My recipe for banana bread using cake mix is one of the easiest ways I know to bake something homemade that tastes amazing! I love how the ripe bananas and box mix give it such a sweet, rich flavor without needing a long list of ingredients.

My Easy Way to Make Cake Mix Banana Bread

The first time I made banana bread using cake mix, I’d promised my daughter Leah I would make her banana bread, but honestly, I had no motivation to make it. I knew I had a bunch of overripe bananas on the counter, so I went to grab the flour out of the pantry when I spotted the yellow cake mix and shrugged.

Turns out this was the best easy banana bread I’ve ever made, and it’s turned into the only version that’s made in my house on the regular. Leah, who is now 9, even makes the whole thing on her own with just oven supervision. It’s only 4 simple ingredients, so it makes baking it so much easier and quick.

We always add chocolate chips to the bread mix because Leah and I are chocoholics, but it tastes great without them, too!

For more banana bread recipes, be sure to check out my one banana banana bread, air fryer banana bread, and banana bread without baking soda!

Easy Banana Bread Ingredients

• Jello vanilla instant pudding – This adds extra moisture and keeps the bread super soft without being too dense.
• Bananas – I use medium-sized overripe bananas because they mash easily and give the bread natural sweetness.
• Eggs – These help bind everything together and give the loaf its structure.
• Box yellow cake mix – I usually go with Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix, but Betty Crocker works great too. A box of cake mix is the shortcut that makes this recipe so easy.
• Chocolate chips – Optional, but I like to sprinkle them in when I want a richer, sweeter loaf.

How to Make Banana Bread Using Cake mix

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

STEP TWO: Add the vanilla pudding, mashed bananas, and eggs to a bowl. Mix well to combine them, then add in the yellow cake mix and mix until it’s just blended. Don’t over mix! Add in some chocolate chips or nuts, if using.

STEP THREE: Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and add the batter. Place in the oven and bake it for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes and remove it from the pan.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Recipe With Cake Mix

• I always use overripe bananas for the best flavor. I wait until mine are brown and spotty so the bread turns out sweet.
• For the smoothest texture, I mash the ripe bananas really well before adding them in.
• I’m careful not to overmix the batter, which can cause it to sink in the middle.
• If I don’t feel like pulling out the mixer, I just use a fork to mix the batter.
• I know the loaf is done cooking when the top becomes caramelized and turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• For the best texture that slices cleanly without crumbling, I let the banana bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before removing it.

4 Ingredient Banana Bread Additions and Substitutions

• If I want a different base flavor, I’ll use boxed spice cake mix, white cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even Devil’s Food cake mix! 
• I sometimes divide the batter into a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan if I want banana bread muffins instead of loaves.
• For a decadent caramelized crust on top, I’ll sprinkle brown sugar over the loaf before baking.
• My favorite add-ins are walnuts, dried cranberries, a handful of shredded coconut, and, of course, chocolate chips.
• When I want some warm spice flavor, I’ll add some cinnamon or even a little nutmeg to the batter.

Banana Bread Using Cake Mix FAQs

How to store cake mix banana bread

I store my banana bread in an airtight container or on a plate covered in plastic wrap on the counter for up to 4 days. The refrigerator will dry it out, so I store my banana bread at room temperature.

Why should I use overripe bananas to make banana bread?

I love using overripe bananas in my recipe because they give the bread the best flavor and dial up the sweetness! When the peels are covered in brown spots and the fruit is soft, the flavor is stronger, which means my banana bread comes out richer.

Is it okay to use frozen bananas for easy banana bread?

I’ve used frozen bananas plenty of times, and they work great. They’re actually easier to mix into the batter! Any time I have overripe bananas but no time to make banana bread, I freeze them for future use.

More Easy Recipe Using Cake Mix

• Banana pudding cake
• Pumpkin bread with cake mix
• Cherry dump cake
• Vanilla crinkle cookies
• Strawberry Jello Cake
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake