Three ingredient banana bread

Three ingredient banana bread is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Running Kimono on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 hr 55 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $2.80 total, $0.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 pieces Ripe Bananas (ripe, mashed)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz; any flavor works (chocolate, spice, etc.))
  • 0.25 cup Walnuts (chopped; optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray (to grease a 9×5 in loaf pan; can substitute butter or parchment paper)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Prepare Loaf Pan

    Spray the 9×5 in loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Mash Bananas

    Place the three ripe bananas in the mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or spatula until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Eggs

    Crack the two eggs into the mashed bananas and mix until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Incorporate Cake Mix

    Add the entire box of cake mix to the wet ingredients and run the stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Fold in Walnuts (Optional)

    Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts (or your chosen add‑in) and stir with a spatula for 1 minute until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Transfer Batter to Pan

    Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool

    Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely (45–60 minutes) before slicing.

    Time: PT60M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains eggs, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (cake mix), Tree nuts (walnuts)

Last updated: March 16, 2026

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Three ingredient banana bread

Recipe by Running Kimono

A quick and easy banana bread made with just three pantry staples—ripe bananas, eggs, and a box of cake mix. Optional walnuts add crunch. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert, this loaf comes together in under 30 minutes of hands‑on work and bakes in a standard home oven.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 18m
Prep
47m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.80
Total cost
$0.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat Oven
  • Mash Bananas
  • Incorporate Cake Mix (avoid over‑mixing)
  • Bake until a clean toothpick emerges
  • Cool completely before slicing

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not over‑mix the batter; it can become tough.
  • When using a stand mixer, keep fingers away from the moving beaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of banana bread in American cuisine?

A

Banana bread became popular in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II when resourceful home cooks used overripe bananas to avoid waste. It solidified its place as a classic comfort food in the 1970s with the rise of quick‑bread mixes.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of banana bread exist within American cuisine?

A

In the Southern U.S., banana bread often includes pecans or a swirl of cream cheese. West Coast versions may add blueberries or coconut, while New England bakers sometimes incorporate maple syrup for a richer flavor.

cultural
Q

How is banana bread traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically sliced and served at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, often toasted with butter or cream cheese. It also appears on brunch tables and is a popular potluck treat.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is banana bread commonly prepared in American culture?

A

Banana bread is a go‑to bake for family gatherings, bake‑sales, school fundraisers, and holiday brunches because it uses pantry staples and can be made ahead of time.

cultural
Q

What makes this three‑ingredient banana bread special in the context of American quick‑bread tradition?

A

It relies on a boxed cake mix as the dry base, eliminating the need for measuring flour, sugar, and leavening agents. This shortcut reflects the American love for convenience while still delivering a moist, flavorful loaf.

cultural
Q

How does the YouTube channel Running Kimono specialize in cooking content?

A

Running Kimono focuses on simple, pantry‑based recipes that blend Asian influences with Western comfort foods, often emphasizing minimal ingredient lists and quick preparation for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Running Kimono?

A

Running Kimono promotes resourceful cooking—maximizing ingredients you already have, using straightforward techniques, and providing clear visual cues so viewers can replicate dishes without specialized equipment.

channel
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑ingredient banana bread?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense texture; using under‑ripe bananas, which reduces sweetness and moisture; and not preheating the oven, leading to uneven rise.

technical
Q

Why does this banana bread recipe use a boxed cake mix instead of measuring flour, sugar, and leavening separately?

A

The cake mix already contains a balanced blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings, guaranteeing consistent texture and flavor while cutting down on prep time and ingredient shopping.

technical
Q

Can I make this banana bread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the loaf a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or wrap individual slices and freeze for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know the banana bread is done?

A

The loaf should be golden brown on top, with a slightly domed surface. Insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

technical

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