This easy cake mix banana bread recipe may sound almost too simple, but it really does bake into a moist, sweet, and delicious homemade treat. With just a box of yellow cake mix, ripe bananas, and eggs, you can make two small loaves of banana bread with very little prep work. It is a great recipe to use when your bananas are too soft for eating but perfect for baking. If you want extra flavor or texture, add chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, or a few banana slices on top before baking.
Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread Recipe
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- Chocolate chips or nuts for topping, optional
To make the batter, start by mashing the bananas in a medium or large mixing bowl. A fork works well, and the bananas do not have to be perfectly smooth. A few small chunks are completely fine and can give the finished bread a soft, tender texture. Add the eggs and the dry cake mix directly to the mashed bananas, then stir until everything is combined.
Grease two loaf pans generously so the banana bread releases easily after baking. Divide the batter evenly between the pans. The batter should be soft enough to spoon or pour into the prepared pans, and you can use a spatula to scrape the bowl so none of it goes to waste.
For a simple loaf, bake the batter as it is. For a sweeter or crunchier version, sprinkle the tops with chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon or place a few thin banana slices on top. If you prefer mix-ins throughout the bread, you may fold them into the batter before dividing it between the pans, but topping the loaves keeps the recipe quick and easy.
Bake the loaves on the center rack of a 350° F oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Metal loaf pans may bake more quickly, while glass or ceramic pans can take a little longer. Because ovens and pans vary, begin checking around the 25-minute mark and continue baking as needed.
This recipe makes two small loaves of banana bread, so you can enjoy one now and share the other with a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member.
Can you make good banana bread with cake mix? Yes, absolutely. This shortcut banana bread is a reliable option when you want a homemade-style baked treat without measuring flour, sugar, baking powder, or other pantry ingredients. The bananas add moisture and real banana flavor, while the cake mix helps create a soft, sweet crumb. Serve it for breakfast, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or slice it for an easy dessert. It is especially useful when you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter and want to turn them into something delicious.
Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe large bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (13.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- chocolate chips or nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease two loaf pans well.
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Mash the bananas in a medium or large bowl. Stir in the eggs, then add the dry cake mix and mix until combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. If desired, top with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or both.
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Bake on the center rack for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Metal pans may bake faster than glass or ceramic pans.
Notes
- Optional toppings include chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, cinnamon, or extra sliced bananas.
- Serve this banana bread plain, with butter, or with softened cream cheese.
- Because the recipe makes two small loaves, it is easy to keep one and share the other.
- You can also try this recipe with other cake mix flavors, such as white, chocolate, spice, or strawberry.
- For the best banana flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe and soft.
Save this easy 3 ingredient banana bread recipe for the next time you have ripe bananas to use.
