Easy Banana Bread with Cake Mix – 4 ingredients

If you’ve got a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this is your sign to turn them into something amazing! This banana bread comes together in no time, thanks to a simple box of cake mix. No need to measure out flour, sugar, or baking soda—just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s the easiest way to make a loaf that’s soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor.

This recipe is perfect for summer when you want a quick treat without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for brunch, a snack, or a sweet dessert, this banana bread is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy – Just four ingredients and minimal prep.
• No Fancy Ingredients – Everything comes straight from your pantry.
• Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to the bananas and cake mix, this bread stays soft.
• Customizable – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Can You Use Cake Mix for Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Using cake mix is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. The mix already has flour, sugar, and leavening agents, so all you need to do is add the bananas, eggs, and oil. It’s an easy way to get perfectly fluffy banana bread every time!

Ingredients For banana bread recipe using cake mix

• 1 box (18 oz) yellow cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cups mashed bananas (about 3 small bananas)

How To Make banana bread recipe using cake mix

This recipe is a breeze. You can whip it up in about 5 minutes and use just one bowl. The trickiest part is mashing the bananas. Grab about 3 large, ripe bananas to yield roughly 1½ cups of mashed goodness. I like using a potato masher to get them smooth.

1. Get Started:
   In a big bowl, empty out one 18oz box of yellow cake mix. Remember, this mix already has the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, so you’re all set on the dry side.
2. Mix the Wet Stuff:
   In the same bowl, add in the mashed bananas, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Stir these together gently until the ingredients just come together. Try not to overdo it; you want a light batter.
3. Prepare the Pan:
   Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil, butter, or nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
4. Baking Time:
   Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for about 44–48 minutes. Keep an eye on it: the sides should turn a nice golden color, and a toothpick in the center should come out clean.
5. Cooling & Slicing:
   Let the bread sit in the pan for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. Then, move it onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This step makes slicing with a serrated knife much easier. If you’re like me and love warm banana bread, go ahead and reheat your slices in the toaster oven or microwave.

This quick and easy loaf strikes a neat balance between banana cake and classic banana bread. The moist center and those crispy golden edges are simply irresistible!

Tips & Tricks

• Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Brown spots mean more sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness – Every oven is different, so start checking around 40 minutes. If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent it with foil.
• Let It Cool – It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool for a bit makes slicing easier.

Mix-Ins and Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun add-ins:

• Chocolate Chips – Because chocolate makes everything better!
• Walnuts or Pecans – Adds a nice crunch.
• Cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
• Coconut Flakes – For a tropical twist.
• Peanut Butter Swirl – Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before baking.

How to Store banana bread recipe using cake mix

• Room Temperature: Wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week—just warm slices in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or pop in the toaster oven for a quick snack.

banana bread recipe using cake mix :FAQ

Conclusion

This banana bread is as easy as it gets and packed with that sweet, homemade flavor we all crave. Using cake mix keeps things simple without cutting corners on taste. It’s soft, moist, and makes the kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sneaking one in for dessert, this loaf hits the spot every time.

Give it a try and don’t be shy about making it your own—add-ins, toppings, whatever sounds good to you. And if you bake it, I’d love to hear how it turned out or what fun twist you added!