Can Banana Bread Batter be Refrigerated? | 5 Easy Tips

Banana bread batter can be refrigerated overnight if you are not ready to bake it. It is important to cover it completely with baking paper and then plastic wrap or a tight fitting lid. This will stop the banana from turning black.

It is important to note that banana bread batter that has been refrigerated may not rise as much as freshly cooked batter. This is because the baking soda or baking powder will start to activate as soon as the batter is mixed and lose some of the air.

How to refrigerate banana bread batter

It is best to only refrigerate banana bread batter overnight rather than any longer. This will keep the banana fresh and will avoid losing all of the air from the mixture. Here are my top tips for refrigerating banana bread batter to keep it fresh.

1. Put banana bread batter in a non-porous dish

It is best to store banana bread batter in the fridge in a non-porous bowl or in the baking tin that you are going to use. You could use a glass or ceramic bowl or in a loaf tin.

I like to refrigerate batter in the baking tin that I will be using as it just saves a step. I will line the baking pan with baking or parchment paper, then put my batter in. I will then cover the top with another layer of baking paper and then cover with saran wrap.

If there is enough baking paper you can just fold down the edges over the top of the batter then cover with plastic wrap.

I just like to fold the edges of the baking paper inwards over the top of the banana bread batter.

2. Cover the banana bread batter in the fridge

Cover directly on the batter and avoid leaving air. You can cover it with baking paper first to avoid the plastic wrap sticking on top. You can also use a container that has a tight fitting lid. Cover the batter with baking paper and then put the lid on top.

This will stop a crust forming on the top of the batter and stop the bananas from turning black.

3. Add baking soda later if you can

Once baking soda or baking powder is mixed with the liquid and will start to activate. That means that it will start to release carbon dioxide and start to make it lighter.

This means that by the time that you go to bake the batter it will have lost some of the air. You can add baking soda or baking powder just before you bake.

Otherwise, you can stir through an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder just before you bake. This will account for the amount of air lost during the refrigeration process.

4. Bring the dish back up to room temperature

If you have put your baking dish in the fridge then it is important to bring it back up to room temperature before putting it in the oven. Preheat your oven and pop your baking dish on the counter for around 30 minutes to allow it to warm slightly.

If you put refrigerated batter in the oven it will take longer to bake. It will also risk cracking your baking dish if it is not in good condition.

Let the dish and batter sit out on the bench for 20-30 minutes before baking.

5. Sprinkle decorations on top before baking

If you want to make your banana bread more interesting you can sprinkle the top with some extra nuts, fruit or chocolate chips before you bake it. Chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds work well.

You can also mix through chocolate chips before baking to make the banana bread extra indulgent. My kids love chocolate chip banana bread so mine will get chocolate added almost every time.

How long can banana bread batter be kept in the fridge?

Banana bread batter can be kept in the fridge for around 24 hours. After this it is more likely that the banana will turn brown or black and the raising agent will no longer activate and work when the batter is heated in the oven.

If you are going to pre-prepare banana bread batter, do it no earlier than the day before, cover it completely in the fridge and make sure that air does not get in or out.

Should you make banana bread batter early?

It is best to make banana bread batter on the day you plan to bake it. This will keep the banana fresh and avoid it turning brown or black.

Baking it straight away will also take full advantage of the baking soda or baking powder in the mix. You won’t lose any of the air that is released early.

Can Banana Bread Batter be Refrigerated? | Summary

Banana bread batter can be refrigerated for a day before you bake it. It is best to mix through some extra baking powder or baking soda to give the banana bread some extra lift. Make sure the batter is covered with baking paper and then cover with a lid or saran wrap.

Happy cooking.