Easy Banana Cake With Cake Mix
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I love a one-layer cake when I need a quick dessert, and this Easy Banana Cake With Cake Mix is one of my go-to recipes. It transforms a basic box of yellow cake mix into a soft, flavorful banana cake using just a few overripe bananas and pantry staples.
With a cake mix shortcut, mashed bananas, and melted butter, this banana cake comes together in one bowl. It’s perfect for weeknights, last-minute get-togethers, or when you just want something warm and sweet from the oven.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This easy banana cake is proof that a boxed cake mix can still deliver homemade flavor. It’s quick to prepare, stays soft and tender for days, and tastes like you made it from scratch. Sam x
Ripe Banana Flavor – Overripe bananas add rich, natural sweetness
Cake Mix Shortcut – Starts with yellow cake mix to save time
Moist & Fluffy Texture – Mashed bananas and olive oil make it soft and flavorful
One Bowl, No Mixer – Just stir everything together
Anytime Cake – Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or casual desserts
Watch how to make banana cake with cake mix
Ingredients you’ll need
You only need a few basic ingredients to turn a box of cake mix into a flavorful banana cake:
- Yellow box cake mix – the base of the recipe
- Ripe bananas – mashed for moisture and flavor
- Eggs – to bind and add structure
- Milk – keeps the crumb soft
- Extra virgin olive oil – adds richness and moisture
- Vanilla extract – for sweetness and aroma
- Ground cinnamon – classic warm spice for banana cake
- Ground nutmeg – a hint of cozy depth
- Baking soda – helps the cake rise and stay fluffy
- Cream cheese – adds tang and creamy richness
- Unsalted butter – softens the texture and adds flavor
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the frosting
Easy substitutions
- Oil: Use any neutral oil like canola or light olive oil
- Milk: Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version
- Spices: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, or 1/8 tsp allspice for extra warmth
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor
How to make easy pineapple cake
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Step 2: Add the mashed bananas, eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat for 40 seconds until incorporated.
Step 3: Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and cinnamon until whipped. Frost cake and serve.
Samantha’s recipe tips
- Use Overripe Bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and softer they are
- Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined for a tender crumb
- Cool Before Frosting – Let the cake cool fully so the frosting doesn’t melt
- Check for Doneness – A skewer should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs
How to store
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze: Wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature
If you enjoy this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️ star rating and a comment review below. I love to hear what you think and it’s much appreciated. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Sam x
Easy Banana Cake With Cake Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven: 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined.

- Mix Ingredients:Â 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.
- Transfer To Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

- Bake Cake: Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

- Cool:Â 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.
- Mixing:Â 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.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon:Â Sift in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon together and beat for 40 seconds on medium-high speed until well combined and whipped.
- Frost Cake: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled banana cake.
Cut the cake into slices, serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I use any brand of cake mix for this banana cake?
Yes, you can use any brand of yellow, golden, or vanilla cake mix for this recipe. In the U.S., Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow or Duncan Hines Classic Yellow are great options. I often use Betty Crocker’s Super Moist Vanilla Cake Mix (540g), which works beautifully. For readers in Australia, Green’s Moist Vanilla Cake Mix (470g) is a great alternative. The banana adds so much moisture and flavor that even a basic mix ends up tasting homemade once baked.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes – just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They work great in banana cake and add extra sweetness!