Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients and ensuring your bananas are ripe with plenty of brown spots. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Peel your bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth, leaving a few small chunks if you like a bit of texture in your banana bread. If you prefer a silky batter, use a hand blender.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the same bowl with the mashed bananas. Whisk them together until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, folding it in gently with a spatula. Stir just until all the dry mix is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender. At this stage, fold in any optional add-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts.

Step 5: Pour Batter into the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it’s still wet, bake for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the bread sets properly and slices cleanly.