Cake Mix Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cake Mix Banana Bread is a quick and foolproof way to enjoy a moist, flavorful banana bread with minimal effort. Using a boxed cake mix as the base, this recipe transforms overripe bananas into a delicious treat with a soft crumb and bakery-style texture. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, it’s a great way to use up bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boxed yellow cake mix
ripe bananas (mashed)
eggs
vegetable oil
vanilla extract (optional)
chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

Add the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract (if using), and mix until well combined.

Stir in the cake mix and blend until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.

Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf (8–10 slices).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20–30 minutes

Variations

Use a spice cake mix for a warm, cinnamon-forward flavor.
Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before baking.
Top with a brown sugar streusel for added crunch.
Mix in shredded coconut or dried fruit for texture variety.

storage/reheating

Store Cake Mix Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days for longer shelf life.
To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm slice.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, white, butter, or spice cake mixes all work well and offer different flavor profiles.

Do I need to add sugar?

No additional sugar is needed since the cake mix provides enough sweetness.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better—look for bananas with brown spots or nearly black skins.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Can I add yogurt or sour cream?

Yes, adding ¼ cup of yogurt or sour cream makes the bread extra moist.

Should I use a hand mixer or mix by hand?

Either works fine; mixing by hand prevents overmixing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use two loaf pans or a bundt pan.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Banana Bread is an effortless way to whip up a classic treat using pantry staples and ripe bananas. With endless mix-in possibilities and no complicated steps, it’s perfect for busy days, baking with kids, or when you’re craving homemade banana bread without the extra work. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite!

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