Bread machines can bake bread in 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of bread and the cycle used. Two-hour loaves are done on a rapid cycle, while regular bread bakes in about 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Loaves of bread that take 4 hours are generally heavier, like whole wheat breads. The baking time can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 70 minutes depending on what you're baking. The bread machine will beep in 30 to 40 minutes after you've started it, which is when extra ingredients like fruits, nuts, cheese, etc. are added.