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
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Loaf Pan
Spray the 9×5 in loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Time: PT2M
Mash Bananas
Place the three ripe bananas in the mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or spatula until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Add Eggs
Crack the two eggs into the mashed bananas and mix until fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
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
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
Transfer Batter to Pan
Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
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
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)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Yellow Cake Mix: All‑purpose flour + baking powder + sugar
- Instead of Walnuts: Pecans, Chocolate chips, Blueberries
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Butter, Parchment paper
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×5 in Loaf Pan
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Toothpick
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat Oven
- Mash Bananas
- Incorporate Cake Mix (avoid over‑mixing)
- Bake until a clean toothpick emerges
- Cool completely before slicing
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before folding them in.
- If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add 2‑3 tbsp of brown sugar to the batter.
- A pinch of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.
Troubleshooting
Bread is too dense or gummy.
Do not over‑mix after adding the cake mix and ensure the bananas are fully mashed. Also, check that the oven is properly preheated.
Bread cracks on top.
Reduce oven temperature by 10‑15°F or cover the loaf loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Bread sticks to the pan.
Generously grease the pan or line it with parchment paper before pouring the batter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 1–2 days, covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the loaf a day ahead; it actually slices more cleanly after it has rested.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for quick breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of banana bread in American cuisine?
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.
What regional variations of banana bread exist within American cuisine?
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.
How is banana bread traditionally served in American households?
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.
During which occasions is banana bread commonly prepared in American culture?
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.
What makes this three‑ingredient banana bread special in the context of American quick‑bread tradition?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Running Kimono specialize in cooking content?
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.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Running Kimono?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑ingredient banana bread?
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.
Why does this banana bread recipe use a boxed cake mix instead of measuring flour, sugar, and leavening separately?
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.
Can I make this banana bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know the banana bread is done?
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.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
