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Chocolate-covered bananas are a rare treat to see at anyone’s gathering. When I make them for a baking event, I always get asked: “How do you keep them from going bad?” and “What’s the proper way to store the chocolate-covered bananas and keep them fresh?
As a general rule, the best way to keep chocolate-covered bananas fresh is by placing them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and storing it in the refrigerator. The parchment paper will prevent the chocolate from sticking to the container when stored for longer than twelve hours.
I’ve got a couple more handy tips for you! Below, I will break down the right way to store chocolate-covered bananas with different types of storage methods so that you will be prepared no matter what!
How To Properly Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas After You Make Them?
The best way to store chocolate-covered bananas is by placing them in an open container lined with parchment paper and storing them at room temperature if eaten within a few hours. If they will be eaten later than a few hours, seal the container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week
There are various ways to store your chocolate-covered bananas depending on how long you want them to last.
If you’re looking for a good set of airtight storage containers, I recommend getting the Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids.
I’ve used these containers for a couple of years now and I’ve successfully stored all of my food and baked goods in room temperature, fridge, and freezer. I’ve even used them in the microwave! These containers come in many different sets, so choose the right one for you. You can check out these containers on Amazon!
If you plan on eating them a few hours after making them, you can just put them in an airtight container and put them on the kitchen counter or in the fridge.
They should be fine for a few hours at room temperature.
If you want them to last a little longer, say a day or two, you can store them in the fridge. Just make sure they are in an airtight container.
The container keeps out any moisture that could make the bananas go bad faster.
Finally, if you want to store them for a longer period of time, say a week or two, then you can store them in the freezer.
Again, just make sure they are in an airtight container so they don’t get freezer burn. You can also get one of those freezer-safe resealable bags to store them in.
*By the way, you might also want to know How To Store Melted Chocolate To Make It Last. I recently wrote an article that talks about The Best Way To Store Melted Chocolate, which you can check out here!
How Do You Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas Overnight?
The best way to store chocolate-covered bananas overnight is to place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. You want to keep them away from other foods like fish and meat or else the bananas could absorb the smells and ruin the flavor of the bananas.
| Room Temperature | Airtight Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 hours | Up to 2 days | Up to 5 days | Up to 3 months |
If you live in colder areas where the room temperature is relatively cool, you can also store them on the counter overnight.
But make sure they are in an airtight container to keep out bugs or other critters.
*Side Note: You might also want to know The Right Way To Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries To Keep Them Fresh. I recently wrote an article detailing exactly How To Store Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with different types of storing methods. You can check out this article here!
How Long Do Chocolate-Covered Bananas Last At Room Temperature?
As a general rule, chocolate-covered bananas typically last at room temperature for up to 8 hours. This depends on certain conditions such as humidity, temperature of the room, and exposure to heat. It’s best to store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.
When chocolate-covered bananas sit out for a long period of time at room temperature, the chocolate begins to melt and soften.
Below, I found a video that shows a simple yet perfect way to make chocolate-covered bananas:
*By the way, you also might want to see an in-depth article about Creative Things To Do With Leftover Melted Chocolate. I recently wrote this article breaking down all the ways to Use Leftover Melted Chocolate, which you can check out here!
If I’ll be serving the chocolate-covered bananas the same day, I like to leave them out at room temperature.
If I made chocolate-covered bananas ahead of time, I store them at least in an airtight container or in the refrigerator!
If they are not properly stored in an airtight container, they will likely begin to spoil in a day or two due to the moisture in the air.
How Long Do Chocolate-Covered Bananas Last In Containers?
Generally speaking, Chocolate-Covered bananas can last for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to line the containers with parchment paper so that if the chocolate starts to melt, the bananas don’t attach to the bottom.
I love making chocolate-covered bananas during any season of the year. They are a fun treat that can be eaten when it’s warm or cold!
Regardless of the season, if you’re leaving the bananas in a container, make sure to keep them in a cool environment to prolong their shelf life.
Another way to make chocolate-covered bananas last at room temperature in just containers is to use slightly firm bananas.
Ripe bananas tend to spoil faster than firm bananas. To help prevent spoilage, use slightly firmer bananas!
Should You Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas in the Fridge?
As a general rule, chocolate-covered bananas should be stored in the fridge. Storing in the fridge helps avoid quality issues and slows down spoilage. If the bananas are eaten on the same day, they can be stored at room temperature. If they are to be eaten the following day, store them in a fridge.
Making chocolate-covered bananas ahead of time is a great way to get a head start on your event planning! It’s a fun treat for the kids, especially if you mix and match different toppings.
I like to make mine a day in advance since it does require some time for the chocolate to set.
To store them in the fridge, I line my airtight containers with parchment paper. This prevents the chocolate from sticking to the container.
Only after that, do I store it in the refrigerator to prevent the texture of the banana from changing.
Typically, the chocolate-covered bananas should last for up to 5 days in the fridge. After this, the texture of the banana may soften which causes the dessert to fall apart.
*By the way, you might also want to know The 5 Best Ways To Temper Chocolate Correctly. I recently wrote a full step-by-step article about tempering chocolate correctly without burning it! You can check out this article here!
How to Keep Chocolate-Covered Bananas from Sweating?
You can minimize sweating by thoroughly drying each banana before dipping them into the chocolate. Use a paper towel to pat dry the bananas before dipping them to prevent any excess moisture from getting trapped. A layer of paper towel can be placed into a container to absorb any moisture as well.
One of the worst things about chocolate-covered fruit is that they start to sweat. No, not sweat like the way you and I sweat but quite close!
You start to notice condensation forming on the outside of the chocolate coating which softens the chocolate and ruins the overall texture of the dessert.
To help prevent this from happening, use a paper towel to pat dry the bananas as this can absorb any excess moisture before you dip it into the chocolate.
According to Food Network:
“To minimize sweating, place a couple sheets of paper towels into the bottom of an airtight container.”
Food Network
Lining the container with paper towels is a great way to prevent the chocolate from sweating. This prevents any moisture from attacking the chocolate-covered bananas and keeps them in a dry environment.
Can You Store Chocolate-Covered Bananas In The Freezer?
Generally speaking, you can store chocolate-covered bananas in the freezer. Make sure to first wipe down each chocolate-covered banana with a paper towel to absorb excess water. Then, wrap each individual one in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe container for storage.
It is quite possible to store chocolate-covered bananas in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, there are a few things you need to know before you decide to store it in the freezer.
Due to the crystallization of sugar, the chocolate dipping sauce may become a little lighter than before.
The lightening of the chocolate shouldn’t affect the flavor but will just change the color.
After storing in the freezer a few times, I realized that wrapping them individually is the best way to go!
*Side Note: You might also want to know The Right Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It. I recently wrote an article that talks about the Different Ways to Melt Chocolate Correctly, which you might want to check out!
First, pat dry the chocolate-covered bananas to make sure no excess water will be trapped during the freezing process.
Then, individually wrap them with aluminum foil so that they do not attach to each other and protects them from freezer burn.
Once they’re wrapped, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Make sure to thaw in the refrigerator to prevent sweating from the drastic temperature change.
Freezing your chocolate-covered bananas is the most effective way to keep them from sweating and lasting longer.
How to Keep Chocolate-Covered Bananas from Turning Brown?
As a whole, using ripe yet firm bananas helps keep chocolate-covered bananas from turning brown. This will prolong their shelf life as ripened bananas tend to brown faster. Storing the chocolate-covered bananas in airtight containers can also help prevent them from turning brown.
When chocolate-covered bananas turn brown on the inside, the texture changes and becomes unpleasant to eat.
I have tried so many ways to either prevent or prolong the browning of the bananas and I’m so glad I found the best way!
Before even making the bananas, make sure you are choosing ripe bananas that are still firm.
The ripeness will provide the necessary sweetness but the firmness means that there is still extra time before it browns.
If you already have ripened bananas, that’s ok! I highly recommend storing the chocolate-covered bananas in an airtight container and storing them in the fridge.
This method will slow down the browning process of the bananas and ensure you have a delicious treat waiting for you!
You should also consume them within a few days so they don’t have a chance to start turning brown. If you notice your bananas starting to turn brown, it’s best to throw them out as they are no longer fresh.
Is It Safe To Eat Chocolate-Covered Bananas That Have Turned Brown?
Generally speaking, chocolate-covered bananas that have turned brown are safe to eat. Browning of bananas is natural after exposure to oxygen. If the browning is accompanied by an odor, mushy texture, or signs of mold, it is best to throw it out.
Eating chocolate-covered bananas that have turned brown is generally harmless. Banana browning is a natural enzymatic reaction that occurs when the enzymes in the fruit come into contact with oxygen.
While brown bananas may not be as visually pleasing, their appearance does not usually indicate spoilage or render them unsafe to eat.
However, when I want to see if a chocolate-covered banana has gone bad, I still cut open one of them. If I see brown, I don’t automatically assume they have spoiled.
Instead, I do a thorough inspection of the following factors:
- Unpleasant odor
- Super mushy texture
- Chocolate appears discolored
- Chocolate has mold growing
- Outer chocolate has an “off” smell
These are all factors I take into consideration to see if my chocolate-covered bananas are still good to eat. If any bananas show one of the following factors, I immediately toss them.
*By the way, I recently came across a Wilton Chocolate Fountain/Fondue Fountain that can be used for any type of occasion. This 4 lb chocolate fountain is perfect for chocolate-covered strawberries, cake pops, brownies, and fruit! You can check out this chocolate fountain on Amazon!
Can I Still Eat Chocolate-Covered Bananas If They Have Started To Sweat?
As a whole, you can still eat chocolate-covered bananas if they have started to sweat. While it may change the texture or appearance of the chocolate, it does not make it unsafe to eat. Sweating occurs when moisture from the air condenses on the surface of the chocolate, resulting in a wet appearance.
It may seem confusing to see your chocolate-covered bananas “sweat” or have droplets of liquid on their surface.
Do not fret! This is completely normal and is due to excess moisture from the air settling onto the chocolate. It is safe to eat but may change the color and crispiness of the exterior.
The best way to prevent sweating is to blot the bananas dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture before dipping the bananas into the chocolate.
I also like to store them in airtight containers and refrigerate them immediately.
This keeps any moisture from ruining the chocolate-covered bananas and keeps them dry.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate-Covered Bananas are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. It’s important to know how to store them to keep them as fresh as possible!
Remember, they’re at their absolute best when enjoyed within a few days. So, treat yourself and share the joy of these delectable treats!
