Bread Machine Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread became popular in the United States during the 1930s, largely thanks to the invention of baking soda and baking powder, which helped create quick bread recipes. The Great Depression also played a role, as resourceful bakers looked for ways to avoid wasting overripe bananas.
Equipment
- Bread machine with a “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (optional for pre-mixing ingredients)
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:2-3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (or oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Dry Ingredients:1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
- Optional Mix-ins:1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep Your IngredientsMash the bananas in a small bowl until smooth. They should measure roughly one cup when mashed.
- Melt the butter if you haven’t already and let it cool slightly.
- Load the Ingredients into the Bread MachineBegin by adding the wet ingredients to the bread machine pan. This includes the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Adding wet ingredients first helps with even mixing.
- Add the Dry IngredientsGently add the dry ingredients on top of the wet ones. Start with the flour, then sprinkle in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Avoid stirring the ingredients in the pan—your bread machine will handle this for you.
- Select the Correct SettingClose the lid and choose the “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting on your bread machine. For most machines, this cycle will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Choose the crust color if your machine allows it; a medium crust setting typically works well for banana bread.
- Optional: Add Mix-insIf you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, wait until your machine signals for additional ingredients, usually a few minutes into the mixing process. This will prevent the mix-ins from sinking to the bottom.
- Bake and CoolAllow the bread machine to finish baking. When it’s done, use oven mitts to carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and ServeOnce the bread has cooled, slice it into portions. Serve it as is, or add a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor!