There’s something special about the smell of banana bread baking that makes a house feel like a home. When I want that cozy feeling without a lot of fuss, I turn to this easy banana bread using a cake mix.
It’s my go-to for quick hosting, especially when bananas on the counter are getting too ripe. You’ll love how it comes together in minutes and bakes up perfectly moist with barely any cleanup.
Gina’s Notes For Making Banana Bread Using A Cake Mix
This recipe stands out for its sweet, tender texture and subtly caramelized banana flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, which means anyone can make it with confidence. I love how quickly it comes together, just one bowl and minimal prep, which makes it perfect for busy days or last-minute hosting. It’s also easy on the wallet, using pantry staples like a box of yellow cake mix and ripe bananas. To make things even smoother, you can mash your bananas ahead and store them in the fridge. Plus, you can customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of cinnamon.
Quick Recipe Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- Let your eggs come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Use very ripe bananas, black spots are a good sign!
- Grease your loaf pan well and flour the bottom or line it with parchment for easy removal.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe:
- Using underripe bananas: The flavor won’t be as sweet and rich.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined to keep it soft and light.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Yellow cake mix: Use a standard 15.25-ounce box. Classic yellow or even spice cake works.
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better. They should mash easily.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best. Room temperature eggs are ideal.
- Vegetable oil: Canola or melted butter also works.
- Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or a cinnamon swirl.
Absolutely. Spice cake, chocolate, or butter pecan mixes work well.
Yes! Just divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 18–22 minutes.
How to Make Banana Bread Using a Cake Mix
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth. Add the cake mix, eggs, and oil, and stir everything together until just combined.
Prepare Loaf Pan
Lightly grease and flour the bottoms only of two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake Until Golden
I bake it for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden. Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack. Cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a GF version. Replace eggs with flax eggs or an extra mashed banana for an egg-free loaf.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of cinnamon, stirred in.
Add-In Options: Try mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or blueberries.
Simple Substitutions: Swap vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter loaf.
Tips for Recipe Success: Always use overripe bananas, and don’t overbake; it dries out quickly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds.
Biblical Hospitality Tips For Serving Banana Bread Cake Mix Recipe
“Biblical hospitality is about opening our lives to those we wouldn’t usually think to include.” — Intentional Hospitality
Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and this cake mix version makes it even more approachable for busy mornings. Whether you’re hosting a friend for coffee or blessing a neighbor with a warm loaf, this breakfast treat invites others into the cozy corners of your day. Share God’s warmth by baking a loaf and opening your table, even if just for 30 minutes before school or work.
- Hospitality as Ministry: Begin your morning by praying specifically for the friend joining you for breakfast. Ask God to make your time together meaningful and spirit-filled.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Don’t stress about a fancy spread. A warm loaf of banana bread and a cup of coffee can be all it takes to create a space for heartfelt conversation.
- Prep Ahead Tip: When you plan your weekly grocery run, add ingredients for a simple breakfast you can share. Being ready makes it easier to say yes to spontaneous invitations.
Hospitality in Action
This week, invite someone over for a simple breakfast. No fancy spread needed. Brew some coffee, serve banana bread, and take time to ask how you can pray for them. Hospitality can be as gentle as a warm slice and a listening ear.
Who are you baking this banana bread for? I’d love to hear how you serve it! Leave a comment below and share your favorite mix-ins. And don’t forget to sign up for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that make hospitality simple and joyful.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Quick Banana Bread Using A Cake Mix
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces cake mix, boxed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs, large
- 1 1/2 cups bananas, very ripe bananas, mashed, about 3 to 4 medium bananas
Instructions
Prep the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease and flour the bottoms only of two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans.
Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and mashed bananas.15.25 ounces cake mix, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups bananas
- Stir everything together until well blended and no dry spots remain.
Fill the Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
Bake
- Bake in the center of your oven for 45 minutes.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each loaf. The loaves are done when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
Cool and Serve
- Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Run a metal spatula or butter knife around the edges to loosen.
- Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and place on a wire rack.
- Cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Let your eggs come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Use very ripe bananas, black spots are a good sign!
- Grease your loaf pan well or line it with parchment for easy removal.
- Using underripe bananas: The flavor won’t be as sweet and rich.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined to keep it tender.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
