Easy Banana Nut Bread with Cake Mix Recipe

Banana nut bread with cake mix: a delightful shortcut to a moist and flavorful treat. This recipe simplifies baking without sacrificing taste or texture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Course Baking, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1 loaf

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

9x5-inch loaf pan
Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber Spatula
Whisk or fork
Oven
Wire Rack
Wooden Skewer or Toothpick

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the vegetable oil and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate Cake Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are acceptable.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Cinnamon: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and ground cinnamon (if using). Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve. Optional Tips: - For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of vegetable oil. - Chocolate chips can be added for a chocolate banana nut bread variation. - If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Banana nut bread with cake mix is a versatile treat suitable for various occasions. It serves well as a breakfast item, a midday snack, or a simple dessert. A slice of warm bread is an excellent accompaniment to coffee, tea, or milk. The bread can be enhanced with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. For a more decadent presentation, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, it can be toasted for added crispness or incorporated into bread pudding for a unique dessert.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is crucial for preserving the freshness and texture of banana nut bread with cake mix. Once cooled completely, the bread should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will remain fresh for approximately 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Alternatively, the bread can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the bread at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I use overripe bananas? Absolutely. Overripe bananas are ideal as they provide more moisture and intensify the banana flavor.

Question 2: Can I freeze banana nut bread? Yes, banana nut bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for best results.

Question 3: The top of my bread is browning too quickly. What should I do? Tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.

Question 4: Can I substitute applesauce for the oil? Yes, applesauce can be used as a partial substitute for oil to reduce the fat content. Start by replacing half the amount of oil with applesauce.

Keyword Cake Mix, Easy Baking, Easy Dessert