Bread Machine Banana Bread - freshly baked bread

Bread Machine Banana Bread

Bread Machine Recipes

Moist banana bread baked entirely in your bread machine. The quick-bread cycle handles everything.

Prep Time

10 min

Bake Time

0 min

Servings

10

Calories

240

Ingredients

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp bread machine yeast
  • 1⅛ cups water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add Ingredients

    Add liquids to the bread machine pan first, then dry ingredients, with yeast on top.

  2. 2

    Select Cycle

    Choose the appropriate cycle (Basic, Whole Wheat, French, or Quick Bread).

  3. 3

    Start

    Press Start and let the machine do the work. Add mix-ins at the beep if applicable.

  4. 4

    Cool

    When the cycle finishes, remove the bread immediately. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Baker's Notes

The most important rule for bread machines: add ingredients in the order specified by your machine's manual. Usually liquids first, then dry, then yeast on top.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about pulling a loaf of banana bread from your bread machine — warm, fragrant, and perfectly shaped without lifting a finger. This recipe turns overripe bananas into a tender, moist loaf that's sweet but never cloying, with just enough salt to keep the banana flavour front and centre.

Canadian home cooks love this version because it's genuinely easy: dump everything in, press start, and walk away. The quick-bread cycle skips the long rise, so you get a denser, cake-like crumb that's perfect for breakfast with butter and jam, or sliced thin for afternoon tea.

Tips for the Best Bread Machine Banana Bread

Check the dough during the first knead by lifting the lid — it should form a smooth ball that cleans the sides of the pan. If it's too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time. Remove the loaf from the pan the moment the cycle ends to keep the bottom from going soggy.

What to Serve With It

Slice thick and serve warm with a pat of salted butter or a drizzle of maple syrup. It pairs beautifully with a strong cup of Tim Hortons coffee or a pot of Earl Grey. Great for weekend brunches, packed into lunchboxes, or sliced thin for an afternoon tea spread with jam and cream.

Storage & Reheating

Keep the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge.

Nutrition Facts

240

cal

5g

Protein

4g

Fat

44g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

210mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make banana bread in a bread machine?+

Yes — the quick-bread cycle does all the mixing and baking without any yeast or rising time. Just follow the layering order in the instructions and press start.

Do I have to use overripe bananas?+

They're strongly recommended. Overripe bananas with brown spots and soft flesh deliver the richest flavour and moisture. If yours aren't ripe enough, bake them at 175°C for 15 minutes to speed things along.

What's the difference between the quick bread cycle and regular bread cycle?+

Quick bread skips the rise period entirely and bakes faster — it's designed for recipes using baking soda, not yeast. Using the regular bread cycle will give you a yeasty loaf that doesn't taste like banana bread.

Why is my bread coming out dense?+

Most often it's a measurement issue — too much flour or not enough liquid. Weigh your flour if possible, and always add ingredients in the order your machine's manual specifies.

How long should I let the bread cool before slicing?+

About 20 minutes on a wire rack is ideal. Slicing too soon leads to crumbling, but waiting too long makes the crust go soft. A good test is pressing the top gently — it should spring back.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always add ingredients in the order specified by your machine's manual.
  • Open the lid during the first knead to check dough consistency — adjust flour/water as needed.
  • Remove bread from the pan immediately after baking to prevent a soggy bottom.

Reviews (5)

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.