Honey Banana Whole Wheat Bread Recipe for Bread Machine
Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with this delightful Honey Banana Whole Wheat Bread recipe. Perfectly sweetened with honey and packed with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour, this bread is ideal for a nutritious breakfast or a deliciously unique peanut butter sandwich. Made effortlessly using a bread machine, this recipe yields a lovely 1 1/2-pound loaf that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 1 loaf of bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups ripe banana, mashed (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread Machine: Begin by placing the bread pan into your bread machine. Ensure the pan is clean and properly positioned before you start adding the ingredients.
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Add Ingredients: Carefully layer the ingredients into the bread pan in the following order to ensure optimal mixing and rising:
- Pour in the warm water. The water should be comfortably warm to the touch, not hot.
- Add the softened butter and canola oil. These fats contribute to a tender crumb and a slightly richer flavor.
- Drizzle in the honey, which will add a natural sweetness and a touch of moisture to the bread.
- Crack the egg and whisk it lightly before adding it to the pan. This will help to bind the ingredients together.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and complexity in the flavor profile.
- Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour and bread flour. These flours provide the structure and texture needed for a hearty loaf.
- Gently fold in the mashed banana. Ensure the bananas are well mashed to blend seamlessly into the bread dough.
- Sprinkle in the optional poppy seeds for a touch of crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Add the salt, which enhances the overall taste of the bread.
- Finally, sprinkle the dry yeast on top of the flour mixture. This will activate during the mixing and baking process, causing the bread to rise.
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Set the Bread Machine: Choose the “Basic Bread” setting on your bread machine. This setting is typically designed for standard yeast bread recipes and is perfect for this one.
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Start Baking: Close the bread machine lid and start the baking cycle. The machine will handle the kneading, rising, and baking phases, resulting in a perfectly baked loaf of bread.
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Cool and Serve: Once the baking cycle is complete and the bread is golden brown, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the bread to set and makes it easier to slice.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 147.9
- Fat: 2.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 21.6 milligrams
- Sodium: 135.2 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 28.5 grams
- Fiber: 2.2 grams
- Sugar: 6.6 grams
- Protein: 4.3 grams
Tips
- Ripeness of Bananas: For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and more flavorful.
- Whole Wheat Flour: If you prefer a lighter loaf, you can substitute part of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour, but keep some whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor.
- Bread Machine Care: Make sure your bread machine is in good working order and that the pan and kneading paddle are properly assembled to avoid any baking issues.
This Honey Banana Whole Wheat Bread is a fantastic choice for those who love a touch of natural sweetness in their bread and appreciate the nutritional benefits of whole wheat. Perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack, it combines the rich flavors of honey and banana with the hearty texture of whole wheat flour, all effortlessly made in your bread machine. Enjoy! ๐๐๐ฏ