This banana bundt cake recipe with cake mix is a simple shortcut to a classic, crowd-pleasing treat. By starting with a boxed yellow cake mix and adding ripe bananas and a few pantry staples, you can create a moist, flavorful cake with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas and comes together quickly for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/4 cups mashed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar or glaze, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 10- to 12-cup bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are well coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Measure to ensure you have about 1 1/4 cups mashed banana.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Sprinkle the cake mix, cinnamon (if using), and salt over the wet ingredients. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Oven times can vary; start checking at 40 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite glaze, if desired. Slice and serve.
Tips
- Banana ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Brown, spotty bananas are best.
- Substitutions: You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or swap out vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer taste.
- Mix-ins: Add up to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Fold them in with the nuts.
- Bundt pan prep: Properly grease and flour your pan, especially if it has an intricate design. This helps prevent sticking and preserves the cake’s shape.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bundt cake is delicious as-is, but you can elevate it with a few simple touches:
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a cream cheese icing for extra richness.
- Pair slices with fresh berries or caramel sauce for a special dessert presentation.
- Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as part of a brunch spread.
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake: Substitute chocolate cake mix for yellow, and add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Banana Cake: Use spice cake mix instead of yellow, and increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons. Add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger for warm flavor.
- Banana Nutella Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of Nutella into the batter after pouring into the pan and swirl gently with a knife before baking.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check all other ingredients for gluten content.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover banana bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh, where it will last up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.
To reheat, microwave a slice on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, white, butter, or even spice cake mixes all work well. Just be aware that using chocolate or spice mixes will change the overall flavor profile of your cake, but can be a delicious twist.
- What if I only have two bananas?
- If you have just two bananas, you can still make the cake, but the banana flavor will be milder and the cake slightly less moist. To compensate, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or yogurt to keep the texture soft. If possible, use three bananas for best results.
- How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?
- Generously grease every nook and cranny of your bundt pan with butter or nonstick baking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. For pans with intricate designs, use a pastry brush to ensure even coverage. Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before inverting to help it release cleanly.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, banana bundt cake is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake it up to two days in advance, cool completely, and store tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Add any glazes or icing just before serving for the freshest appearance.
- Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes or loaf pans?
- Yes, you can use this batter to make cupcakes or banana bread loaves. For cupcakes, fill liners 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. For loaf pans, bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Adjust baking times as needed, since pan sizes vary.
- Can I reduce the sugar or oil?
- You can reduce the granulated sugar to 1/4 cup for a less sweet cake, especially if your bananas are very ripe. The oil can be reduced to 1/3 cup, but the cake may be slightly less moist. For a lighter version, try replacing half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Related
- 25 Fall Cakes Inspiration for Your Autumn Celebrations
- 10 Delicious Fall Cakes in a Jar for Autumn Gatherings
- 15 Heart-Shaped Fall Cakes for Autumn Celebrations
Banana Bundt Cake Recipe with Cake Mix: Easy & Moist Dessert