Easy Cake Mix Banana Bread: The Moistest Recipe You’ll Ever Make!

Ever dreamt of effortlessly delicious banana bread? This Cake Mix Banana Bread recipe is your answer! It’s unbelievably moist, incredibly easy, and totally customizable with your favorite mix-ins. Forget complicated recipes; this shortcut will become your new go-to for a quick breakfast or a delightful treat.

From chocolate-swirled banana bread and peanut butter chip banana bread to zucchini banana bread and apple cinnamon banana bread, banana bread recipes have a special place in our hearts. Now, it’s time to simplify things even further with this Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Banana Bread, turning a simple box of cake mix into an incredibly moist and flavorful breakfast (or anytime!) treat. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your banana bread cravings with minimal effort.

The secret to this recipe’s simplicity lies in using cake mix, which eliminates the need for measuring and sifting multiple dry ingredients. Adding a generous dollop of sour cream and a cup of mini chocolate chips elevates the moisture and flavor profiles, ensuring this will be the best banana bread you’ve ever tasted. The tangy sour cream balances the sweetness, while the chocolate chips add pockets of gooey delight.

Don’t just take my word for it! When I shared this recipe with RachaelRay.com, they raved about how quick and easy it is:

What Makes This Banana Bread So Good?

• Minimal Measuring: Say goodbye to complicated measuring! The cake mix streamlines the process.
• Makes Two Loaves: Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or freezing one for later.
• Extra Moist and Flavorful: The combination of cake mix, sour cream, and ripe bananas creates an unparalleled moistness and flavor.
• Freezes Well: Just like traditional one-bowl banana bread, this recipe freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Key Ingredients for Cake Mix Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is simplicity at its finest! Many cake mix banana bread recipes call for just three ingredients: cake mix, overripe bananas, and oil. While minimalist, these recipes often lack moisture. Therefore, to ensure an exceptionally moist quickbread, we add one crucial ingredient: sour cream.

Adding ¼ cup of sour cream is the key to elevating the moisture level and adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate. It’s my secret weapon for adding moisture and a touch of tanginess to various baked goods, from banana bread to chocolate cupcakes. The small amount of sour cream won’t make the bread taste sour, but will enhance the texture and overall flavor.

• Cake Mix: You’ll need a 16.25-ounce box of white or yellow cake mix. Pro Tip: Choose a cake mix without pudding for the best texture. Pudding already added to the mix can make the end product too dense or gummy.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture for a tender crumb, preventing the bread from drying out. Swap: A neutral-flavored olive oil also works wonderfully. Canola oil or melted coconut oil are also great options.
• Eggs: Three large eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together. Ensure your eggs are fresh for optimal results.
• Overripe Bananas: About 3 very ripe bananas are ideal. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. The browner, the better! Very ripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and easier to mash.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess. Swap: Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted in equal amounts. You can also use plain yogurt or even creme fraiche.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: A favorite with kids and adults alike, adding melted chocolate to every bite! You can also customize this recipe with your favorite banana bread mix-ins, such as fresh berries, chopped pecans, walnuts, or other types of chocolate chips.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cake Mix Banana Bread

This recipe truly lives up to the “quick” in “quickbread.” With just one bowl, a few measuring cups, and a spatula, you’ll whip up this shortcut banana bread in no time:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. Ensure there is an overhang on the longer sides of the pans for easy lifting.
2. Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, mash the overripe bananas. Add the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in ¾ cup of your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or berries.

3. Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining mix-ins on top of each loaf for a bakery-worthy finish. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.

That’s it! A simple and delicious treat made with pantry staples.

Important Note: When making this recipe, disregard the ingredients and instructions on the cake mix box and follow the ingredients and instructions provided in this recipe.

Video Tutorial: Watch How It’s Made

Frequently Asked Questions