It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry for a little treat. You see those brown bananas sitting on your counter again. This cake mix banana bread is the perfect solution for your busy kitchen. It turns a few simple ingredients into a warm, cozy snack.
You don’t need to be an expert baker to master this recipe. It delivers a soft, consistent crumb every single time you bake it. This cake mix banana bread is fast, filling, and so satisfying. Your whole family will be asking for a second slice before it even cools.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This bread is incredibly moist thanks to the pre-packaged mix. It saves you the stress of measuring out flour, sugar, and baking powder. It is perfect for busy fall mornings when time is short. You get a bakery-quality loaf with very little effort or cleanup.
Budget-friendly staples make this a win for any household. You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now. It is a kid-approved snack that feels like a special treat. Everyone loves the sweet aroma that fills the house while it bakes.
Simple Method
You only need one large bowl for this easy process. Just mash your bananas and stir in the remaining ingredients. There is no need for a heavy mixer or fancy tools. Even if you have never baked bread, you can do this. It is a fail-proof way to get great results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These five simple ingredients are mostly pantry staples you already have on hand.
- 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1.5 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas.
- Stir the mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve a thick, warm slice with a smear of salted butter. It makes a wonderful after-school snack for hungry kids. You can even pack it into containers for easy weekday lunches. Pair a slice with your morning coffee for a slow weekend start. It is simple, sweet, and always hits the spot.
Keep It Fresh
Wrap your leftovers tightly in plastic wrap to keep them soft. Store the bread at room temperature for up to three days. You can also keep it in the fridge for one week. To reheat, microwave a slice for 15 seconds until warm and tender. This bread also freezes beautifully for up to three months.
Tips for Best Results
- Use very spotty, brown bananas for the best sweet flavor.
- Don’t skip mashing the bananas thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread light and airy.
- Grease your loaf pan well so the bread slides right out.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips for an extra kid-friendly treat.
- Check the center with a toothpick to ensure it is fully baked.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to get clean pieces.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for more fall flavor.
- Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs easily.
- Stir in half a cup of chopped walnuts for a nice crunch.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a deeper aroma.
Common Questions
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together and the texture stays very moist. Just wrap it tightly and store it on your counter.
Do I need a stand mixer for this?
No, you definitely do not need any heavy machinery. A simple fork for mashing and a spatula for stirring work perfectly. It is a very beginner-friendly baking project.
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
You can ripen them quickly in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes. Wait until the skins turn black and the fruit is soft. This ensures your bread has the best banana taste.
I hope this easy bread makes your busy mornings a little brighter. It is such a simple way to bring a smile to your family’s faces. Happy baking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large overripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1.5 cups)
- 2 large egg s
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas.
- Stir the mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
