Nutella Banana Bread

This Nutella Banana Bread is everything you love about classic banana bread, taken to the next level with rich, creamy swirls of hazelnut chocolate spread. The combination of sweet ripe bananas and indulgent Nutella creates a moist, tender loaf that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this loaf pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Its marbled design adds a homemade yet bakery-worthy charm that will impress guests, while the flavor delivers pure comfort in every slice. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup Nutella, slightly warmed for easier swirling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated.

3. Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until combined.

4. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir in flour until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half the Nutella on top, swirling gently with a knife.

6. Add remaining batter, then dollop the rest of the Nutella and swirl again for a marbled effect.

7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

Nutella Banana Bread – A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite

Banana bread is one of those timeless comfort foods that never goes out of style. Its rich banana flavor, moist texture, and simple preparation make it a staple in kitchens around the world. But if you’re looking to elevate this beloved classic into something truly indulgent, Nutella Banana Bread is the perfect way to do it.

This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the velvety richness of Nutella, the world-famous hazelnut chocolate spread, to create a loaf that is part breakfast, part dessert, and entirely irresistible. The beautiful swirls of Nutella not only add flavor but also turn the bread into a bakery-worthy masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing… or savoring all to yourself.

The Inspiration Behind Nutella Banana Bread

Banana bread has humble beginnings, first becoming popular in the 1930s when home bakers wanted to make good use of overripe bananas. Nutella, meanwhile, was created in the 1940s in Italy as a way to stretch limited cocoa supplies by blending it with hazelnuts. Bringing these two iconic flavors together creates something magical, the sweetness of the bananas perfectly balances the rich chocolatey-hazelnut spread.

For many, Nutella Banana Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic treat that blends comfort with a hint of indulgence. Whether served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet ending to dinner, it fits any occasion.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Great recipes begin with great ingredients, and this loaf is no exception.

Ripe Bananas:
The bananas should be very ripe, the browner spots on the skin, the better. Ripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and add extra moisture to the bread. They also blend more easily into the batter, giving your loaf a smooth texture.

Nutella:
While you can use store-bought Nutella for convenience, you can also make a homemade version if you want to control the sweetness or use higher-quality cocoa. Warming the Nutella slightly before swirling makes it easier to work with and creates a prettier marbled effect.

Butter:
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness of the bread. It adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute with coconut oil or plant-based margarine.

Sugar:
Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you could swap some of it for brown sugar to introduce a light caramel flavor and extra moisture.

Flour:
All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving the bread enough structure while keeping it tender. If you prefer a healthier twist, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though this will create a slightly denser loaf.

Egg & Vanilla:
The egg helps bind the ingredients, while vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and overall aroma.

Leavening:
Baking soda is the main rising agent, reacting with the acidity of the bananas to help the bread rise and become fluffy.

The Secret to Moist, Tender Banana Bread

The key to a perfect loaf is not overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, gently fold it in until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a dense bread. Another tip is to avoid opening the oven door too early, sudden changes in temperature can cause the loaf to collapse in the center.

If you want an extra moist texture, you can add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This small addition enhances the tenderness without altering the flavor too much.

Creating the Perfect Nutella Swirl

A big part of the appeal of this bread is its visual presentation. To get a beautiful swirl:

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Dollop half the warmed Nutella on top.

3. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter, don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the marbled effect.

4. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and Nutella.

When baked, the Nutella melts into pockets of rich flavor, making each slice a delightful mix of banana bread and hazelnut chocolate goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Nutella Banana Bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Fresh from the Oven: Serve warm with an extra smear of Nutella for an over-the-top treat.

• With Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors pair beautifully with your morning latte or afternoon Earl Grey.

• As a Dessert: Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• French Toast Style: Dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry for a decadent breakfast.

• Gift Giving: Wrap cooled slices or mini loaves in parchment paper and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different twists:

• Nutella & Peanut Butter Swirl: Add half Nutella and half peanut butter for a sweet-salty combo.

• Chocolate Chip Upgrade: Fold in chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness.

• Nutella & Berries: Swirl in fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

• Nutella Muffins: Bake the batter in muffin tins for quick, portable treats.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your Nutella Banana Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap in plastic, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winning combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the ripe bananas is perfectly balanced by the deep, nutty richness of the Nutella. The loaf has a soft, moist crumb, while the Nutella creates pockets of melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Conclusion

Nutella Banana Bread is proof that even the simplest recipes can be transformed into something extraordinary with just one or two special ingredients. By combining the familiar comfort of banana bread with the luxurious taste of Nutella, you create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family breakfast, a potluck, or simply as a way to use up overripe bananas, this recipe is a surefire hit. One bite is all it takes to turn an ordinary day into something a little sweeter. So, grab those bananas sitting on your counter, warm up some Nutella, and get ready to bake a loaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds.