How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Bread

Updated: Mar. 12, 2024

ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

It won't be long before you're able to make this 3-ingredient banana bread without looking at the recipe!

I promise that this is the easiest banana bread recipe you will ever find. You need only three simple ingredients: a box of the best cake mix, mashed ripe bananas and 2 eggs. That’s it.

You can use any flavor of cake mix here. I chose yellow cake mix for the classic version, but you can use a spice cake mix for added flavor or even a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate banana bread. This recipe also works well for those with dietary restrictions—hello, gluten-free cake mix!

Also, check these banana bread recipes that you need to try.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread

Banana Bread Ingredients ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Ingredients

3-4 very ripe bananas
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
2 large eggs

You can add some mix-ins to make each batch of banana bread special. It won’t be “3-ingredient” banana bread, but it will be tasty! Add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for flavor. For texture, toss in a handful of toasted nuts, chocolate chips or even dried fruit. For more ideas, check out this list of banana bread upgrades.

Tools You’ll Need

Wilton 9 34 X5 34 Nonstick Ultra Bake Professional Loaf Pan

Directions

Step 1: Mash the bananas

smushed banana for Banana Bread ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

The key to flavorful banana bread is using very ripe bananas. As the skin darkens, the banana flavor becomes more pronounced. You’ll need 1-1/2 cups of mashed bananas for this recipe, so I used about 3 ripe bananas.

Step 2: Mix with cake mix and eggs

Banana Bread ingredients in bowl ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the cake mix and two eggs. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Bake and enjoy

Banana Bread ready to bake ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Transfer the batter to a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack to cool completely before slicing.

You’ve probably heard of mug cakes, so you get the idea. There’s no need for kneading with this banana bread in a mug recipe, try it out today!

How to Store and How to Serve

Banana Bread ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

This 3-ingredient banana bread can be kept wrapped on the countertop at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serve with a pat of butter, a slather of peanut butter or even Nutella. Leftovers of this banana bread also make great French toast!

3-Ingredient Desserts We Can't Get Enough Of

1 / 36

Scottish Shortbread My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba Go to Recipe

Sugar Cookies Exps4249 Bos2930251c11 27 1b Rms 5

Sugar CookiesThis sugar cookie dates back to a Swedish woman born in 1877! Her daughter, Esther Davis, shared the recipe with me and she came up with all the exact measurements, since the original cookies were mixed by feel and taste. These are my favorite cookies and I hope they'll become yours as well. —Helen Wallis, Vancouver, Washington