The ultimate comfort bake just got even better with the addition of creamy, dreamy Nutella. This Nutella Banana Bread blends the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the nutty cocoa flavors of Nutella for a loaf that’s both nostalgic and next-level delicious.
Perfect for breakfast, a coffee break, or dessert, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and satisfying for seasoned bakers. The swirls of Nutella create a marbled effect throughout the moist banana crumb, making each slice as stunning as it is scrumptious. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s guaranteed to delight chocolate and banana lovers alike.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (or neutral oil)
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for swirling)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Gently fold in 1/2 cup of Nutella into the batter. You can lightly swirl it in for ribbons of Nutella goodness.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop additional Nutella on top and use a knife to create beautiful swirls.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
Nutella Banana Bread: The Irresistible Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed
When it comes to comfort baking, banana bread has always been a go-to. Its moist crumb, naturally sweet flavor, and delightful aroma make it a timeless classic in every baker’s repertoire. But what if we told you there’s a way to take it up a notch? Enter Nutella Banana Bread, a decadent fusion of ripe bananas and rich, creamy Nutella that transforms your favorite loaf into an indulgent masterpiece.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional banana bread or a Nutella enthusiast, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers to master yet impressive enough to serve as a sweet centerpiece at brunch, dessert, or an afternoon tea. This heavenly combination of soft banana bread swirled with ribbons of hazelnut-chocolate spread creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and texture.
Why Nutella Banana Bread Works
The success of this recipe lies in the simplicity and synergy of its ingredients. Bananas naturally provide moisture, sweetness, and structure to baked goods. When combined with Nutella, a spread made of hazelnuts and cocoa, you get a lush, slightly gooey, flavor-packed contrast to the light and fluffy banana base. The swirling technique not only looks beautiful but also ensures that every bite carries both banana and Nutella notes.
Unlike some overly complicated desserts, Nutella Banana Bread doesn’t require any mixers or special tools. It’s a one-bowl wonder (plus a swirl of Nutella) that bakes up into a loaf with a crisp crust and tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Even better, it keeps well for days and tastes just as good reheated, chilled, or straight from the loaf pan.
The Ingredients Behind the Magic
Let’s take a deeper look at the core elements of this loaf:
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Bananas: Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. The more ripe they are, the more sweetness and moisture they bring to the batter. They also lend a slight caramelized flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully.
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Nutella: Smooth, creamy, and rich, Nutella is the hero of this dish. Its nutty undertones and chocolatey richness add depth to the bread, making it feel like a dessert without being overwhelmingly sweet.
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Butter or Oil: This adds fat to keep the crumb tender. Butter gives a slightly richer flavor, while oil makes for a slightly moister loaf. Choose based on your preference.
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Eggs and Milk: These ingredients add structure and tenderness. Milk (dairy or non-dairy) balances the batter’s texture, while eggs act as a binder and help the loaf rise.
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Brown and White Sugar: Brown sugar adds molasses-like depth and moisture, while white sugar adds sweetness and balances flavor. You can adjust this based on how sweet your bananas are.
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Flour and Baking Soda: Flour provides structure, while baking soda helps the loaf rise. Be sure not to overmix once you add the flour, as that can toughen the bread.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Loaf
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Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more aromatic your bread will be. Don’t be afraid of brown skins, they’re golden for baking.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and chewy.
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Warm the Nutella slightly before swirling: This makes it easier to spoon and swirl into the batter without dragging or clumping.
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Line your pan: Greasing your pan or using parchment paper helps ensure your loaf doesn’t stick, especially with Nutella swirls near the edges.
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Check doneness with a toothpick: Your loaf should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
Variations and Add-Ins
Once you’ve mastered the basic Nutella Banana Bread, feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some delicious ideas to explore:
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Add chocolate chips for an extra chocolate punch.
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Mix in chopped hazelnuts to amplify the nutty flavor and add crunch.
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Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a salted chocolate banana twist.
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Swirl in peanut butter with the Nutella for a PB-Choco-Banana combo.
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Top with banana slices before baking for a beautiful presentation and caramelized finish.
You can also bake this recipe into muffins or mini loaves to make it more portable and lunchbox-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
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Warm with butter: Slice the loaf thick and serve it warm with a pat of salted butter for a nostalgic comfort snack.
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With coffee or tea: Nutella Banana Bread is the perfect pairing for your favorite hot drink, especially espresso or chai.
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As a dessert: Dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an easy dinner-party-worthy treat.
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French toast: Use leftover slices to make banana bread French toast. Trust us, this is next-level brunch magic.
Storage and Freezing
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To store: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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To refrigerate: Store for up to 5 days, though this may firm up the texture slightly.
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To freeze: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave at room temperature or microwave in short intervals.
Healthier Swaps
Want to make this indulgent recipe a little healthier? Try these substitutions:
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Swap white flour for whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour.
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Replace sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
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Use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of butter or oil.
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Use a nut-free spread like SunButter if you’re catering to allergies.
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Reduce the Nutella slightly and increase banana content for a lighter flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nutella Banana Bread is not just another loaf. It’s a celebration of classic flavors made better. The contrast between the earthy sweetness of bananas and the luxurious richness of Nutella creates a dynamic flavor profile that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s a loaf you can make on a lazy Sunday and still proudly bring to a gathering. Whether for a weekday breakfast or a weekend indulgence, it ticks all the boxes: easy, delicious, versatile, and heartwarming.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your classic banana bread, this Nutella twist is a must-try. It’s a recipe that brings joy with every slice, whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted the next day. The delicate banana crumb, decadent Nutella swirls, and simple preparation make it an essential in any home baker’s rotation.
No matter the occasion, brunch with friends, a cozy snack on a rainy day, or a thoughtful homemade gift, Nutella Banana Bread never fails to impress. So, grab those ripe bananas, warm up your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.