There are days when you crave something sweet but dread the cleanup. We have all been there. You want the warm comfort of homemade baking without the hassle of measuring ten different powders and spices.
That is where this Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients comes in to save the day. It removes the stress from baking while delivering a moist and flavorful loaf that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Honestly, this might be the simplest baking trick you ever learn. By using a spice cake mix as your base, you cut out the need for flour, sugar, baking soda, and individual spices. The mix already has everything you need.
If you are a fan of shortcuts that actually taste good, you are going to enjoy this. It is basically a Cake Mix Banana Bread 3 Ingredients hack that results in a tender crumb and rich flavor every single time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering if a shortcut recipe can truly compare to a traditional one. The answer is yes. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients delivers on both texture and taste.
First, it is incredibly fast. You can have the batter ready to go in about five minutes. There is no need to cream butter or sift dry ingredients. You just mash, mix, and bake.
Second, it is budget friendly. You only need three items. If you have some overripe bananas sitting on your counter, you are already halfway there. It is a great way to reduce food waste without spending a lot of money.
The texture is another big plus. Because we use a cake mix, the bread comes out soft and fluffy. It is not dense or heavy like some old fashioned recipes can be. It feels light but still satisfying.
Also, the flavor is consistent. Since the spice cake mix is pre measured, you get the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg in every bite. You never have to worry about adding too much or too little spice.
Finally, it is versatile. While this is a Three Ingredient Banana Bread, you can easily turn it into a 4 Ingredient Banana Bread by tossing in some walnuts or chocolate chips. It is a flexible base for whatever you are craving.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients lies in its simplicity. You do not need a long shopping list. You likely have most of this in your kitchen right now.
- 1 Package spice cake mix (I like Betty Crocker)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium bananas (ripe or overripe)
Let’s talk a little bit about the bananas. For the best Cake Mix Banana Bread 3 Ingredients, your bananas need to be ripe. Look for brown spots on the peel.
The browner the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. If the bananas are completely green, they will be too hard to mash and lack that deep banana flavor we want.
As for the cake mix, a spice cake blend works best because it brings those warm autumn flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. However, you can use yellow cake mix if that is all you have on hand.
You do not need oil or water for this recipe. We are ignoring the instructions on the back of the box. The moisture from the bananas and eggs is enough to hydrate the batter.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get a warm loaf on your table in under an hour.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to have the oven hot and ready so your bread rises properly.
Next, get your loaf pan ready. A standard 9 by 5 inch pan works well here. Line the pan with parchment paper.
Make sure to leave a little paper hanging over the sides. This acts like a handle later on. Spray the parchment paper lightly with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel your three medium bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Now it is time to mash them.
You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. The goal is to mash them until they are broken down but still have small chunks.
You do not want a completely smooth puree. Leaving small bits of banana adds great texture to the finished Three Ingredient Banana Bread. Those little pockets of fruit are delicious when baked.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Crack your two large eggs into the bowl with the mashed bananas. It is best to crack them into a separate small cup first to catch any stray shells, but you can go directly into the bowl if you feel confident.
Mix the eggs into the bananas until they are well combined. You want the mixture to look uniform before adding the dry mix.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cake Mix
Open your package of spice cake mix. Pour the dry powder directly into the bowl with the banana and egg mixture.
Use a spatula or a large spoon to stir everything together. Mix until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
Remember, you do NOT add any of the other ingredients listed on the back of the box. No oil, no water. Trust the process for this Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes level.
Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes. All ovens are slightly different, so keep an eye on it near the end.
You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, give it another few minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is fully baked, remove the pan from the oven. Set it on a heat safe surface.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set so it does not fall apart when you move it.
After 10 minutes, use the parchment paper handles to lift the loaf out of the pan. Place it on a wire rack to finish cooling.
You can slice it while it is still warm if you like. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients yields about 12 nice sized slices.
How To Store Leftovers
If you manage not to eat the whole loaf in one sitting, storing this bread is simple. Proper storage keeps it moist for days.
For short term storage, you can keep the bread at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh on the counter for about two to three days. Just make sure it is fully cooled before you wrap it to prevent soggy crusts.
If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. This can extend its life to about a week. However, the fridge can sometimes dry out baked goods, so wrap it well.
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients also freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped slices in a freezer safe bag. They will keep for up to three months. When you want a snack, just pull out a slice and let it thaw on the counter or warm it in the microwave.
Tips
Here are a few helpful pointers to ensure your Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients turns out fantastic every time.
First, always use the ripest bananas you can find. Brown spots are good. Black peels are even better. The riper the fruit, the sweeter and stronger the banana flavor will be.
If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up the process. Place them in a paper bag for a day or two to help them ripen faster.
Be careful not to overmix the batter. When you combine the cake mix with the wet ingredients, stop stirring as soon as the white powder disappears. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Check your oven temperature. If your oven runs hot, check the bread at the 40 minute mark. If the top is browning too fast but the middle is still raw, cover the top loosely with foil.
Feel free to get creative. While this is a Three Ingredient Banana Bread, you can easily make it a 4 Ingredient Banana Bread. Add a handful of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Using parchment paper is a huge help. It makes cleanup fast and ensures your loaf never gets stuck in the pan.
Conclusion
Baking does not have to be a complicated science project. This Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients proves that you can make something wonderful with minimal effort.
Whether you are a beginner baker or just someone looking to save time, this recipe is a reliable winner. The combination of sweet bananas and spiced cake mix creates a flavor that feels like home.
So the next time you see those brown bananas on your counter, do not throw them away. Grab a box of spice cake mix and whip up this delicious treat. Your house will smell amazing, and your family will thank you.
FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, absolutely. While spice cake mix adds a lovely cinnamon flavor, yellow cake mix or white cake mix works well too. If you are a chocolate lover, you can even try a chocolate cake mix for a decadent twist on this Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients.
Can I make this gluten free?
You certainly can. Simply swap the standard spice cake mix for a gluten free yellow cake mix. You may need to add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to mimic the spice flavor, but the texture will still be delicious.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Dry bread usually happens for two reasons. First, you might have baked it too long. Start checking it a few minutes early. Second, you might have used bananas that were not ripe enough. Ensure your bananas are soft and spotted for the best moisture content.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas are great for this. Thaw them completely in a bowl before using. Do not drain the liquid that comes out; pour it all into the batter. That liquid is full of flavor and moisture that helps this Cake Mix Banana Bread 3 Ingredients stay soft.
How do I know when the bananas are ready?
The skins should have plenty of brown spots or be mostly brown. If they are yellow with green tips, they are too starchy and not sweet enough yet. Wait a few days for the best results.
Easy Banana Bread with 3 Ingredients
This Easy Banana Bread Recipe 3 Ingredients removes the stress from baking while delivering a moist and flavorful loaf that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. By using a spice cake mix as your base, you cut out the need for flour, sugar, baking soda, and individual spices, making baking easy and enjoyable.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a standard 9 by 5 inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little paper hanging over the sides. Spray the parchment paper lightly with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks.
- Peel your three medium bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them until they are broken down but still have small chunks; avoid a completely smooth puree for better texture. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this.
- Crack your two large eggs into the bowl with the mashed bananas. Mix the eggs into the bananas until they are well combined and the mixture looks uniform.
- Open your package of spice cake mix and pour the dry powder directly into the bowl with the banana and egg mixture. Use a spatula or a large spoon to stir everything together until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Do NOT add any oil or water, trust the process.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use your spatula to spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a heat-safe surface. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to help it set. After 10 minutes, use the parchment paper handles to lift the loaf out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice while still warm if desired, yields about 12 slices.
Notes
For short term storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for about two to three days. Ensure it’s fully cooled before wrapping to prevent soggy crusts.
This banana bread also freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag, and they will keep for up to three months. Thaw on the counter or warm in the microwave for a quick snack.
Always use the ripest bananas you can find. Brown spots are good, black peels are even better. The riper the fruit, the sweeter and stronger the banana flavor will be. If you only have yellow bananas, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to help them ripen faster.
Be careful not to overmix the batter. When combining the cake mix with the wet ingredients, stop stirring as soon as the white powder disappears. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Feel free to get creative! While this is a Three Ingredient Banana Bread, you can easily make it a 4 Ingredient Banana Bread by adding a handful of walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
