There’s nothing quite like the smell of banana bread baking, especially when you didn’t even have to turn on your oven! This bread machine banana bread recipe is a lifesaver for busy mornings or cozy weekends. It’s soft, moist, and loaded with banana flavor—and the best part? Your bread machine does all the work!
Whether you’re sneaking in some extra fruit for your kids or making a sweet treat to share with friends, this recipe is fail-proof and family-approved. Just dump, press, and walk away!
🍌 What You’ll Need
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Bread Machine Success
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Black-spotted bananas = maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Layer the Ingredients – Always add wet ingredients first, then dry, to prevent flour clumping in the corners.
- Use the “Quick Bread” or “Cake” Setting – This is key since banana bread doesn’t need to rise like yeast breads.
- Don’t Overmix Add-ins – Stir in nuts or chocolate chips at the beep or manually fold in just before baking starts.
- Let It Cool – Let the loaf cool in the machine for 10 minutes before removing, then cool completely on a rack for best slicing.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Bread machine with “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting
- Mixing bowl (optional, for mashing bananas)
- Silicone spatula
- Cooling rack
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No eggs? Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Dairy-free? Use a neutral oil or dairy-free butter.
- Low-sugar? Swap half the sugar for maple syrup or honey.
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Want muffins instead? Use the same batter and bake in muffin tins at 350°F for 18–20 minutes (oven method).
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Mash bananas and freeze them in 1-cup portions so you’re always ready to go!
- Bake the loaf, cool, then freeze whole or sliced. Just thaw and enjoy within 2 months.
🧑🍳 How to Make Bread Machine Banana Bread
1. Add Wet Ingredients
Mash bananas and add to bread pan. Then add eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon evenly over wet ingredients.
3. Select Quick Bread or Cake Setting
Choose the Quick Bread/Cake setting on your bread machine (usually 1.5 to 2 hours). Start the machine.
4. Add Optional Mix-Ins
When the machine beeps for mix-ins (or about 10 minutes into mixing), add nuts or chocolate chips.
5. Cool and Serve
Once baking is complete, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Wrap tightly and store up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for 5–6 days. Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth!
- Freezer: Freeze in slices or whole, wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight.
💛 Final Thoughts
This Bread Machine Banana Bread is one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy, delicious, and totally kid-approved! Whether you’re new to baking or just love a shortcut, this recipe is your ticket to banana bread bliss.
✨ Tried it? Leave a comment below! Let me know if you added nuts, chocolate chips, or made your own twist! 🍌💬
Leave a Reply