4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe: EASY & DELICIOUS

I SHOULD do something with those.” Well, THIS is THAT recipe for 4-ingredient banana bread! With just these FOUR simple ingredients, you can whip up a moist, flavorful banana bread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? It takes just 20 MINUTES to prep. My husband calls this my “lazy genius recipe,” and honestly, he’s not wrong..

Let’s get baking, y’all! 🍌🍞, If you’re a BANANA LOVER, check out our banana desserts collection for even more sweet ideas!

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Just FOUR!)

Here’s what makes this recipe so amazing: it’s ridiculously simple. You probably already have everything in your kitchen!

• 3 ripe bananas (the browner, the better this is their time to SHINE!)
• 1 box of yellow cake mix .
• 2 eggs (to make it all stick together like magic).
• Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, nuts, or a dash of cinnamon (not technically “required,” but SO GOOD).

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How to Make 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

Set Up Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare well your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for a hassle-free cleanup.

I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, and parchment paper is a GAME-CHANGER!

Smash Those Bananas

Take ripe bananas then place them in a large mixing bowl. You use a fork or a potato masher to squish them until they’re soft and creamy. A few small chunks are okay if you like a bit of texture in your bread.

Mix Everything Together

Crack the eggs into the mashed bananas and stir them together until combined. Add the boxed cake mix to the bowl and mix until your batter is smooth and lump-free. A simple wooden spoon works perfectly, but if you want to get fancy, a hand whisk works too! This is also the time to toss in extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Time to Bake it

Pour the batter into your already prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Gently tap the pan on your countertop to release any air bubbles. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Before You Slice

Once the bread is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Gently transfer the loaf to a wire rack then let it cool completely before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait no one wants squished banana bread!

Why 4-Ingredient Banana Bread is a Game-Changer

You’ve probably come across other banana bread recipes that call for a laundry list of ingredients flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oil, vanilla extract, and more. With this 4-ingredient banana bread recipe, we cut out all that fuss. By using boxed cake mix, you’re skipping the need for extra dry ingredients while still getting that bakery-level fluffiness.

It’s perfect for busy parents, college students, or even beginner bakers who want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. PLUS, it’s so foolproof that my 10-year-old niece managed to whip this up last weekend no burnt edges in sight.

A Healthier Twist on the 4-Ingredient Banana Bread Recipe

While this recipe is already super easy, you can make small adjustments to fit your lifestyle. Looking to cut back on sugar? Swap the regular cake mix for a sugar-free version. Want a protein boost? Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter. This 4-ingredient banana bread recipe is like a blank canvas you can tweak it as much (or as little) as you like.

I’ve even tried substituting the eggs with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor and extra moisture. My husband was convinced it was store-bought!

The Magic of Ripe Bananas in Banana Bread

Let’s talk about the real MVP of this 4-ingredient banana bread recipe: the bananas. Overripe bananas are loaded with natural sugars, which means they give your bread an extra sweet, caramel-like flavor. Plus, their mushy texture blends perfectly into the batter, making it silky smooth.

Here’s a tip: if you’re using frozen bananas, let them thaw completely and drain that excess liquid before mashing. This will prevent your batter from being too watery.

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The Day I Discovered The 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

OKAY, STORY TIME. It was a lazy Sunday, and my kitchen had this weird mix of ripe bananas and zero motivation. I was this close to tossing them when my sister-in-law called. She goes, “WHY don’t you just make banana bread?” I laughed and said, “Do I look like I have time for that?” She fired back with, “You NEED my 4-ingredient recipe. It’s so easy it’s basically cheating.” BOOM, that call changed my life. try this recipe OR whip up these banana brownies for a fudgy twist!

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How to Ripen Bananas FAST

You’ve got the banana bread craving, but your bananas are still GREEN. UGH, I KNOW. Don’t worry, I got you! Just pop those bananas (WITH the peels) into the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. They’ll go black on the outside, super soft on the inside, and PERFECT for mashing. Cool them a bit before using, or you’ll burn your fingers—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. 😉

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Why Boxed Cake Mix Is GENIUS

Let’s take a second to APPRECIATE cake mix. Some people might give it the side-eye, but HELLO it’s pre-mixed perfection. It’s got the flour, sugar, and leavening already in there, saving you time and energy (and dishes!). Honestly, I’d rather spend that extra time eating the banana bread. And BONUS: it makes the bread so fluffy and moist that people think you’ve been baking all day.

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Kid-Approved and FUN to Make

If you’ve got little ones at home, this recipe is a GAME-CHANGER. Last weekend, my niece helped me mash the bananas, and she had SO much fun. (She even called herself the “banana queen.”) It kept her busy for a solid 15 minutes aka enough time for me to sip my coffee in peace. Plus, when we pulled the bread out of the oven, she was so proud of her masterpiece.

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What to Serve It With 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

Banana bread is DELICIOUS on its own, but let’s make it EXTRA. Spread a little butter on a warm slice (OMG SO GOOD), or go big with peanut butter or cream cheese. For dessert, try it my husband’s way: warm it up, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce. BANANA BREAD SUNDAE. You’re welcome.

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Can You Double the Recipe? DUH!

One loaf is NEVER enough in my house. If you’re baking for a crowd (or you just want leftovers smart move), double the recipe! Use two loaf pans or one big one. Just keep an eye on the baking time; you might need to add a few extra minutes. Honestly, I usually make two loaves and freeze one for later. PRO TIP: Slice it before freezing, so you can grab a piece whenever you want.

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YOU GUYS ROCK!

You all seriously AMAZE me with your creativity! When I shared this recipe last month, I got so many messages about your twists. One reader added shredded coconut, another swapped the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips (GENIUS!), and someone else made it into muffins. Keep tagging me in your creations I LOVE seeing them and sharing the love!

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🤔 5 FAQs About 4-Ingredient Banana Bread

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🎉 Final Thoughts

So what are you waiting for? Grab those bananas and let’s BAKE. And if you’re a true BANANA LOVER, don’t miss our easy banana pudding recipe another crowd-pleaser in my house!