This banana cake using cake mix is the easiest way to get soft, fluffy, bakery-style results at home without the fuss of baking from scratch. A box of yellow cake mix gets a major upgrade thanks to ripe bananas and banana cream pudding, delivering rich banana flavor in every bite. If you've got overripe bananas on the counter, this is the cake to make.
If you decide to add some chopped nuts, read up on how to toast pecans for the maximum flavor. I also have a whole collection of ice cream maker recipes for you to check out.
Ingredient needed:
You'll need a golden butter cake mix and banana cream pudding to punch up the banana flavor, plus fresh bananas for natural sweetness and a gooey upside-down topping.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are a few swaps that still work:
- Cake mix: Yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix can work in a pinch.
- Banana cream pudding: Use instant vanilla pudding and add ½ teaspoon banana extract if needed.
- Whole milk: Swap for 2% or skim milk.
- Vegetable oil: Melted butter, canola oil or unsweetened applesauce also works.
- Fresh bananas: You can use thawed frozen bananas for the batter, but use fresh slices for the topping.
Can I add nuts or chocolate?
Yes! Stir ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking if you want some extra texture or richness.
How to make banana cake using a box mix
If you love banana bread, try this banana cake using cake mix. Gooey topping, fresh banana slices, and banana pudding make it irresistible.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
Grease your bundt pan generously with nonstick spray or coat with butter and dust with flour.
Make the Banana Cake Batter
- Mash 2 bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Add cake mix, pudding mix, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, eggs, milk, and oil.
- Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Set aside.
Mix the Brown Sugar Topping
Melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon.
Layer in the Pan
- Pour the brown sugar mixture into the bundt pan and spread evenly.
- Layer sliced bananas on top, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
Add the Batter
Gently pour the cake batter over the bananas and smooth the top. Try not to shift the banana layer.
Bake
Bake for about 40 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Invert
Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate. That caramelized banana topping should release beautifully.
Make-Ahead Tip
Bake your cake the night before, let it cool, and store it (covered) in the fridge. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's best enjoyed cold or at room temp. If freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Seasonal Favorite
This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Yes but for the cake batter portion only. Thawed bananas work well when mashed into the mix. For the banana slices layered in the bottom of the bundt pan, use fresh bananas so they caramelize in the brown sugar and hold their shape.
I highly recommend using a fluted bundt pan. The bundt shape helps with the signature flip and gives the cake that beautiful upside-down presentation. A tube pan can also be an option but don't use one that comes in 2 parts. There will be a leak of the brown sugar topping. A 9x13 pan can work, but you will need to adjust the baking time.
Totally normal. Some of the buttery sugar mix may cling to the pan, especially if it has cooled too long and if the pan did not get sprayed enough when preparing. Just spoon any stuck bits out and gently press them back onto the top of the cake while it's still warm.
Banana Cake Using Cake Mix, Pudding & Bananas
Ingredients
- 4 Bananas Ripe and small.
- 1 15.25 ounce Box Golden Butter Cake Mix 15.25 ounces
- 1 3.4 ounces Box Banana Cream Pudding 3.4 ounces
- ½ Cup Whole Milk
- ⅓ Cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Eggs
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon divided
- ½ Cup Butter ½ cup
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar packed
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
- Peel two of the bananas and place them in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, smash them until they have no large chunks.4 Bananas
- Add the cake mix, pudding mix, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, the eggs, the milk, and the oil to the bowl with the mashed banana.1 15.25 ounce Box Golden Butter Cake Mix, 1 3.4 ounces Box Banana Cream Pudding, ½ Cup Whole Milk, 3 Eggs, 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon, ⅓ Cup Vegetable Oil
- Using a hand mixer, beat until well mixed. Set aside.
- Place the butter in a small bowl and microwave for a minute or until fully melted.½ Cup Butter
- Add the brown sugar and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon to the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.1 Cup Brown Sugar
- Spray a standard bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray right before placing the brown sugar mixture in the bottom. Spread evenly.
- Peel and slice the two remaining bananas. Place the banana slices in the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of the pan, covering the bottom in only one layer of bananas that slightly overlap in the middle.
- Gently pour the cake batter over the top of the bananas and brown sugar. Make sure the cake batter is sitting evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a moist or slightly sticky crumb.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before gently inverting the cake onto a serving tray or large plate. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Cake mix: Yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix can work in a pinch.
- Banana cream pudding: Use instant vanilla pudding and add ½ teaspoon banana extract if needed.
- Whole milk: Swap for 2% or skim milk.
- Vegetable oil: Melted butter, canola oil or unsweetened applesauce also works.
- Fresh bananas: You can use thawed frozen bananas for the batter, but use fresh slices for the topping.
Nutrition Discolure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 16 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Comments
No Comments