This 4 ingredient banana bread using cake mix is a great breakfast, dessert or snack! A quick banana bread recipe using overripe bananas we love.
I love easy cake mix recipes! What is in that box is just begging to be amped up in one way or another and this 4 ingredient banana bread is a great example of just what you can do with spice cake mix! You can use any variety you like, but this is a great combination! Perfect for breakfast or to include in your brunch menu, you can throw this together in no time at all.
- We came up with a bunch of overripe banana recipes years ago because I just hate wasting food.
I have made this easy banana bread recipe when they’re still pretty yellow and it works find. The browner the better though really.
If you’re tired of “the same old thing” I suggest you try this one! You can make a bunch of varieties depending on the type of cake mix you use. The one I like the best is spice if you ask me but others have enjoyed vanilla and yellow mixes too with this.
- This easy banana bread recipe has just been added to this list as well as a bunch of others.
- It is perfect if you have a box of cake mix, but not a lot of other ingredients in your pantry.
4-Ingredient banana bread
Have you ever used cake mix to make….well, something other than a cake??!! Seriously, it is really versatile and can be used to make more than just 6 cupcakes as a treat. If you’re looking for angel food cake mix recipes we have a bunch of those too!
White or spice cake mix is a great base to make just about anything sweet like this easy banana bread.
The browner the better. I don’t like them to be completely black, but right before that point is perfection. If you need an extra day or two and they’re ready, stick them in the fridge to slow down the process.
I have done that and it isn’t tremendously hard, but semi-homemade using cake mix like this recipe is the way to go! Just 4 ingredients and if your naners are ripe enough you may not know the difference.
Now we’re here to make some banana bread with cake mix!
The cake mix recipes we’ve made so far are:
- Cake mix donuts are fun with frosting and sprinkles on top
- How to make brownies out of cake mix instructions are here for you to follow. Easy as ever and peanut butter is a fun one.
- Peanut butter cookie brownies using cake mix
I will say that if you do have the time, homemade banana bread is worth the time.
I don’t make a lot of things homemade from start to finish and usually opt for semi-homemade but banana bread is something I do think tastes better from scratch.
- BUT…if you are in a bind or are missing a few ingredients this semi homemade banana bread with cake mix is a good second for sure!!
It does look pretty close to from scratch though, don’t you think??!!
4 ingredient banana bread with cake mix
- Overripe bananas – 5 med. sized is good, could add 6
- Box of cake mix – Spice cake mix is by far the best one to use, could use white or homemade yellow cake mix
- Oil
- Eggs
- Could add a bit of banana extract if you want a more intense banana flavor
You could add a bit of mini chocolate chips too if you wish, and/or some chopped nuts but I like it as is. Making easy banana bread muffins with these ingredients is possible too.
Easy breakfast recipes
- Omelette in a mug is a great protein packed meal for one, add diced ham for extra yum
- Banana pineapple bread is fun to liven things up
- Pressure cooker banana bread can be made in your Instant Pot and is moist and delicious
- Chocolate banana cookies with oats
- Tons of easy dump cake recipes use cake mix and transform into something amazing
We absolutely love our pumpkin banana bread too which is perfect in the Fall. Well, okay we make this year round and eat it for dessert too.
4 ingredient banana muffins
Follow our banana bread muffins recipe here, it works great for grab and go snacks.
- Just follow the recipe as stated below
- I used carrot cake mix this time which was delicious
- 1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips were added too and got thumbs up from my kiddos and neighbors
- I suggest using muffin liners
- Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way full
- Once oven is preheated, bake them for 18 minutes
- Remove pan and use a spoon to lift muffins out and on to a cooling rack
- Do not leave them in your muffin tin or they will continue cooking and not be as moist
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***** If you LOVED this recipe give it 5 Stars below and let everyone know what you thought about it. 😉
4 Ingredient Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 5 bananas brown
- 1 box cake mix we used spice cake mix, another would work too
- 1/3 c oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 c mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Mash bananas, then add all other ingredients (except c chips if you’re adding those) and mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if you want to add those and/or nuts.
- Put into preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 min or until knife comes out clean when inserted into the middle…you do not want to overbake this.This will make 2 loaves or 1 loaf and 8 muffins.Bake muffins for approx. 16-18 min. or until they spring back when touched gently in the middle.
Rebecca Gonzalez says
This recipe was yummy, and quick too. I made a few changes and substituted the oil with a couple Tablespoons of butter and 1/4 c. of sour cream cause I didn’t have any oil, and I only had 3 bananas. Made it in a bundt pan and it turned out great! It took me 50-55 minutes to bake cause of the bundt pan but it turned out great!
The Typical Mom says
So glad you loved it
JO says
This recipe looks great, I am also interested in the pumpkin banana bread, but the recipe doesn’t have any pumpkin in it, how much pumpkin would you add to the recipe?
Carolyn McKinney says
I tried this recipe and it was the most moist banana bread but it fell apart taking it out of the pan. It was not pretty but very tasty. I like mine with cream cheese on it bit it would spread on it because it fell apart when I tried to smooth it on.
Shannon says
I made them in large muffin tins with no nuts or chocolate chips. They are so good. Made 10.5 large muffins, and increased baking time to 22-24 minutes. I think this is my new favorite way to throw away highly questionable bananas.
The Typical Mom says
Yay!!
Carla says
Oh my. This recipe was easy to make. Made one loaf with chocolate chips and the other with pecans. Simply delicious! I will be making again!
The Typical Mom says
Yay so glad you loved it too
HelenMarie says
I’m baking mine in a Bundt pan expect it to take a bit longer-
I’m using a spice cake mix, 6 bananas & will drizzle with a thinned cream cheese Icing
Mike says
I will make this and then I will try it with apples instead of bananas.
Joyce R says
Yummy!!! Turned out perfect !!
Donna Cuthbertson says
I made this recipe using a white cake mix and 4 large bananas. I added 1 tsp of Butter & Nut flavoring with chopped pecans instead of white chocolate. It is easy, moist, and absolutely delicious! I baked this in a 13” x 9” baking dish. Thanks for sharing.
The Typical Mom says
Glad you loved it
Jamie says
I have a question: so I wanted to make in loaf pan. There is no “time” for loaf pan. The above recipe says 45 minutes, yet the box times are significantly less. Which do I use??
The Typical Mom says
If you’re using my recipe here you ignore all info on the cake mix box
Jamie says
I looovee this recipe, because it’s absolutely delicious and oh so easy! 😋👍🏼👍🏼
The Typical Mom says
Yay we love it too!
Lyndsey says
Am I able to use sugar free cake mix? Thanks- I can’t wait to try! ❤️
Melanie says
Hi! Does leftovers need to be refrigerated?
Kayleigh says
Would chocolate cake mix taste good??
The Typical Mom says
I haven’t done that
Wendy says
I made this with pecan cake mix….wonderful!
The Typical Mom says
Oh great choice
Tara says
This only made one loaf for me did I do something wrong?
AM says
Added 1/2 cup ground oats, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces, and used 1/4 cup oil and 1/4 cup applesauce. Split mixture into two loaf pans and baked. Delicious toasted with any nut butter!
Mary says
Looks so good! Should the pans be sprayed or greased?
Beverly says
Looks great (does NOT look moldy, someone needs a new monitor!) but just one question: what size loaf pan did you use? Maybe I missed that part….
Robin says
Good question think I missed it too🤷♀️
Gail says
Just found this recipe this morning, had only 2 bananas but tried it anyway. It’s awesome!!!! So easy to do, I used spice cake mix, eggs, oil, 2 bananas and then added chopped pecans. It was a smidge underdone at 45 minutes so turned oven off but let bread sit in hot oven for maybe 10 more minutes…perfect! I made only one bread but it’s nice and high.
The Typical Mom says
Yay!!
Patti says
I hate to say this but the picture looks like the bread is “moldy”
The Typical Mom says
Not. At. All
Sue B says
What a thing to say! I do not see any mold.
Rose🌹 says
It might be the colors on your phone or computer…like that picture of that dress that went around asking people if it was blue or gold…
Amy says
Can you use banana cake mix instead of spice/yellow/etc cake? I can’t find any recipes like that so I’m wondering if it would turn out bad… Chicken to try 😂
The Typical Mom says
I would imagine so if it is the same oz. We have used brown bananas with coffee cake boxed mix and it turned out fab too
Sherry Pettis says
Do you make the dread with dry cake mix or make the cake mix according to box then add it to other ingredients?
ThereseAnn says
Made the bread, turned out very good and moist. I like the 4 ingredients. Instead of chocolate chips, I use unsweetened shredded coconut and it taste awesome. I’m gonna try to make chocolate bread bread with the ingredients but not use spice cake mix and use the chocolate cake mix. Will let you know if it turned out great. How do you add a picture of what I made to show ?
LYNN THOMPSON says
I’m making them now! They look great. One loaf pan and 7 muffins. I haven’t tried them yet but I used spice cake to make mine. I plan on putting cream cheese frosting on a couple of the muffins! 😁
Vicki Baker says
Can applesauce be used instead of oil?
Leean Lester says
You can use applesauce in any baking recipe. Replace either half the oil used with applesauce or even 1 to 2 tblsp. Mayo. Will help keep it moist !
Marsha says
Will this cake do well baked in a bundt pan? Thanks
Lucy says
Can’t wait to make this!!! I mad a 3 ingredient banana bread yesterday but think the addition of oil will be helpful: I put nuts in mine and used a chocolate cake mix which was a great idea!!! I love your idea of a spice cake mix! Oh, and, although I didn’t add chocolate chips, I will when I use a chocolate cake mix again!
Thanks for the recipe!!!
The Typical Mom says
Hope you love it too
Jackie says
What oven temperature?
The Typical Mom says
Says 350 in card
Donna says
I just put my bread in the oven I didn’t use choc. chips but added walnuts the spice cake mix was a great idea to use . Great recipe I love easy?? smells so good baking . Yum
Noelle says
This was so simple! I love this recipe and will be making again soon
The Typical Mom says
Awesome
Lucy Parissi says
What a great way to speed up a family favourite and use up the over-ripe fruit.
Susan says
Can this recipe be made as cupcakes?? Cooking time??
The Typical Mom says
Yes. Typically cupcakes take about 18ish minutes. Depends on your oven and altitude.