Banana bread is a beloved treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. But what if you could make this delicious loaf even easier and quicker? The Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix is here to save the day! Using cake mix as the base, you can whip up a moist, flavorful banana bread with minimal effort. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients, making it the ideal solution for busy bakers or anyone looking for a shortcut without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake mix version is sure to deliver a mouthwatering banana bread every time.
Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix
Ingredients for Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix:
- 1 Box of Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz)
- Choose a standard yellow or butter-flavored cake mix for the best texture and flavor. The cake mix serves as the base of the banana bread, providing sweetness, moisture, and structure.
- 3 Ripe Bananas
- Overripe bananas work best as they are sweeter and easier to mash. The bananas add moisture and a rich, natural flavor to the bread.
- 2 Large Eggs
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the banana bread its structure. They also contribute to the richness of the flavor.
- 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil (or Melted Butter)
- The oil (or butter) provides moisture and helps keep the banana bread soft. Vegetable oil works well, but if you prefer a richer flavor, melted butter is a great substitute.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional)
- This ingredient adds a lovely depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the bananas and the cake mix. It’s optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.
- 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- If you’re a fan of chocolate, adding chocolate chips to the batter is a delightful choice. They melt into the banana bread, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts (Optional)
- Walnuts or pecans are common additions, adding texture and crunch. If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to include them for extra flavor and bite.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
- Cinnamon adds a cozy, spiced note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the bananas. This is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of warmth in your baked goods.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a moist, delicious banana bread that will quickly become a family favorite. Adjust the optional ingredients to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a customizable treat!
Directions for Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature by the time your batter is ready to bake.
- Prepare Your Loaf Pan:
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This will help the banana bread come out easily once it’s baked.
- Mash the Bananas:
- Peel the 3 ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth but still slightly chunky. Overripe bananas will mash easily, and the natural sugars will give the bread a great flavor.
- Mix the Cake Mix and Wet Ingredients:
- In another large mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix (the entire 15.25 oz box).
- Add the 2 large eggs and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter).
- If you are using vanilla extract, chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon, add them to this mixture as well.
- Use a hand mixer or a whisk to stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth. The batter should be thick but not overly dense.
- Combine the Mashed Bananas with the Batter:
- Add the mashed bananas to the cake mix mixture and stir gently to combine. The bananas will add moisture and flavor to the batter, making it soft and banana-forward.
- Transfer the Batter to the Pan:
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake the Banana Bread:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Keep an eye on the bread as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool the Banana Bread:
- Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the banana bread has cooled, slice it into generous pieces. Enjoy it as is, or add a spread of butter for an extra indulgence. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and it’s great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
This Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix is incredibly simple and produces a moist, flavorful loaf with minimal effort. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix
Equipment
- Mixing bowls For combining the ingredients, you'll need at least two bowls: one for mixing the wet ingredients and one for mashing the bananas.
- Loaf Pan (9x5-inch) This is the standard size for baking the banana bread.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Whisk To easily mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil. A whisk can also work if you don’t have a hand mixer.
- Fork or Potato Masher To mash the ripe bananas into a smooth mixture.
- Spatula or spoon: For mixing the mashed bananas into the batter and spreading it evenly in the loaf pan.
Ingredients
- 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl and mix with 1 box of cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Stir in optional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
-
Banana Ripeness:
Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The more brown spots on the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. -
Cake Mix Variations:
This recipe calls for yellow cake mix, but you can experiment with other flavors, such as spice cake, butter pecan, or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist. -
Mix-Ins:
If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon, feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste. These additions can change the texture and flavor of the bread. -
Baking Time:
Keep an eye on the bread during baking. Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. -
Cooling Time:
Let the banana bread cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing it. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice without falling apart. -
Storage:
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months by slicing it first for easy access. -
Loaf Size Adjustments:
If you’re making mini loaves or muffins, adjust the baking time. Mini loaves take about 30-40 minutes, while muffins take 20-25 minutes.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread with Cake Mix:
- Use Overripe Bananas:
- The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots have more natural sweetness and a softer texture, making them ideal for banana bread. The more ripe they are, the more flavor they’ll contribute to the bread.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter:
- Once you’ve combined the cake mix and mashed bananas, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so it’s best to mix gently.
- Add Moisture with Butter:
- While vegetable oil works great for this recipe, swapping it for melted butter will add a richer, more indulgent flavor to the bread. If you prefer a buttery taste, this is a great option.
- Experiment with Different Cake Mix Flavors:
- While yellow cake mix is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like butter pecan, spice cake, or even chocolate cake mix. Each flavor will give the banana bread a unique twist!
- Consider Adding Extras for Texture:
- Feel free to add chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to add texture and flavor. Chocolate chips also make a great addition if you’re craving something sweet.
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg:
- A teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor of your banana bread, giving it a cozy, spiced kick that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Check for Doneness Early:
- Ovens can vary, so start checking the banana bread at around 50 minutes. If the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready to be removed from the oven.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing:
- Allow your banana bread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing it. This helps the bread set and reduces the risk of it falling apart when you slice it.
- Store Banana Bread Properly:
- Once the banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing for easier access later.
- Make Mini Loaves or Muffins:
- If you prefer smaller portions, this recipe can be adapted to make mini loaves or banana bread muffins. Just reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins and check for doneness with a toothpick.
With these tips, your Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix will come out perfectly every time, whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix offers a quick, easy, and versatile way to enjoy a delicious homemade treat without all the hassle. By using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful banana bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re short on time or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with the option to customize it with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices, it’s a fun and adaptable choice for everyone. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your results – we’re sure you’ll be delighted with how easy and delicious it is!
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!