Simple banana bread recipe packed with flavor. This banana bread is super moist and is the best tasting loaf I’ve ever had from a cake mix.
This simple banana bread recipe is my favorite when using boxed cake mix. It has the perfect amount of moisture and the flavor is so delicious.
And while I’ll be using yellow cake mix for this recipe, it’s versatile enough for almost any flavor you want to use.
That means you can use white cake, chocolate, even lemon! It really just comes down to what you have and your personal flavor preferences.
Make sure to bookmark or pin this recipe because you will be wanting to make it the next time you’re craving banana bread!
Note: The trick to getting the flavor and moisture is to freeze your bananas for at least a couple hours before making your recipe. But, you can make it with thawed bananas if you don’t have the time. But trust me, it’s well worth planning ahead on this one.
Related Recipe: Banana muffins with two bananas
How to Bake Banana Bread Using a Cake Mix

This recipe yields two loafs of banana bread. For equipment you will need a medium sized mixing bowl and two 9″x5″ loaf pans.
Prep time takes less than five minutes and bake time comes in around forty minutes. And that’s all it takes to get one of the best tasting loafs of banana bread around!
When making banana bread with cake mix the key is to get the moisture level right. That’s why I freeze my bananas first.
When we thaw them, juices are released and we add the bananas, juices and all, into our mixture. This produces the moisture level we are looking for as well as providing a ton of delicious flavor.
Make sure to read below for add in ideas as well as what types of cake mix you can use to make your banana bread.
Related: Substitute for bananas in banana bread
Ingredients

This recipe only calls for a few common ingredients. When it comes to your bananas you want extra ripe for the best flavor.
That means your bananas are brown and may even have some super dark spots on them.
If you are going to use frozen bananas, you will want to peel them and place them in a freezer safe bag or container for at least two hours (I usually freeze mine overnight).
To thaw them simple place them in a microwave safe bowl and heat them on low for thirty second increments until they are thawed.
Important: Keep the juices when you thaw your bananas. You will add those juices to your recipe with your banana.
Cake Mix Banana Bread Ingredients
- Cake Mix
- Extra Ripe Bananas
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
Related: Substitute for butter in banana bread
Tips and Add Ins

While I usually use yellow cake mix to make my banana bread, you can use any type that you would like. The recipe is the same.
So you could use a chocolate cake for a loaf of chocolate banana bread, or a simple white cake mix. While I haven’t used spice cake mix I imagine it would create an interesting flavor combination.
Really, this recipe is ideal for a little flavor experimentation. So use whichever flavor cake mix that sounds best to you.
I’ve also found this recipe to be great for add ins. It’s another great way to add some interesting flavors to your banana bread.
Related: Flavors that go well with banana
Here are some of my personal favorite for inspriation.
- Chocolate Chips
- Caramel Chips
- Toffee Bits
- Hazelnut
- Crushed Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Pecans
- Dried Cranberries
- Raisins
- Almond Slices
- Fresh Berries
If you use any add ins, use a half a cup to three quarters of a cup and stir them into your mixture at the very end.
Instructions

Once you have all your ingredients gathered, it’s time to get baking! If you are not using frozen bananas, simply follow the instructions without thawing your bananas.
The flavor will still be great but plan on trying this recipe again soon using frozen bananas.
Step 1: Thaw bananas in microwave safe bowl. Save all the juices.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
Step 3: In your mixing bowl, mash your thawed bananas while retaining all juices
Step 4: Add cake mix, eggs, and vanilla extract to your mixing bowl and stir until well combined
Note: If using add ins, gently stir them in now
Step 5: Grease loaf pans with butter or non stick cooking spray
Step 6: Pour banana mixture into loaf pans
Step 7: Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Your banana bread is done when inserted skewer comes out clean
Note: Oven temperatures vary so adjust baking time as necessary
Step 8: Carefully remove banana bread from oven and cool on a wire rack
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!

Banana Bread From Cake Mix
Equipment
- 2 9×5 Loaf Pans
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3-4 Extra Ripe Bananas frozen, then thawed
- 1 Box Cake Mix
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract optional
Instructions
- Thaw bananas in microwave safe bowl. Save all the juices
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
- In your mixing bowl, mash your thawed bananas while retaining all juices
- Add cake mix, eggs, and vanilla extract to your mixing bowl and stir until well combined
- Note: If using add ins, gently stir them in now
- Grease loaf pans with butter or non stick cooking spray
- Pour banana mixture into loaf pans
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Your banana bread is done when inserted skewer comes out clean
- Note: Oven temperatures vary so adjust baking time as necessary
- Carefully remove banana bread from oven and cool on a wire rack
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Recipe Notes
- You can use room temperature bananas for this recipe too. Make sure your bananas are overly ripe for best flavor.
- You can store your banana bread covered at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.