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Cake Mix Banana Bread

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Today’s recipe is a quick and easy banana bread that’s been simplified using a box of cake mix. It’s a brilliant shortcut that delivers delicious results with minimal effort. I honestly can’t remember where I originally found this easy banana bread recipe, but I do know that I held onto it for ages before finally deciding to try it. One day, I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and instead of letting them go to waste, I finally gave this recipe a shot—and I’m so glad I did!

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use either a white or yellow cake mix for a classic banana bread flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with other varieties! The first time I made it, I opted for butter pecan cake mix, which added a rich nuttiness to the loaf. If you want even more texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, but I usually skip them since my family prefers nut-free banana bread.

Cake Mix Banana Bread | realmomkitchen.com

This banana bread is soft, moist, and absolutely delicious, and the best part is how simple it is to make! With just four basic ingredients—bananas, cake mix, oil, and eggs—you can have a warm, homemade loaf ready to enjoy. If you choose to add nuts, that’s just one more ingredient, bringing the total to five.

And here’s a fun tip—leftover banana bread also makes fantastic banana bread French toast! Simply slice it, dip it in an egg mixture, and cook it in a skillet for a decadent breakfast twist. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or topped with butter and cinnamon, this recipe is definitely worth trying!

  • CAKE MIX (YELLOW, WHITE, OR I USED BUTTER PECAN)
  • EGGS
  • VEGETABLE OIL
  • OVERRIPE BANANAS
  • NUTS (OPTIONAL)

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake. Lightly grease a 5.25 x 9 x 2.75-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and create a golden crust.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and mashed bananas. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend the mixture for about 2 minutes, until smooth and fully incorporated. The cake mix simplifies the process, making this banana bread incredibly easy while still delivering great texture and flavor.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly for a uniform bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring it’s fully baked.

Once done, let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to set before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving. This recipe makes one large, moist loaf, perfect for a quick and delicious treat!

Cake Mix Banana Bread | realmomkitchen.com

Can I use any cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! While white cake mix or yellow cake mix is most commonly used, you can experiment with flavors like spice cake mix, butter pecan mix, or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist.

Do I need to add sugar?
Nope! The cake mix already contains sugar, so no extra sweetener is needed. However, if you prefer a sweeter banana bread, you can mix in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas tend to be sweeter and softer, which works great for this recipe.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. A handful of coconut flakes or cinnamon can also add a fun twist.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
Insert a wooden toothpick or skewer into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks, bake for another 5-10 minutes and check again.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

How should I store banana bread?
Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I keep banana bread extra moist?
Make sure not to overmix the batter, as that can make it dense. Using extra-ripe bananas and a little extra oil or butter can help keep it soft and moist.

Cake Mix Banana Bread | realmomkitchen.com

Cake Mix Banana Bread

Real Mom Kitchen

This Cake Mix Banana Bread is a quick and effortless way to make a moist, flavorful loaf with just a few simple ingredients. By using cake mix as the base, the recipe eliminates extra measuring while still delivering a soft and delicious banana bread perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or customized with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, this easy recipe is a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas!
5 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breads, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 319 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 18.25 oz pkg cake mix (yellow, white, or I used butter pecan)
  • 3 eggs
  • cup oil
  • 1 cup mashed bananas about 3 medium bananas
  • 1 cup nuts chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl blend together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and bananas for 2 minutes.  Pour batter into a greased 5.25 x 9 x 2.75 loaf pan.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely.  Makes 1 large loaf.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword banana bread, cake mix, quick bread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!




5 from 11 votes

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Recipe Rating




32 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have made this several times, as written, it always turns out wonderful! I am using the Butter pecan mix today, I’m sure It will also be great! I was wondering if I could substitute apples, or add them with the bananas? It seems I always have apples that are on the verge of going bad! But I don’t think I would use the butter pecan mix though, what would you suggest?

  2. 5 stars
    I just made this banana bread!! So easy and delish! I will say that I did add a tsp. of cinnamon just because I like it in my banana bread but I am sure it is great without it!

  3. I did and added applesauce for moistness also walnuts.
    I was wanting cream cheese frosting so I warmed some up and drizzled on top. the spices and banana with the cream cheese was awsome

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  6. I typed in cake mix banana bread and your web sight popped up. I can’t wait to try this, it looks great.
    I don’t do a lot of baking, just over the holidays and then I make up trays for friends and my daughter, she lives in Idaho. Has three boys, works and married and she doesn’t get to do a lot of baking over the holidays. I can’t wait to try this out.
    Thanks for sharing.

  7. 5 stars
    This was so easy and awesome! I had golden cake mix, used nuts in one batch. Then had to make a second. I used golden cake mix with raisins. Mmmmm! Snack tonight and cannot wait for breakfast with coffee! Six children and eight grandchildren, it will not last long :). Thank you!

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  10. 5 stars
    I’m only a mom to a 2-pound yorkie right now but hopefully that qualifies! I addded walnuts to mine and then sprinkled a mixture of cinnamon+white&brown sugar on top. YUM!

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  12. Thank you for this recipe! I lost one very similar to this that I baked last year. And I have three loaf to bake today and get in the mail. So thankful I came across your site. Family loved this banana bread last year. I used the plain butter cake mix. This real mom is off to bake….

  13. I have never commented on a site. I was really enjoying the recipe ideas from others and Felisa really spoiled the recipe. Really Felisa, if you don’t like the idea of using a cake mix and that’s what the discussion was, why were you on the page? Real Moms aren’t so negative. Real Moms are open to others’ ideas. You are a very negative party pooper. Look at you, you cook from scratch. The ingredients in a cake mix are the same as real moms use only pre measured and pre packaged. What is a real mom anyway? Make your own site for real moms and let others enjoy sharing and caring. Go bake something.

  14. Sometimes you just don’t want to bake from scratch. I have a white cake mix and I was wondering what to do with it. Thanks!! I cook from scratch all the time, so this would be easy and quick.

  15. Why use a cake mix? It’s easy and so much healthier to bake from scratch. Cake mixes are nothing but preservatives and artificial ingredients. Real Moms bake from scratch.

    1. Felisa – There’s nothing wrong with using cake mix instead of baking from scratch; sometimes your baking powder or soda isn’t as fresh as it needs to be for scratch baking. Perhaps something else is going on life such that this is an easy alternative. There’s also no one definition of what a “real” mom is.
      Laura – thanks for a great recipe. I’m going to give it a shot this weekend!

  16. 5 stars
    I know this what awhile ago, but I had to tell you that we loved this bread today. We had a craving, found this recipe, and was eating it within an hour and a half. I did add cinnamon, and I think next time I might do it using a spice cake mix.

  17. 5 stars
    Thanks for this recipe!! I have used it three times now and it is as good as my made from scratch recipe! Have used the yellow mix, but really love the butter pecan! That is, three times this week!!

  18. 5 stars
    just made these into mini muffins and bread. added vanilla, cinnamon and some chocolate chips. so easy and so yum!

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  20. 5 stars
    Laura that is how I make my banana bread. I got the recipe from a ederly lady over 10 years ago and I have never made it any other way again. You can’t even tell a cake mix was used. It’s my favorite banana bread.

  21. That is a good idea… I just made banana bread yesterday but this recipe looks very simple and easy! yum

  22. I’ve put bananas in cake mix before and just made cake with buttercream frosting. I’ll have to give this a try!

    1. 5 stars
      I use a Lemon cake mix and add poppy seeds. I also use carrot cake and add a cream cheese glaze drizzle. Also a spice cake and add a cinnamon, brown sugar crumb topping.Then of course there is the chocolate variations… plain chocolate, with chocolate chips, nuts, as a Rocky Road.. etc, or white cake mix and chocolate chips etc.
      Also you can use a white or yellow cake and add any fruit (like muffins) blueberries, cranberries, etc..
      Strawberry (already mentioned is great)
      And if you have any left overs.. (yeah.. as if!) Slice it and put it in the toaster and slap some butter on it..
      OH MY CHIZZZ! Warm and a crunchy outside.. WOW!
      Not suggested for breads with toppings or things that will melt and run in your toaster.. for those.. use a toaster oven..
      The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!