There are some recipes that feel almost too simple to work – and this 3 ingredient banana cake is one of them. Made with just cake mix, ripe bananas, and eggs, this easy dessert comes together in one bowl and bakes into a soft, sliceable cake that’s perfect for everyday baking.
This banana cake has the familiar flavor of banana bread, but it’s baked as a simple cake using cake mix for a lighter, softer texture. If you’ve made my 3 ingredient banana bread or banana muffins made with cake mix, this recipe follows the same idea – ripe bananas provide moisture and flavor, while the cake mix keeps the ingredient list short. Instead of baking it in a loaf or muffin tin, the batter is poured into a cake pan and sliced like a classic dessert.
Table of contents
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE
This 3 ingredient banana cake is an easy dessert that uses overripe bananas without needing oil, butter, or extra liquid.
It’s made with pantry staples and comes together in one bowl, making it ideal for beginner bakers, when you're in a hurry, or just don't want all the dishes that sometimes some with baking.
The cake bakes up soft and sliceable, so it feels more like a dessert than breakfast-style banana bread.
It works beautifully plain or dressed up with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream.
INGREDIENTS
Yes, this cake mix dessert uses only 3 ingredients!
Spice cake mix – A standard 15.25 oz box. Yellow cake mix can also be used for a more classic banana flavor.
Ripe bananas – The riper the better. Mashed bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness. I usually use 3 large or 4 small bananas.
Eggs – Help bind the batter and give the cake structure. I've made banana muffins without eggs and it is delicious just a little more dense.
HOW TO MAKE 3 INGREDIENT BANANA CAKE
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. I just stick to using a regular nonstick spray (Original Pam).
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
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Step 3
Add the eggs and cake mix. Stir until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter will be thick.
Step 4
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 5
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing or frosting. I frosted with optional cream cheese frosting - ingredients and instructions below.
OPTIONAL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
This banana cake is delicious on its own, but a simple cream cheese frosting makes it feel like a bakery-style dessert and really helps the finished cake stand out visually.
Ingredients
Cream cheese, softened
Butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Instructions
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and spreadable. Frost the cooled cake.
OTHER SERVING IDEAS
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Serve slices warm with vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy it plain with coffee or tea for an easy snack-style dessert
STORAGE
Store banana cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate and store for up to 4 days.
FAQS
Yes. Yellow cake mix works well and gives a more traditional banana flavor.
This recipe is best baked as a cake. For loaf-style banana bread, use a recipe specifically written for that format. Like this one - 3 Ingredient Banana Loaf
Very ripe bananas with brown spots work best and provide the most flavor.
Other Banana Recipes using Cake Mix
Easy 3 Ingredient Banana Cake (Made with Cake Mix)
Ingredients
- 13.25 oz spice cake mix I used Betty Crocker but other brands also work.
- 3 large bananas ripe - or 4 small ones
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl.
- Add eggs and cake mix and stir until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Notes
Frosting is optional.
Nutrition (estimate)
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