Bread Maker Banana Loaf: My Go-To Easy Recipe (Print Version)
Make the best Bread Maker Banana Loaf! This easy, moist bread machine recipe is perfect for ripe bananas. So simple, truly comforting.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 -
1 ¼ cups (about 3 medium) very ripe mashed bananas
02 -
2 large eggs
03 -
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
04 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Dry Staples
05 -
¾ cup granulated sugar
06 -
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
07 -
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
09 -
½ teaspoon salt
10 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Flavor Boosters
11 -
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
12 -
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, mash those beautiful, overripe bananas! I just use a fork right in a bowl; it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth, a few small lumps are actually nice for texture. Aim for about 1 ¼ cups of mashed banana. This is where the magic starts for your perfect Bread Maker Banana Loaf. I always smell them, that sweet, fermented banana scent; it tells me they're ready for action. Don't overthink it, just mash 'em good!
02 -
Now for the bread maker pan! This is where the order matters. First, pour in your melted butter, then crack in those eggs, and finally add your mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Next, carefully add the dry ingredients on top: the sugars, then the flour, followed by the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Try to keep the dry ingredients mounded on top of the wet ones. This helps the yeast (or in this case, the baking soda) do its job effectively. I've definitely dumped flour in first once, and it made a mess. Oops!
03 -
Place the pan into your bread maker. Close the lid and select the "Quick Bread" or "Sweet Bread" cycle. This cycle is usually shorter and doesn't have a long rise time, which is exactly what we want for a quick bread like this. My machine has a specific setting, and it just knows what to do. You'll hear the hum of it starting, and honestly, the anticipation is the best part. That familiar whirring sound is a promise of deliciousness to come!
04 -
Most bread makers will beep partway through the kneading cycle to signal it's time to add mix-ins. When you hear that glorious sound, carefully open the lid and add your chopped walnuts (or pecans!) and chocolate chips. Close the lid and let the machine continue its work. This ensures your additions are evenly distributed throughout the Bread Maker Banana Loaf. I often peek in at this stage, just to make sure everything's mixing perfectly.
05 -
Now, just let your bread maker do its thing! Resist the urge to open the lid during the baking cycle, especially towards the end. That amazing smell will start to waft through your kitchen, building up the excitement. It's truly one of my favorite smells in the world—it just smells like home. You’ll see the loaf slowly rise and get that beautiful golden-brown crust. It's a testament to patience!
06 -
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Immediately invert the pan onto a wire rack to release the loaf. Sometimes, the kneading paddle gets stuck in the bottom, but that's okay! Just carefully remove it once the loaf is out. Let the Bread Maker Banana Loaf cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. I know, it’s hard to wait, but it helps the loaf set and prevents it from crumbling. Then, slice it thick and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use very ripe, almost black bananas; they are the secret to the best Bread Maker Banana Loaf's moisture and sweetness.
02 -
Don't lift the lid during the baking cycle, especially in the last 20 minutes, or your loaf might sink.
03 -
Make sure the kneading paddle is securely in place before adding ingredients; I've forgotten it once, and it was a mess!
04 -
For a seasonal twist, add a few dried cranberries and a tiny bit of orange zest around the holidays—it's surprisingly good!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Bread Maker
02 -
Measuring Cups and Spoons
03 -
Fork for mashing
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 4g