How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Bread

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!

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread

Banana Bread Ingredients
Banana Bread Ingredients

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

<a href="https://goto.target.com/GjQGqE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:9x5 Loaf Pan;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">9x5 Loaf Pan</a>
<a href="https://shop.tasteofhome.com/collections/exclusives/products/silicone-spatula-sea-green?utm_source=TOH.com&utm_medium=shoplink&utm_campaign=cookware_content&sourcekeyc=1A1Y7ZZXSC&sourcekeys=1ATZCZU48S&sourcekeym=IX7QDU13M" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Silicone Spatula;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Silicone Spatula</a>
<a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/stainless-steel-restaurant-bowl/?pkey=s~mixing%20bowl~68&sbkey=default" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mixing Bowl;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Mixing Bowl</a>

Directions

Step 1: Mash the bananas

smushed banana for Banana Bread
smushed banana for Banana Bread

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
Banana Bread ingredients in bowl

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
Banana Bread ready to bake

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.

How to Store and How to Serve

Banana Bread
Banana Bread

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

Sugar Cookie S'mores
Sugar Cookie S'mores

Sugar Cookie S'mores

Change up traditional s'mores with the use of sugar cookies and candy bars. The sweetness cannot be beat!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Go to Recipe

Pumpkin Ice Cream
Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream

This recipe really captures the flavor of fall. It's good with or without the gingersnaps.

Go to Recipe

Tiger Peanut Butter Candy Exps Ft20 28719 F 0507 1 Home 5
Tiger Peanut Butter Candy Exps Ft20 28719 F 0507 1 Home 5

Tiger Peanut Butter Candy

A good friend gave me this tiger butter bark recipe, and I cut it in half to make just enough for me. This effortless, three-ingredient candy will please any chocolate-and-peanut butter lover. —Roberta Taylor, Sharpsville, Indiana

Go to Recipe

Cake Berry Campfire Cobbler Exps Bdsmz17 45582 C03 02 5b 6
Cake Berry Campfire Cobbler Exps Bdsmz17 45582 C03 02 5b 6

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho

Go to Recipe

Snickers Cookies Exps Ft19 10346 F 1113 1 4
Snickers Cookies Exps Ft19 10346 F 1113 1 4

Snickers Cookies

Though you wouldn't know by looking, you'll find a sweet surprise inside these cookies. My mother got this Snickers cookie recipe from a fellow teacher at her school. It's a terrific way to dress up refrigerated cookie dough. —Kari Pease, Conconully, Washington

Go to Recipe

Rainbow Gelatin Cubes
Rainbow Gelatin Cubes

Rainbow Gelatin Cubes

These layered jello cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion. Kids of all ages snatch them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

Easy Caramel Apples
Easy Caramel Apples

Easy Caramel Apples

Kids and adults alike will enjoy whipping up this easy fall treat.

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams Exps Hccbz19 20095 E05 16 6b 2
Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams Exps Hccbz19 20095 E05 16 6b 2

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams

Because so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe.—Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Cashew Butter Cookies Exps Ft19 245765 F 1008 1 9
Cashew Butter Cookies Exps Ft19 245765 F 1008 1 9

Cashew Butter Cookies

These cashew butter cookies are on a more sophisticated level than peanut butter. They are vegan and gluten-free, so you'll be able to share with all your friends. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Covered Pretzels Exps Ft19 46159 F 0904 1 4
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Exps Ft19 46159 F 0904 1 4

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

These chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California

Go to Recipe

Gluten-Free Almond Cookies
Gluten-Free Almond Cookies

Gluten-Free Almond Cookies

My friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves these! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Marshmallow Pops
Marshmallow Pops

Marshmallow Pops

Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida

Go to Recipe

Scottish Shortbread Exps Diyd20 1889 B09 17 3b 2
Scottish Shortbread Exps Diyd20 1889 B09 17 3b 2

Scottish Shortbread

Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and—as with most of my favorite recipes—she passed this shortbread recipe on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

Go to Recipe

Lemon Sorbet Exps Qebz20 25719 E01 28 2b 1
Lemon Sorbet Exps Qebz20 25719 E01 28 2b 1

Lemon Sorbet

Whether you serve it in chilled bowls or scoop it into cut lemon halves, this creamy four-ingredient sorbet is both sweet and tart. It makes a delightfully refreshing finish to any meal. —Goldene Petersen, Brigham City, Utah

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Truffles Exps Hca17 13122 B10 20 3b 4
Chocolate Truffles Exps Hca17 13122 B10 20 3b 4

Chocolate Truffles

You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Easy 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Exps Sddj17 77957 16 C08 05 5b 7
Easy 3 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies Exps Sddj17 77957 16 C08 05 5b 7

Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut Butter Fudge

This peanut butter fudge is a favorite "never fail" quickie recipe. —Eleanore Peterson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

This 2-ingredient fudge belongs in your recipe box. It's the easiest candy recipe EVER!

S'mores No-Bake Cookies
S'mores No-Bake Cookies

S'mores No-Bake Cookies

There's no easier way to get that s'mores goodness in your kitchen. Mix these cookies together and chill till you're ready to share. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Blueberry Cream Pops Exps Cwmjj21 192911 B02 14 1b 5
Blueberry Cream Pops Exps Cwmjj21 192911 B02 14 1b 5

Blueberry Cream Pops

Blueberry and cream pops are such a fun after-school snack. Make them in the morning so the pops are ready to go when the kids come in the door. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Exps Diyd19 6149 B08 27 1b 20
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies Exps Diyd19 6149 B08 27 1b 20

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour , gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour?!). But since then I've never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—3 ingredients are all you need! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Palmiers Exps Mcsmz17 30144 C01 05 5b 2
Palmiers Exps Mcsmz17 30144 C01 05 5b 2

Palmiers

It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

S More Pops Exps114157 Hc143213d01 29 4brms 2
S More Pops Exps114157 Hc143213d01 29 4brms 2

S'more Pops

My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. —Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois

Go to Recipe

Exps13208 Sd142780d08 07 4b Web 1
Exps13208 Sd142780d08 07 4b Web 1

Cinnamon Cherry Cobbler

It's not a misprint—there really are just two ingredients in this spiced cherry dessert. It's a good brunch for sweet-lovers, too. —Terri Robinson, Muncie, Indiana

Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookies Exps2733 5bs29733292b03 15 3bc Rms 13
Peanut Butter Cookies Exps2733 5bs29733292b03 15 3bc Rms 13

Peanut Butter Cookies

It is amazing how much flavor these simple peanut butter cookies without brown sugar have. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Cookies Cream Truffle Balls Exps Thjj19 142245 E02 22 3b Rms 2
Cookies Cream Truffle Balls Exps Thjj19 142245 E02 22 3b Rms 2

Cookies & Cream Truffle Balls

For easy truffles, I roll cookies and cream cheese into balls and dunk them in white chocolate. That’s merry and bright in one bite. —Carla Giorgio, New York, New York

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks

Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks

My grandmother made these haystack cookies and gave them to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado

Go to Recipe

Pecan Caramel Candies Exps Sddj18 24166 B08 03 3b 5
Pecan Caramel Candies Exps Sddj18 24166 B08 03 3b 5

Pecan Caramel Candies

Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana

Go to Recipe

Exps23019 Fft2434558d08 08 10b Web 3
Exps23019 Fft2434558d08 08 10b Web 3

Blueberry Ice Cream

The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick

Go to Recipe

Angel Macaroons Exps Hccbz19 11140 E03 27 4b 6
Angel Macaroons Exps Hccbz19 11140 E03 27 4b 6

Angel Macaroons

These chewy coconut cookies start with a boxed angel food cake mix. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Exps11654 5bs29733292b03 15 1bc Rms 4
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups Exps11654 5bs29733292b03 15 1bc Rms 4

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky

Go to Recipe

Minister's Delight
Minister's Delight

Minister's Delight

A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri

Go to Recipe

Exps35015 Bhd153762c07 10 4b 3
Exps35015 Bhd153762c07 10 4b 3

Potato Chip Clusters

Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Go to Recipe

Quick Double Chocolate Biscotti Exps29982 Cc2860595b05 30 1b Rms 1
Quick Double Chocolate Biscotti Exps29982 Cc2860595b05 30 1b Rms 1

Quick Double Chocolate Biscotti

Refrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops

Frozen Banana Cereal Pops

When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Go to Recipe

Texas Tumbleweeds
Texas Tumbleweeds

Texas Tumbleweeds

Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas

Go to Recipe

The post How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Banana Bread appeared first on Taste of Home.

Advertisement