In order to make bread machine banana bread, you need to use the Quick Bread setting. Don’t be fooled by setting names like Quick, Rapid or Express (as these settings are often used for very rapid baking and are not used for quick breads). Unfortunately, setting names can vary between bread machine manufacturers. Therefore, you must check your bread machine’s instructions/manual for the exact setting used for quick breads (i.e. banana bread) on your bread machine. However, be aware that some basic bread machines have only a very limited number of settings and may not have a quick bread setting.
zojirushi home bakery 2lb supreme breadmaker zo-bb-cec20
Optional – If you want to make bread machine banana nut bread, you can add 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts to this recipe after the first bread machine mixing cycle and before the second mixing (final mixing). I like to add the chopped walnuts after the first mixing and before the final (second) mixing in order to minimize any mixing “breakage” of the chopped walnuts.
Since the batter for quick bread doesn't require kneading and is best with minimal mixing, you may need to adjust the mixing setting. This is especially true if your bread machine doesn't have a program for quick bread. For example, some machines have a "dough" setting to mix and a separate "bake" setting. Mixing should require just 3 to 5 minutes.
If you are still having trouble finding the quick bread setting, check your bread machine manual for details regarding the cake setting on your machine. Some bread machines have a cake setting that states that they can be used for quick breads (and the mixing & baking will last roughly for 1 hour 40-50 minutes). However, other bread machines have a cake setting that is not designed for quick breads. For example, my bread machine (Sunbeam) has a cake setting (that lasts for 2 hours 50 minutes) and a quick bread setting (that lasts for 1 hour 40 minutes). Therefore, this recipe would probably not work well with the cake setting on my machine. I know this can be super confusing… but always read your bread machine manual and look for the specific setting designed for “quick breads” (that use baking soda/powder).