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is a step up from the traditional version. With a cheesecake like filling it will become a new favorite.
      Get the Recipe

      Chunky Banana and Chocolate Chip Muffins

      Banana muffins with chocolate chips on a plate.
      Chunky Banana and Chocolate Chip Muffins
      Chunky banana muffins with walnuts and chocolate chips are just what you need to get you started in the morning. The combination of sweet chunks of bananas with the nutty crunch of walnuts and the indulgent richness of chocolate chips is a flavor explosion in every bite. These healthy muffins make for a perfect breakfast or snack and are a great way to use up extra bananas.
      Get the Recipe

      Banana Bread Muffins

      Banana Bread Muffins
      When life gives you brown bananas… make homemade banana bread muffins! These healthy gluten free banana muffins are naturally sweetened using honey and bananas. (from Rachel at passthesprouts)
      Get the Recipe

      Banana Granola Muffins

      A white basket filled with banana granola muffins
      Banana Granola Muffins
      Banana granola muffins are a quick and easy breakfast treat using your favorite granola along with coconut and nuts for added crunch.
      Get the Recipe

      Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

      A serving of bananas foster French toast being removed form a tray.
      Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
      Bananas Foster French Toast casserole is an indulgent breakfast or brunch make ahead dish. It tastes as beautiful as it looks, so if you’re having company, this is sure to impress. This recipe is prepped the night before and refrigerated overnight. Before serving, just pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to eat in no time!
      Get the Recipe

      Desserts

      Southern Homemade Banana Pudding from Scratch

      A glass of banana pudding with a slice of banana on top.
      Southern Homemade Banana Pudding from Scratch
      In the world of banana pudding, there are two varieties: there’s banana-flavored pudding, and then there’s classic banana pudding. This southern-style banana pudding recipe is a classic. It consists of a decadent homemade vanilla custard served alongside crunchy vanilla wafers and freshly sliced bananas.
      Get the Recipe

      Homemade Banana Cream Pie

      A slice of Banana cream pie on a black plate with a fork.
      Homemade Banana Cream Pie
      There's nothing quite like an easy banana cream pie.  Fresh bananas topped with a creamy vanilla custard for an old fashioned but never out of style pie.
      Get the Recipe

      Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

      Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
      Easy Recipe for Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Vegan, gluten-free and oh so tasty. One bowl and 15 minutes is all you need….no sugar, no dairy and no fuss! (from Debra at debraklein)
      Get the Recipe

      Banana Sheet Cake

      Banana cake slices next to a cup of coffee.
      Banana Sheet Cake
      When life gives you extra ripe bananas, make Banana Sheet Cake. The easiest banana cake recipe because you start with a box mix, Banana Sheet Cake is perfect whether topped with a smooth and rich cream cheese frosting or a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Homemade doesn't have to take all day. (from Lori at josiandnina)
      Get the Recipe

      Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese Recipe

      A cream cheese banana pudding with a serving removed.
      Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese Recipe
      A Southern banana pudding is a good old-fashioned classic dessert, and for good reason! The combination of sweet bananas, creamy pudding, and sweet and crispy vanilla wafer cookies is comfort food at it's best. However, make this Southern staple even better by adding cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk for an over-the-top dessert.
      Get the Recipe

      Raspberry Peach Nice Cream

      Raspberry Peach Nice Cream
      Three Ingredient Raspberry Peach Nice Cream is easy to make and healthy to boot. Gluten free and vegan, it takes frozen bananas, raspberries, and peaches, and blends them up into a creamy frozen dessert. Your kids won’t even know they’re eating “just fruit”. (from Taryn at hotpankitchen)
      Get the Recipe

      Banana Cupcakes

      Banana Cupcakes
      These Banana Cupcakes are moist and fluffy with naturally sweet and creamy banana flavor and deep caramel undertones from the brown sugar. REAL ripe bananas are mixed directly into the batter, eliminating the need for any extracts and artificial flavors. (from Sam at frostingandfettuccine)
      Get the Recipe

      Beverages

      Greek Yogurt Smoothie

      A greek yogurt smoothie next to berries.
      Greek Yogurt Smoothie
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      Get the Recipe

      Dirty Banana Cocktail

      A glass of a banana cocktail.
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      Get the Recipe

      If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.

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      Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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