So here’s the thing, sometimes you just want banana bread right now. No measuring 10 things. No sifting flour. And No searching for baking soda in the back of the pantry. That’s exactly where this 3 ingredient banana bread recipe comes in.
I first made this during a very lazy Sunday afternoon when I had overripe bananas on the counter and zero desire to clean a pile of mixing bowls. This recipe is sweet, moist, and loaded with banana flavor. It’s perfect as a quick breakfast, a cozy snack, or even dessert with a scoop of ice cream. Bonus: it’s so simple, you can whip it up even before your morning coffee finishes brewing.
Table of contents
Why This 3 Ingredient Banana Bread Just Works So Well
This isn’t your typical banana bread, and that’s what makes it magical. Here’s why this simple combo nails it every time:
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet and moist, so you don’t need much else.
- One bowl, no fuss: Everything mixes together in a single bowl with just a spoon or fork.
- No special tools or skills required: If you can mash a banana, you can make this.
- Totally customizable: You can dress it up with add-ins or keep it pure and simple.
- Diet-friendly tweaks: Easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan depending on the ingredients you choose.
3 Ingredient Banana Bread Customization Ideas:
- Gluten-free? Use a GF cake mix or oat flour blend.
- Vegan? Use a vegan-friendly box mix (yes, they exist!) or self-rising flour with plant milk.
- Low sugar? Opt for a low-sugar mix or mash in more banana and cut back on added sweetness.
Recipe Card
3 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
Course: Breakfast, BrunchDifficulty: Easy10
servings5
minutes50
minutes190
kcalA super easy, ultra-moist banana bread made with just 3 pantry staples. Perfect for lazy mornings or late-night cravings.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup even easier. (Time: 5 minutes)
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small chunks are okay, it adds texture. (Time: 3 minutes)
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs and whisk them into the banana mash until fully combined. (Time: 2 minutes)
- Mix in the cake mix: Pour in the dry cake mix and stir everything together until no dry patches remain. It’ll be thick, but go slow and steady. Don’t overmix! (Time: 3–5 minutes)
- Pour and bake: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. (Total baking + cooling time: 1 hour)
Notes
- Every oven is different, so start checking around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to switch things up.
- Try mixing in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for a swirled surprise in every slice!
Optional Upgrades to your 3 Ingredient Banana Bread
- A handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or cinnamon
- A splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth
- Sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a light crust
A Few Pro Tips to Make It Even Better
Even with just three ingredients, you can make this banana bread bakery-worthy. Here’s how:
- Use super ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
- Let it rest: Give it at least 10–15 minutes to cool before slicing so it holds together better.
- Customize with love: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter before baking.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined, overmixing can make the bread dense.
FAQs About This 3 Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe
You can, but the texture will be more dense and less sweet. Cake mix gives the best fluffy crumb.
Very ripe, think brown, spotty, almost mushy. The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Yes! Use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute. It’ll still be moist and tasty.
Not in this version! The cake mix already includes leavening agents.
Absolutely. Spice cake, chocolate, or even carrot cake mix work great.
It may be underbaked. Test with a toothpick and make sure it cools properly before slicing.
Let’s Wrap This Up, Banana Bread Lovers!
If you’ve been looking for the easiest way to satisfy your banana bread cravings, this is it. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or just craving something warm and sweet without the fuss, this recipe has your back. It’s cozy, dependable, and ready whenever your bananas are a little too spotty to ignore.
If you loved this one-bowl wonder, you have to check out my favorite variation with more classic ingredients that still delivers amazing results: Banana Bread Recipe with Simple Ingredients and Incredibly Good Results.
Or keep the easy-bake vibes going with these treats:
- Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Vegan Pistachio Banana Bread Recipe
- Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
Try one, try them all, and don’t forget to tag us if you bake it! We’d love to see your twist on this classic.
Happy baking, friend
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