Cake Mix Banana Bread
This Cake Mix Banana Bread is the ultimate easy treat. Just mash up some bananas, mix in yellow cake mix, and bake. It comes out soft, sweet, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
You’ll also love this Air Fryer Banana Bread and Banana Overnight Oats!
Making banana bread with cake mix solves the problem of overripe bananas going to waste while also saving time and effort in the kitchen.
It’s a quick and foolproof way to bake a delicious, homemade-tasting treat without needing a long list of ingredients or baking expertise.
Plus, it simplifies the process for busy schedules or last-minute cravings! Just like these cake mix donuts and pancake mix muffins, this delicious treat doubles as breakfast or dessert.
This four ingredient banana bread with cake mix is perfect for anyone who loves easy, no-fuss baking, especially beginners or busy adults who want homemade banana bread without the hassle.
It’s also a great recipe for parents looking for a quick snack, banana lovers who need a way to use up ripe fruit, and anyone with a sweet tooth who loves a rich banana flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy: Just four simple ingredients and minimal prep time is all you need for this easy banana bread recipe.
- Soft and Moist: This bread bakes up soft, fluffy, and so moist. In fact, I enjoy this bread even more the day after it’s baked!
- Perfect for Overripe Bananas: If you’ve got some bananas needing to be used, this bread is perfect for them.
- Simple to Customize: Add some chocolate, nuts, or peanut butter to the banana bread batter…the options are endless!
- Beginner-Friendly: If you’re not a pro at baking or have some kiddos who want to help, this easy recipe fits the bill.
Can I Use Cake Mix for Banana Bread?
Yes! You can use a box of cake mix in banana bread because it simplifies the baking process by providing a pre-measured blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and is already sweetened. This eliminates the need for multiple dry ingredients, making it quicker and easier to whip up a loaf.
Plus, the cake mix adds extra sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture, giving the banana bread a bakery-style taste with minimal effort!
Ingredients Needed:
- Cake Mix: I used yellow cake mix, though funfetti, white, or even chocolate cake mix would be delicious for the perfect banana bread.
- Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe…the more brown spots, the better, as then the batter will be sweeter.
- Eggs: To bind everything together.
- Oil: I used coconut oil, but canola or vegetable oil can also be used.
- Vanilla: This is optional, but gives the bread a touch more flavor.
How to Make Banana Bread Using a Cake Mix:
- Prepare: Preheat the oven and grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk bananas, eggs, and oil.
- Mix: Add cake mix and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Place into the oven and bake until the edges are just set and a toothpick inserted into the center of bread comes out mostly clean, for about 45-50 minutes. Remove the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store:
Bread will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- In the Refrigerator: Store it in an airtight container for up to one week.
- In the Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
Variations of Boxed Cake Mix Banana Bread:
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon and brown sugar, then swirl it into the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl in some peanut butter or add peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
- Banana Muffins: Pour the batter into a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Tropical Banana Bread: Add shredded coconut and crushed pineapple for a tropical vibe.
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich, chocolatey version.
- Use a Box of Your Favorite Cake Mix: Grab a spice cake mix, white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even strawberry cake mix for a different flavor of homemade banana bread.
- Healthier Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix and add Greek yogurt for making a moist banana bread with cake mix.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Soft, brown bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Add Extra Flavor: A splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the taste.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Prevent sticking by using non-stick spray, butter, or oil.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to prevent it from breaking.
- Store Properly: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Looking for More Cake Mix Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Mix Bars
- Brownie Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
Cake Mix Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed, (roughly 1½ cups)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil , (vegetable oil can also be used)
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix, (I used this kind)
Optional:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, eggs, oil, and vanilla (if using) and whisk well. Stir in cake mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix (otherwise the bread will end up dense and not light and fluffy).
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove bread and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- Tip: This banana bread is even better the next day, as the flavors will have time to blend together.
- To freeze: place bread in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Add some chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a swirl of nutella to the batter for a fun twist.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Cake Mix Banana Bread above the recipe box.
