If your kids are anything like mine, they’re always hungry—especially for something sweet after school. That’s why I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to recipes with you: banana bread using a bread machine.
It’s soft, sweet, and packed with flavor. Even better, it’s so easy to make. If you’ve never used your bread machine for banana bread before, I promise, after this, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Let’s get started—this recipe is made for busy moms, like you and me, who just want to make something simple and homemade for our little ones.
Why This Recipe Works for Moms
I know life is full. We’re juggling snacks, screen time, school runs, and sometimes just trying to get dinner on the table. That’s why this recipe is a favorite of mine. Here’s why:
- You don’t have to turn on the oven
- The bread machine does all the work—mixing, baking, everything
- There’s no need for fancy skills or tools
- You use up ripe bananas instead of wasting them
- Your kitchen will smell amazing (kids will come running)
If you want to learn what quick bread means (banana bread is one), you can read this simple explanation from Wikipedia.
And if you’re the kind of mom who likes learning from the best, the team at King Arthur Baking has lots of helpful tips too.
What You’ll Need
Basic Kitchen Tools:
- A bread machine (with a “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A flexible spatula
- Oven mitts
- A cooling rack or clean cutting board
Ingredients:
- 3 very ripe bananas (soft and spotty is perfect)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ½ cup oil if you prefer)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional (fun for kids):
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
- Peel and mash your bananas with a fork
- Beat your eggs in a small bowl
- Soften your butter (if using)
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Bread Pan
Always follow this order for best results:
- First, put in the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla, butter/oil
- Second, add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt
Let the machine do the mixing for you. No stirring needed.
Step 3: Choose the Right Bread Machine Setting
Use one of the following:
- “Quick Bread”
- “Cake”
- “Quick/Cake”
Do not use “Basic” or “White Bread.” Those are for yeast bread, not banana bread.
Step 4: Add Extras (If Using)
If you want to add chocolate chips or nuts, wait until after the first mixing cycle. Some machines will beep when it’s time.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
- Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes after it finishes baking
- Use oven mitts to take it out and place it on a rack
- Let it cool completely before slicing—this helps it stay together
Tips from One Mom to Another
- Use very ripe bananas — the more brown spots, the sweeter the bread
- Don’t overfill the pan—this recipe works best in 1.5 to 2 lb machines
- Let the kids help mash the bananas or mix in the chocolate chips—it makes them love the bread even more
- Add a pinch of cinnamon if your bananas aren’t super ripe
Looking for more easy snack ideas for busy school days? Check out my recipe for Costco-style mini quiches—they’re freezer-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes.
Easy Mix-Ins to Try
Once you’ve made the basic recipe, here are some fun twists that kids love:
- Banana Nut Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Berry Banana Bread: Add ½ cup blueberries (fresh, not frozen)
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with mashed avocado or flax eggs, and use oil instead of butter
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and add an extra egg for better texture
How to Store It (and Freeze It)
If your kids don’t eat it all in one sitting, here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Wrap the loaf in plastic or foil and keep it on the counter for up to 2 days
- For longer storage, slice it and freeze in a zip-top bag
- To thaw: just pop a slice in the microwave for 20 seconds
Other Moms Ask…
What if I don’t have a Quick Bread setting?
Look for “Cake” or “Quick/Cake” in your manual.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just let them thaw and drain the extra liquid before mashing.
How do I know it’s cooked?
Stick a toothpick in the middle—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Try using ¾ cup instead of 1 cup—your kids won’t even notice.
Final Words, Mama
You don’t need to be a professional baker to make something special for your kids. This banana bread using a bread machine is easy, comforting, and always a hit in my house.
It’s also a great way to teach your little ones about cooking. Let them help mash, mix, or measure—and then enjoy the reward together with a slice of warm banana bread and a glass of milk.
Let me know how it turns out for you—and don’t be afraid to make it your own. You’ve got this.
Banana Bread in a Bread Machine
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ½ cup vegetable oil)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Mash the bananas with a fork in a small bowl.
Lightly beat the eggs and soften the butter if needed.
Remove the bread pan from your bread machine and add the ingredients in this order:
First, wet ingredients: mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla, butter or oil.
Then dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt.
Reinsert the pan into the machine, close the lid, and plug it in.
Select the Quick Bread, Cake, or Quick/Cake setting on your bread machine.
If using chocolate chips or nuts, add them after the first mixing cycle or when the machine beeps.
Once baked, let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool fully before slicing.
Notes
- Use bananas with brown or black spots—they’re sweeter and perfect for baking.
- This recipe works best in 1.5 lb or 2 lb machines.
- You can substitute butter with neutral oil for a dairy-free version.
- Make it fun: let your child mash the bananas or mix in chocolate chips!