How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (2024)

It won't be long before you're able to make this 3-ingredient banana bread without looking at the recipe!

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I promise that this is the easiest banana bread recipe you will ever find. You need only three simple ingredients: a box of the best cake mix, mashed ripe bananas and 2 eggs. That’s it.

You can use any flavor of cake mix here. I chose yellow cake mix for the classic version, but you can use a spice cake mix for added flavor or even a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate banana bread. This recipe also works well for those with dietary restrictions—hello, gluten-free cake mix!

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (1)ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Ingredients

  • 3-4 very ripe bananas
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • 2 large eggs

You can add some mix-ins to make each batch of banana bread special. It won’t be “3-ingredient” banana bread, but it will be tasty! Add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for flavor. For texture, toss in a handful of toasted nuts, chocolate chips or even dried fruit. For more ideas, check out this list of banana bread upgrades.

Tools You’ll Need

Directions

Step 1: Mash the bananas

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (5)ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

The key to flavorful banana bread is using very ripe bananas. As the skin darkens, the banana flavor becomes more pronounced. You’ll need 1-1/2 cups of mashed bananas for this recipe, so I used about 3 ripe bananas.

Step 2: Mix with cake mix and eggs

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (6)ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the cake mix and two eggs. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Bake and enjoy

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (7)ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Transfer the batter to a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack to cool completely before slicing.

You’ve probably heard ofmug cakes, so you get the idea. There’s no need for kneading with this banana bread in a mug recipe, try it out today!

How to Store and How to Serve

How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (8)ERIC KLEINBERG AND KRISTINA VÄNNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

This 3-ingredient banana bread can be kept wrapped on the countertop at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serve with a pat of butter, a slather of peanut butter or even Nutella. Leftovers of this banana bread also make great French toast!

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How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (9)

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Gluten-Free Almond CookiesMy friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves them! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

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Chocolate TrufflesYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio

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Flourless Peanut Butter CookiesWhen my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour , gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour?!). But since then I've never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—3 ingredients are all you need! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Peanut Butter Cookie CupsI’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky

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Potato Chip ClustersJust three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma

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Quick Double Chocolate BiscottiRefrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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How to Make 3-Ingredient Banana Bread for an Easy Snack Right Now (2024)
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