The Easiest 3-Ingredient Banana Bread with Cake Mix: A Simple Recipe for Moist & Flavorful Quick Bread
Are you staring at a bunch of overripe bananas on your kitchen counter, wondering what to do with them? Don’t toss them! Instead, transform those brown-spotted beauties into a phenomenal treat with this incredibly simple 3-ingredient banana bread recipe using cake mix. This isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but is short on time. With just three basic ingredients – spice cake mix, eggs, and ripe bananas – you’re on your way to enjoying a perfectly spiced, wonderfully moist loaf of banana bread every single time.
This semi-homemade approach to banana bread is truly revolutionary. By utilizing a boxed cake mix, you bypass a significant amount of measuring and mixing, yet without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or that desirable homemade taste. The spice cake mix, in particular, is a secret weapon. It comes pre-loaded with a harmonious blend of warming spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which naturally complement the sweet, rich flavor of ripe bananas. This combination creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it took mere minutes of prep.
There’s genuinely no wrong time to indulge in a slice of homemade banana bread. It makes a fantastic breakfast item, a comforting dessert after dinner, or a delightful after-school snack for kids (and adults!). And let’s be honest, a slice sneaked as a midnight snack is pure bliss – no judgment here! Its versatility and comforting appeal make it a perennial favorite in any household, especially when you can make it with such ease.
Why Choose This 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Banana Bread?
Beyond its incredibly short ingredient list, this particular banana bread recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it an instant classic in your kitchen repertoire:
- Unbeatable Simplicity: Forget complicated ingredient lists. Seriously, three ingredients are all you need. This cuts down on grocery shopping and preparation, making baking accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.
- Major Time-Saving: From initial prep to getting the loaf into the oven, you’re looking at minimal hands-on time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or when a sudden craving for freshly baked goods strikes.
- Consistent, Reliable Results: Using a quality boxed cake mix provides a standardized base, which translates to remarkably consistent and delicious results every single time you bake. Say goodbye to dense, crumbly, or overly dry banana bread disasters!
- Built-in Flavor Perfection: Spice cake mix automatically infuses your bread with classic autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This saves you from stocking and measuring individual spice jars, ensuring a perfectly balanced and aromatic loaf with every bake.
- Perfect for Overripe Bananas: This recipe is the ultimate solution for those bananas that have seen better days on your fruit bowl but are at their peak for baking. Their natural sweetness and moisture are essential for the bread’s texture and flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Baking: Because it’s so simple, this recipe is fantastic for getting children involved in the kitchen. Mashing bananas and stirring in the cake mix are easy, fun tasks for little hands.
More Delicious Ways to Use Overripe Bananas
If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe bananas and are looking for other delightful ways to use them, beyond this fantastic banana bread, consider these sweet treats. They’re excellent options to satisfy any banana-inspired craving and prevent food waste:
- Banana Bundt Cake: A show-stopping, elegant cake that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for gatherings.
- Banana Pudding Cookies: Experience all the comforting flavors of classic banana pudding transformed into a chewy, delightful cookie.
- Double Chocolate Banana Muffins: A rich and indulgent muffin for serious chocolate lovers, with the added goodness of bananas.
- Banana Blueberry Cookies: A healthier, breakfast-friendly cookie packed with fiber and fruit, making it a great grab-and-go option.
But for now, let’s focus on creating the simplest, most satisfying banana bread you’ll ever bake. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cake Mix Banana Bread
This section provides detailed notes on each ingredient, including tips for selection and potential substitutions. You’ll find all exact measurements, the full ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions in the comprehensive, printable recipe card located at the very end of this article.
- Bananas (3 medium, overripe): The undisputed star of the show! For the best banana bread, always reach for overripe bananas. These are the ones with lots of brown spots, freckles, or even entirely black peels. As bananas ripen, their complex starches convert into simple sugars, making them incredibly sweet and intensely flavorful. This natural sweetness reduces the need for additional sugar in the recipe. Furthermore, overripe bananas become very soft and moist, which contributes significantly to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the bread and makes them incredibly easy to mash. Avoid using firm, bright yellow bananas for this recipe, as they lack the necessary sweetness, moisture, and profound banana flavor required for a truly outstanding quick bread.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Crucial for structure, binding, and moisture. It’s highly recommended to let your large eggs come to room temperature before you begin mixing your ingredients. Room temperature eggs combine more easily and evenly with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more emulsified batter. This leads to a more uniform texture in your baked bread, ensuring it’s light and consistent throughout. Eggs act as a vital binder, holding all the components of the batter together, and also contribute to the bread’s overall lift and stability as it bakes.
- Boxed Spice Cake Mix (1 standard 15.25-ounce box): This is the ingenious shortcut that makes this recipe so incredibly simple and effective! A standard 15.25-ounce box of your favorite spice cake mix serves as the complete dry base for your quick bread. It provides not only the necessary flour and sugar but also crucial leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) and a delightful, pre-portioned blend of aromatic spices. This means you don’t need to measure out individual dry ingredients, saving you a tremendous amount of time and ensuring consistent, perfectly balanced flavor with every bake. While spice cake mix is highly recommended for its complementary flavors with banana, other cake mixes can be used (see variations below for ideas).
Essential Equipment for Your Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread
Gathering all your tools and equipment before you start baking is a golden rule for a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable experience. Here’s a concise list of what you’ll need to prepare this delightful and simple banana bread:
- 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: This is the standard size for a perfectly proportioned loaf of quick bread. A metal loaf pan is generally preferred for its ability to conduct heat evenly, which helps achieve a beautiful golden crust and ensure the bread cooks through thoroughly. Always remember to grease and flour or spray it well to prevent sticking.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need at least one spacious mixing bowl. A large bowl provides ample room to combine your mashed bananas, eggs, and cake mix without spills or mess, making the mixing process much easier and more efficient.
- Wooden Spoon or Sturdy Spatula: Ideal for gentle mixing. A sturdy wooden spoon or a flexible rubber spatula is perfect for combining the ingredients until they are just incorporated. These tools help prevent overmixing, which is a common pitfall that can lead to a tough banana bread texture.
- Fork or Potato Masher: Absolutely essential for mashing those ripe bananas into a smooth, consistent pulp. A fork works perfectly for very soft, overripe bananas, but a potato masher can be a great alternative if your bananas are slightly less ripe or if you prefer a smoother consistency.
- Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling the banana bread properly after it comes out of the oven. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate freely around all sides of the loaf, which prevents the bottom from becoming soggy due to trapped steam and ensures a consistent, pleasant texture throughout.
How to Bake Your Simple 3-Ingredient Banana Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps closely to create your incredibly delicious and moist banana bread. For the complete, printable recipe card with all exact measurements, detailed notes, and nutritional information, please scroll down to the very end of this blog post.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature of 350°F (175°C). It’s important to allow your oven to fully preheat, as placing the batter into an oven that isn’t hot enough can affect the rise and texture of the bread. Next, take your 9×5-inch loaf pan and prepare it. You can either generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray (ensure it covers all inside surfaces) or grease it thoroughly with butter or shortening, then lightly dust it with flour. This crucial step creates a non-stick barrier, preventing the banana bread from sticking to the pan and making for easy removal after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Combine Bananas and Eggs. In your large mixing bowl, place the peeled, overripe bananas and the room-temperature eggs. Using a sturdy fork or a potato masher, thoroughly mash the bananas and eggs together. Continue mashing until the mixture is as smooth as you can get it. While small, tiny lumps of banana are generally acceptable and can add a nice textural element, aim to eliminate any large banana chunks for an even and consistent texture throughout the final bread. The mixture should be well combined and somewhat uniform.
Step 3: Gently Mix in the Cake Mix. Now, carefully pour the entire contents of the 15.25-ounce box of spice cake mix into the mashed banana and egg mixture. Using your wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir the ingredients together until they are just combined. This is a critical step where it’s vital not to over-mix the batter. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop excessively, which will result in a tough, dense, and chewy banana bread rather than the tender, moist texture we are striving for. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more dry streaks of cake mix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out.
Step 4: Transfer to Pan and Bake. Once your batter is perfectly mixed, carefully transfer it into your previously greased and prepared loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread the batter out evenly, ensuring it fills the pan from corner to corner and the top is relatively smooth. This helps ensure even baking. Place the loaf pan carefully into your preheated oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through. Bake the banana bread for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your specific oven’s calibration and the moisture content of your bananas, so it’s essential to check for doneness. The bread is ready when it has developed a beautiful golden-brown crust on top, and a wooden toothpick or thin skewer inserted into the very center of the loaf comes out almost completely clean. If the toothpick has wet batter clinging to it, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the loaf with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy. This final step is just as important as the baking itself! Allow the banana bread to cool in its loaf pan for an initial period of about 10 minutes. This cooling period in the pan is crucial as it allows the internal structure of the bread to set and firm up, making it much less fragile and easier to handle when you remove it. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. While it’s incredibly tempting to slice into it immediately, fully cooled banana bread slices more cleanly, has a better texture, and its flavors fully develop. Once cooled (or mostly cooled!), slice, serve, and enjoy your perfectly delicious and incredibly easy 3-ingredient banana bread!
Elevate Your Slice: Delicious Serving Suggestions
While this 3-ingredient banana bread is undeniably delicious and satisfying on its own, it also serves as a wonderful canvas for various spreads and toppings that can elevate your experience and add another layer of flavor. Don’t forget a refreshing tall glass of cold milk or a steaming hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complete your snack, breakfast, or dessert! Here are some fantastic ideas to try:
- Classic Butter: Sometimes, simplicity is truly best. A generous smear of softened unsalted butter melts beautifully into the warm bread, adding a rich, creamy counterpoint that enhances the sweet banana and spice flavors.
- Tangy Cream Cheese: A dollop of plain or lightly sweetened cream cheese spread (perhaps with a touch of vanilla) is an exquisite pairing, especially with the warm, aromatic spices from the cake mix. The slight tanginess cuts through the sweetness wonderfully, creating a balanced bite.
- Sweet Honey or Pure Maple Syrup: For an extra touch of natural sweetness and a subtle complex flavor, a delicate drizzle of good quality honey or pure maple syrup over a warm slice is absolutely divine.
- Fruity Preserves or Jam: Apricot preserves are a particularly perfect match, offering a bright, slightly tart fruitiness that beautifully complements the spice and banana notes. Other great options include raspberry, strawberry, or even orange marmalade for a citrusy kick.
- Nut Butters: For a protein boost and a rich, nutty flavor, spread on your favorite peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the nut butter can enhance the flavors even more.
- Fresh Fruit: A few slices of fresh banana, berries, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can add freshness, texture, and a burst of color.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a more decadent dessert experience, serve a warm slice of banana bread with a dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. This creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is essential to keeping your delicious banana bread fresh, moist, and flavorful for as long as possible. Whether you plan to enjoy it over a few days or save it for future cravings, here’s how to store it effectively:
- Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage): Once your banana bread has cooled completely to room temperature (this is a crucial step to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess or mold), you can store it covered. The best way is to wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it will remain fresh and moist for up to 3 days on your kitchen counter. Keep it away from direct sunlight or any heat-producing appliances.
- Refrigerator (Medium-Term Storage): For extended freshness, particularly in warmer climates, or if your banana bread contains additional moist ingredients or toppings like a cream cheese glaze, storing it in the refrigerator is an excellent option. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it inside an airtight container or a large resealable bag. It will maintain its quality and moisture for up to 7 days in the fridge. To enjoy a warm slice, simply reheat it briefly in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or toast it gently.
- Freezer (Long-Term Storage): Banana bread is one of those baked goods that freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving portions for future enjoyment. This is an excellent way to prepare ahead or ensure you always have a comforting treat on hand. Before freezing, always ensure the bread is completely cool. You have the option to freeze the entire loaf or individual slices:
- For a whole loaf: Wrap the cooled loaf first tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air gaps. Then, wrap it again in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double layer provides superior protection against freezer burn.
- For individual slices: For ultimate convenience, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Then, place all the wrapped slices into a large freezer-safe resealable bag or an airtight freezer container. This allows you to grab just one slice at a time whenever a craving strikes.
Frozen banana bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. To thaw, simply unwrap the desired portion and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, you can gently warm it in a preheated oven or microwave from frozen until heated through.
Pro Tips and Smart Tricks for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time
Even with a recipe as straightforward as this 3-ingredient banana bread, a few expert tips and smart tricks can make all the difference, ensuring your loaf turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and a true delight with every single bake:
- Ignore the Cake Mix Box Recipe: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Do NOT follow the baking instructions or ingredient list (like adding oil, water, or extra eggs) on the back of the standard cake mix box. This recipe is specifically formulated to use only the dry cake mix, bananas, and the two eggs. Adding additional ingredients as suggested for a regular cake will throw off the moisture balance and could lead to a soggy, greasy, or otherwise unsatisfactory banana bread.
- Easy Pan Release: While proper greasing should prevent sticking, if you find your banana bread is stubbornly adhering to the pan after the initial cooling, don’t force it. Gently run a thin butter knife or a flexible silicone spatula along the interior edges of the loaf pan to carefully loosen the bread before attempting to invert it onto the cooling rack.
- Thorough Banana Mashing: Take your time to mash the bananas thoroughly. Whether you opt for a large fork or a potato masher, ensure there are no significant, large lumps remaining. While some small, tiny chunks of banana can add a pleasant textural element, large pieces can create pockets of uncooked banana or affect the overall uniform consistency of the bread.
- Crucial: Avoid Overmixing: This tip is paramount for any quick bread, and especially for this recipe. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until they are *just* combined. The moment you no longer see streaks of dry cake mix, stop stirring. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which inevitably leads to a dense, tough, and chewy texture, instead of the tender, moist crumb that makes banana bread so appealing.
- Patience During Cooling: Allowing the banana bread to cool in the pan for the initial 10 minutes after baking is an essential step. This period allows the internal structure of the bread to set and firm up properly, making it much more robust and less fragile when you transfer it to the wire rack. Rushing this step by removing it too soon can cause your delicious loaf to break apart or crumble.
- Room Temperature Eggs Make a Difference: As highlighted in the ingredients section, using room temperature eggs is beneficial. They emulsify more effectively with the mashed bananas, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. If you forget to take your eggs out ahead of time, a quick trick is to place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes to bring them up to temperature.
- Know Your Oven: All ovens can vary slightly in temperature. If your banana bread seems to be browning too quickly or taking longer than expected, adjust your oven temperature accordingly or use an oven thermometer to verify its accuracy.
Creative Additions and Exciting Variations
While the classic 3-ingredient banana bread is a triumph in itself, its simple base also offers a fantastic foundation for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delicious additions and clever variations to customize your loaf and discover new favorite flavor combinations:
- Delightful Mix-ins: Boost the flavor and texture of your banana bread by stirring in about 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins during the last stage of mixing, just before transferring the batter to the pan.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips are always a crowd-pleaser. White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks also work wonderfully.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: For a burst of fruity freshness, add fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries. Toss them lightly in a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter; this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a lovely tropical note and a chewy texture to each slice.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can introduce extra natural sweetness and a pleasant chewiness.
- Irresistible Streusel Topping: For an incredible crunchy texture and an extra layer of sweetness, create a simple streusel topping. Combine about 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix with your fingers or a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the banana bread batter just before placing it in the oven to bake.
- A Subtle Hint of Coffee: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee with the dry cake mix before adding it to the wet ingredients. This subtle addition beautifully enhances the chocolate and banana flavors without making the bread taste distinctly like coffee.
- Pumpkin Banana Bread Twist: Embrace the flavors of autumn by replacing one of the bananas with an equal amount (approximately 1/2 cup) of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). This creates a wonderfully moist and subtly spiced pumpkin banana bread, perfect for fall.
- Vanilla Flavor Boost: For a more traditional, rich, and “bakery-style” banana bread flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with the wet ingredients. It deepens and rounds out the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Explore Different Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t limit your creativity to just spice cake mix! This recipe is incredibly adaptable.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Creates a rich, decadent chocolate banana bread – a must-try for chocolate lovers.
- Yellow or French Vanilla Cake Mix: Offers a milder, more classic banana bread flavor that allows the banana to shine.
- Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Adds a delightful nutty, buttery depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet bananas.
- White Cake Mix: Provides a neutral base, making it perfect for showcasing the banana flavor and any additional mix-ins you choose.
- Decadent Glaze Topping: Once the bread has cooled completely, take it to the next level with a simple, indulgent glaze.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able.
- Peanut Butter Glaze: Mix creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk (or lemon juice for a zesty kick) until you reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About This 3-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
Absolutely, this recipe is quite versatile! While spice cake mix is highly recommended for its complementary warm flavors with banana, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. A yellow cake mix or French vanilla cake mix works wonderfully and provides a more neutral base, allowing the banana flavor to truly shine. If you opt for a plain cake mix like yellow or white, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter to achieve that classic banana bread warmth and aroma.
The best way to determine if your banana bread is perfectly baked is by its appearance and a simple toothpick test. The top of the loaf should be a beautiful golden-brown color. Insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out almost entirely clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is ready. If you see wet batter clinging to the toothpick, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again. Baking usually takes between 50-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works perfectly for making delicious banana bread muffins. To do so, simply pour the prepared batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 1/2 to 2/3 full. The cooking time will be significantly reduced; typically, muffins bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Use the same toothpick test in the center of one of the muffins to check for doneness. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should be set.
Yes, you can certainly use frozen overripe bananas for this recipe, and they work wonderfully! The key is to thaw them first before incorporating them into the batter. Place the frozen bananas in a bowl at room temperature for a few hours, or you can speed up the process by microwaving them briefly on a defrost setting until they are soft. As they thaw, they will release a significant amount of liquid. It is crucial to drain off this excess liquid before mashing them with the eggs. This prevents your batter from becoming too watery and ensures your bread has the correct, moist consistency.
If your banana bread turns out dense, it’s most likely due to overmixing the batter. Stirring the batter too much develops the gluten in the flour, which makes the bread tough and heavy. If it’s dry, it could be slightly overbaked, or your bananas might not have been ripe enough (meaning they contained less natural moisture). To avoid these issues, ensure you stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated, and always use the toothpick test for doneness to prevent overbaking.
No, absolutely not! This is a defining characteristic and crucial instruction for this specific 3-ingredient recipe. The natural moisture and fat from the overripe bananas and the eggs are perfectly sufficient to create a wonderfully moist bread, and the cake mix already contains all the necessary dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, and leavening. Adding extra oil or water, as instructed on a typical cake mix box for making a cake, would throw off the balance of this specific banana bread recipe and could lead to a soggy, greasy, or otherwise unappetizing result.
While the spice cake mix already contains a great blend of warming spices, you can certainly enhance it! A pinch of extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of ground cloves or ginger can deepen the flavor profile. Just be mindful not to overpower the natural banana taste.
More Effortless Cake Mix Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the incredible convenience and consistent deliciousness of cake mix baking, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of easy, satisfying desserts waiting to be explored with minimal fuss. Here are some other fantastic cake mix recipes that are just as simple and delightful as our 3-ingredient banana bread:
- 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake – An incredibly easy, comforting dessert that’s made perfect with either yellow cake mix or butter cake mix.
- Oreo Poke Cake – A fun, rich, and decadent cake that uses chocolate cake mix as its quick and easy base.
- 3 Ingredient Lemon Cookies – Bright, zesty, and delightfully chewy cookies made effortlessly with lemon cake mix.
- 2-Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake – Enjoy tropical vibes with this incredibly light and fluffy cake made with just angel food cake mix and crushed pineapple.
- Pumpkin 2-Ingredient Cake – The quintessential fall dessert, made with nothing more than spice cake mix and pure pumpkin puree.
- Harvest Spice Bars – Another delightful recipe that leverages the warming spices inherent in a good spice cake mix for a cozy treat.
- Cake Mix Crumb Cake – No one would ever guess that this incredibly tender, flavorful, and streusel-topped crumb cake recipe starts with a simple yellow cake mix. It tastes entirely homemade!
3-Ingredient Banana Bread
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 3 over-ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 15.25 ounces spice cake mix (1 box)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas with the eggs until they are smooth as you can get.
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Stir in the cake mix until just mixed. Do not over-mix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost entirely clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting the banana bread onto a wire rack to continue to cool.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the bread or the top of the batter if you would like.
- If the bread doesn’t come out of the pan easily, run a butter knife along the edge to help unstick it.
- Store covered or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
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We truly hope you love this incredibly simple, satisfying, and delicious 3-ingredient banana bread recipe as much as we do! It’s the perfect solution for using up those ripe bananas and enjoying a warm, comforting treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this quick bread is sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!