3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread

If you’re looking for the easiest banana bread recipe ever, this 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread is the perfect solution. Made with just ripe bananas, yellow cake mix, and eggs, this incredibly moist and fluffy loaf comes together in minutes with almost no prep. It’s the ideal recipe for busy days, beginner bakers, or anyone craving homemade banana bread without a long ingredient list.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this simple banana bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Ready in about an hour
- Super moist and fluffy
- Perfect for using overripe bananas
- Beginner-friendly recipe
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- Easy to customize with add-ins
Ingredients

- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
Ingredient Notes
Yellow Cake Mix
Yellow cake mix creates a soft, buttery texture and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Ripe Bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Bananas with brown spots work best.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the batter and create a light, fluffy loaf.
Kitchen Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cup (optional)
- Cooling rack
How to Make 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash them until mostly smooth with only a few small lumps remaining.

Step 3: Mix the Batter
Add the yellow cake mix and eggs to the mashed bananas. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Mix just until combined to keep the bread soft.
- Check for doneness after 45 minutes.
- Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the bread cool before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking.
Walnut Banana Bread
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Cinnamon Banana Bread
Mix in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Spice Cake Version
Use spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
Funfetti Banana Bread
Use funfetti cake mix for a colorful twist.
What to Serve with Banana Bread
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Peanut butter
- Nutella
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla yogurt
- Hot coffee
- Tea
Storage
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cake mix?
Yes! White, butter golden, spice, or chocolate cake mix all work well.
Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely. Bake in a muffin pan for 18–22 minutes.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best sweetness and moisture.
Can I add mix-ins?
Yes! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or cinnamon are great additions.
How do I know it’s done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy warm with butter for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread proves that delicious homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With only three pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll have a soft, moist, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy it just as it is—either way, this easy recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
3 Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread
Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C. Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash them until mostly smooth leaving a few small lumps.
- Add the yellow cake mix and eggs to the mashed bananas. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Mix only until combined to keep the bread soft and tender.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Potassium: 185mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
- Vitamin A: 95 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 75mg
- Iron: 1mg

