Banana Cake Recipe With Box Cake Mix: Easy & Moist Dessert

If you’re searching for a moist, fluffy, and utterly delicious banana cake but want to skip all the fuss of baking from scratch, you’ve come to the right place! This banana cake recipe with box cake mix is your new best friend.

By starting with a simple boxed cake mix and adding a few fresh, flavorful ingredients, you can create a homemade-tasting banana cake that’ll fool even the fussiest eaters. Whether you have overripe bananas begging to be used or need a quick dessert for a last-minute get-together, this recipe delivers every time.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. With just a few tweaks, you can make this cake vegan, gluten-free, or dress it up for a special occasion.

The secret? Extra ripe bananas provide moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness, making each bite irresistible.

Keep reading for all the details—plus expert tips, nutrition facts, and creative serving ideas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: Using a box cake mix means you can get this cake in the oven in under 15 minutes.
• Perfect Texture: The bananas make the cake extra moist and tender—no dry crumbs here!
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to make it your own.
• Great for All Occasions: From birthday parties to weekday snacks, this cake fits every event.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters adore this cake, and little ones can help mash bananas or stir the batter.
• Reduces Food Waste: What better way to use up those spotty bananas?

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls – At least one large and one medium
• Whisk or Electric Mixer – For smooth batter
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accuracy
• Rubber Spatula – To scrape the bowl clean
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan (or two 8-inch round pans or a bundt pan)
• Nonstick Spray or Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking
• Cooling Rack – For perfect cooling

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the Bananas:

   In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Some small lumps are fine and add texture.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

   Add the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well blended and creamy.

4. Add Cake Mix:

   Sprinkle the dry cake mix, ground cinnamon, and salt over the wet mixture. Use a spatula or electric mixer on low to combine until just incorporated.

   Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

5. Fold in Add-ins (Optional):

   Gently fold in any nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

6. Pour into Pan:

   Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

7. Bake:

   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For bundt pans, baking time may extend to 40-45 minutes.

8. Cool:

   Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or slicing.

9. Serve:

   Slice and enjoy as is, or top with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

• “For an extra-rich cake, substitute half the oil with sour cream or Greek yogurt.”

• Vegan Banana Cake: Use a dairy-free cake mix, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and choose plant-based milk and oil.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap for a gluten-free cake mix—just watch baking times, as GF cakes can bake a bit faster.
• Spiced Banana Cake: Add 1/2 tsp nutmeg or allspice for a cozy twist.
• Double Banana Flavor: Stir in 1/2 cup banana chips or dried banana pieces for bursts of flavor.
• For a Layer Cake: Use two 8-inch round pans, adjust bake time to 20-25 minutes, and frost between layers with your favorite frosting.

• “Don’t overmix! Over-stirring can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined.”

• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Banana cake also freezes beautifully—wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition data is approximate and will vary based on cake mix and add-ins.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve plain, warm from the oven, or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Slather with tangy cream cheese frosting for a bakery-worthy treat.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips with a bit of cream and drizzle over each slice.
• Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
• Make It Festive: Sprinkle with chopped nuts and serve on a holiday platter. For more festive ideas, check out Australian Vegetarian Christmas Recipes for Festive Feasts.
• Pairings: Pair with a fresh salad for brunch, like this Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
• Lunchbox Treat: Wrap individual slices for a lunchbox surprise or after-school snack.

Conclusion

This banana cake recipe with box cake mix is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a show-stopping dessert. With minimal prep, accessible ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s the perfect solution for busy families, novice bakers, or anyone with a sweet tooth and a bunch of overripe bananas.

Whether you choose to make it vegan, gluten-free, or go classic, every bite is soft, moist, and filled with comforting banana flavor.

Baking should be joyful and stress-free, and this recipe delivers both. Next time you’re craving something special, skip the bakery and whip up this cake at home.

Looking for more easy and delicious plant-based baking? Don’t miss our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy, or explore Best Vegetarian Recipes Without Tofu for Every Meal for meal inspiration that goes beyond dessert.

Happy baking!

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