Welcome to the world of super simple baking! We are making a wonderfully moist and flavorful banana cake with cake mix today. This recipe transforms a basic box of cake mix into a homemade-tasting dessert, perfect for using up those overripe bananas on your counter. Get ready for an easy, delightful treat everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake with Cake Mix
This recipe truly simplifies baking without sacrificing taste. You will adore this cake for many fantastic reasons:
- Quick and easy preparation. It uses a cake mix as a shortcut, saving you time and effort.
- Achieves incredible moisture and flavor. The bananas and extra ingredients create a wonderfully tender crumb.
- Perfect use for overripe bananas. No more wasted bananas; turn them into a delicious dessert.
- Minimal cleanup required. Fewer bowls and less fuss mean more time to enjoy your cake.
- Great for beginner bakers. With clear steps, anyone can master this simple banana cake.
Ingredients
To make this delightful banana cake with cake mix, you will need just a few common items. The cream cheese frosting takes it to the next level of indulgence!
Banana Cake
- Yellow, Vanilla, or Spice cake mix: One standard 16.25-ounce box.
- Ripe mashed bananas: 1 cup (3 medium overripe bananas).
- Large eggs: 3, plus possibly 1 extra (check your cake mix box instructions).
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: ½ cup.
- Milk or buttermilk: ½ cups (instead of water called for on the box).
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground cinnamon : 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg : ½ teaspoon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Full-fat cream cheese: 4.4 oz, softened to room temperature.
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature.
- powdered sugar: 1 cup.
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Pinch of salt: ¼ teaspoon.
Notes & Substitutions
Very ripe bananas, with plenty of brown spots, are key for the best flavor and sweetness in your banana cake with cake mix. If you do not have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Yellow, vanilla, or spice cake mix varieties all work wonderfully with the banana flavor. Using oil results in a slightly moister cake, while melted butter adds richness.
Equipment
You will only need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: For baking the cake.
- Large mixing bowls: Two bowls for cake batter and frosting.
- Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer works best.
- Rubber spatula: For scraping down bowls.
- Wire cooling rack: Essential for cooling your cake evenly.
Instructions
Creating this banana cake with cake mix is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a perfect bake and creamy frosting.
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Thoroughly mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth, then set them aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the mashed bananas. Now, add the eggs, oil or melted butter, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. If you desire, stir in the optional ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare your luscious cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. This takes about 2 minutes. Gradually add the 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for 2 more minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Mix in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add the extra ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar and beat again until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Once your banana cake with cake mix is completely cooled, it is ready for frosting. Evenly spread the fluffy cream cheese frosting over the entire surface of the cake. For easier slicing and to help the frosting set, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the most flavorful cake, always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Never overmix your cake batter; overmixing can lead to a tough, dry cake. Ensure your eggs, milk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smooth batter and fluffy frosting. If using frozen bananas, thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake. Test cake doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should come out clean. To achieve fluffy frosting, ensure cream cheese and butter are perfectly softened and beat them well before adding sugar.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This amazing banana cake with cake mix is versatile and stores well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delightful banana cake plain, or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or a cold glass of milk. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Store any leftover frosted cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frosted cake can also be frozen, but for best results, flash freeze uncovered until the frosting is firm, then wrap. It keeps well for up to 2 months.
Variations
- Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Brown Butter Frosting: Brown the butter for the cream cheese frosting before cooling and using it for a nutty depth of flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted cake before serving.
- Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for 18-22 minutes for individual treats.
Nutrition
This banana cake with cake mix recipe offers a delicious treat. While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, it typically provides carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Enjoying this cake in moderation is part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-550 |
| Total Fat | 20-30g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-18g |
| Cholesterol | 60-90mg |
| Sodium | 300-450mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50-70g |
| Sugars | 35-50g |
| Protein | 4-6g |
*Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients and serving size.*
FAQ
- Can I use a different flavor cake mix? Absolutely! While yellow, vanilla, or spice cake mix are recommended, a chocolate or even strawberry cake mix could offer an interesting twist to this banana cake with cake mix.
- What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough? If your bananas are not spotty brown, you can ripen them quickly by baking them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until skins are black and soft.
- Can I add sour cream or pudding mix for extra moisture? Yes, for an even moister cake, you can add ½ cup of sour cream or a small box of instant vanilla pudding mix to the batter.
- How to adjust for high altitude? For high altitude baking, consult your cake mix box for specific instructions, as minor adjustments to flour, liquid, or baking time may be necessary.
- Can I make this as a layer cake? You can divide the batter into two 8 or 9-inch round pans and adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes for a lovely layer cake.
Conclusion
This banana cake with cake mix truly embodies simple indulgence. It is a fantastic recipe for any home baker, transforming basic ingredients into a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert with minimal effort. Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy win or an experienced baker wanting a quick treat, this cake is perfect. Enjoy this delightful banana cake for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings!
The Easiest & Most Delicious Banana Cake with Cake Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. (Optional: For easier removal, line the base with parchment paper.) Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. With electric beaters, beat on low-medium speed for 40 seconds until well combined, ensuring not to over-mix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the tin and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the frosting.
- In a large mixing bowl using electric beaters, beat the softened cream cheese and butter for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape down the sides.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon together and beat for 40 seconds on medium-high speed until well combined and whipped.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled banana cake. Cut the cake into slices, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
