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My cake mix banana bread recipe is the easiest way to make banana bread using a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients. It’s moist, delicious and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Banana Bread with Cake Mix
If you are looking for an easy banana bread recipe, you’ll love this easy cake mix hack. You simply replace the dry ingredients with your favorite cake mix. This reduces prep time but still makes soft and moist banana bread that is absolutely delicious!
Why you’ll love this easy recipe!
It really is the easiest way to make banana bread, and you only need 4 ingredients.
This shortcut is foolproof and perfect for busy mornings or when you’re missing an ingredient or two.
I use applesauce instead of oil for a lighter loaf.
It may not be from scratch, but this semi homemade bread is just as delicious as the homemade version, and nobody will know the difference!
What You Need
You only need 4 ingredients for this quick bread recipe. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ripe bananas — They should be mostly brown. Overripe bananas are perfect!
- Box of cake mix — Yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix or white cake mix. Using a vanilla flavored mix means one less ingredient to use! If you use a mix without vanilla, you may want to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Eggs
- Applesauce — unsweetened
- Ground cinnamon — optional, but adds flavor. I use a little more than usual here, because we are making 2 loaves. You can use less if you like.
You will also need a loaf pan to bake the bread. I used 2 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pans, which are standard size. Using 2 pans filled about 2/3rds full helps the bread bake faster than filling 1 pan all the way. But, it’s up to you.
How to Make Cake Mix Banana Bread
First, preheat your oven. Then, spray the bottom of your pans with nonstick cooking spray. Depending upon the type of pan you use, you may want to sprinkle a little flour or cake mix on the bottom for easier release. I don’t do do this since the pans I use release easily. Next, mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or an electric mixer on low speed.
Add the remaining ingredients, and mix the batter until it’s just combined. Don’t over mix the batter. There will be lumps from the bananas, which is fine. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl so that everything is well mixed.
I added a few chocolate chips to one loaf to make cake mix chocolate chip banana bread. Some of us love chocolate! I kept one plain — for those who do not like chocolate chips in banana bread. You know who you are! Spoon the banana bread batter into the prepared pans about 2/3rds full. If you’re using just one pan, go ahead and fill it up.
Bake in a preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted in the middle of the loaf should come out fairly clean. It shouldn’t have goopy batter, but it may have banana or chocolate on it. You can also test that bread is done with a cooking thermometer. When the temperature is 200 degrees f, it’s done. If you’re baking the bread in 1 pan, the baking time is about 50 to 60 minutes. When you are using mini loaf pans, bake the bread for about 30 to 35 minutes.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Place a paper towel or parchment paper under the loaf to absorb moisture if you like. You can leave banana bread out at room temperature. No need to to refrigerate it, unless you want to. This easy banana bread keeps for 3-4 days — if you can resist it for that long! It’s actually better the next day because the banana flavor deepens as it sits. For longer storage, freeze it. Just wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and cover it with aluminum foil, and place in the freezer. For best results, consume it within 3 months.
Quick Tips
Don’t over mix the batter or the bread may be tough and chewy.
For best results and easier slicing, allow the banana bread to cool before slicing.
Some brands of cake mix have changed from 15.25 oz to 13.25 oz. I have tested this recipe with both sizes and haven’t noticed a change.
Variations
Use your favorite cake mix flavor. You can use strawberry cake mix, funfetti, chocolate cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or spice cake mix!
Add your favorite mix-ins, like semi sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips.
Instead of applesauce, use oil– olive oil, coconut oil or vegetable oil will work –or butter. But, you can also make this a 3 ingredient banana bread recipe by using only bananas, eggs, and cake mix. I’ve tried everything, and it’s all tasty!
This recipe makes vegan and gluten free banana bread, as long as you’re using vegan and gluten free cake mix!
More Creative Ways to Make Banana Bread
In addition to my Homemade banana bread, try my strawberry banana bread or this scrumptious chocolate banana bread or these banana bread muffins next.
Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread
Equipment
- 2 loaf pans 8.5 x 4.5 in. Usa Pans
Ingredients
- 4 large bananas ripe, about 1½ cups
- 1 15.25 oz box cake mix or 13.25 oz
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup applesauce unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Spray bottoms of 2 standard loaf pans with non stick cooking spray
- Peel and mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl
- Add the eggs, applesauce, cake mix and cinnamon, and beat with hand mixer on medium speed until well combined. Don't over mix. The batter will be slightly lumpy
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pans, about 2/3 full, and place on middle rack in preheated oven
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean or internal temperature is 200 degrees, according to food thermometer
- Remove from oven and allow to cool until able to handle. Remove from pans and allow to cool completely on wire rack
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Want more easy recipes? Be sure to check out more of my bread recipes, and subscribe to the free newsletter or follow me on social media!
1 TABLESPOON of cinnamon? I think you meant teaspoon.
It’s totally optional, but because I make 2 loaves, I use a tablespoon. You can definitely reduce that or omit it if you like.
Wow! So simple and it makes two loaves! We had them for brunch and what a hit! Tried one plain and one with the chocolate chips!