Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration
I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when I can elevate it with a swirl of Nutella. The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate hazelnut spread creates an irresistible flavor that my family can't get enough of. This recipe is simple yet decadent, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. I enjoy experimenting with the amount of Nutella to find the perfect balance, and I promise it will have everyone asking for the recipe. Join me in creating a banana bread that is anything but ordinary!
When I decided to combine banana bread with Nutella, I was unsure if it would live up to my expectations. However, the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had created something special. The Nutella melts into the warm bread, adding a gooey richness that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the bananas. This was a game-changer!
Over time, I experimented with different nuts and even spices, but I always returned to the classic Nutella swirl. It creates a beautiful marbling effect that makes every slice a visual delight. I recommend letting it cool slightly before slicing to ensure that each piece holds its shape perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh banana sweetness
- Gooey Nutella swirl that creates a beautiful marbling
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of this banana bread is, of course, the ripe bananas. The more speckled and brown they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. As you mash them, aim for a chunky consistency; this adds texture to your final product. Additionally, the melted butter is crucial for contributing moisture and richness. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute coconut oil, which will infuse the bread with a light tropical aroma.
Sugar not only sweetens your banana bread but also contributes to its caramelization during baking, creating that beautifully golden crust. While white sugar is traditional, you can experiment by using brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor. Lastly, the Nutella introduces a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, creating a gooey swirl that melts beautifully. Use a spoon to measure it out and ensure you're not scooping directly from the jar for a more controlled amount.
Mastering the Baking Process
When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Too much mixing can lead to dense banana bread, which is overly chewy rather than pleasantly moist. You should stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. The batter should be lumpy but combined. Also, be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure there are no hidden bits of flour or unincorporated ingredients.
A critical step in achieving a perfectly baked banana bread is monitoring the time and temperature. I recommend starting to check for doneness a few minutes before the full baking time has elapsed; ovens can vary. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but if it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Letting the banana bread cool in the pan for a brief time before transferring to a wire rack helps avoid sogginess.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and then mix in the flour until just incorporated.
Add Nutella
Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the Nutella over the batter, then add the remaining banana bread batter on top.
Swirl Nutella
Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the remaining Nutella into the top of the batter.
Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For best results, use overripe bananas as they are sweeter and add more moisture to the bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store leftovers, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh on your kitchen counter for up to three days, but if you want to extend its life, consider freezing it. Slice the bread and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw a slice at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
I often make a double batch of this banana bread and freeze one loaf to enjoy later. This not only saves time but means I always have a delightful treat on hand for unexpected guests or snack cravings. Just remember to label your freezer bag with the date; banana bread can be frozen for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve your banana bread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience. For a polished touch, dust with powdered sugar right before serving. You can also pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack break.
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You could add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch, or mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavored extracts like almond or rum to customize the depth of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How do I store leftover banana bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I add nuts to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
→ What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when I can elevate it with a swirl of Nutella. The combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate hazelnut spread creates an irresistible flavor that my family can't get enough of. This recipe is simple yet decadent, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. I enjoy experimenting with the amount of Nutella to find the perfect balance, and I promise it will have everyone asking for the recipe. Join me in creating a banana bread that is anything but ordinary!
What You'll Need
For the Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Nutella
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with melted butter. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and then mix in the flour until just incorporated.
Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the Nutella over the batter, then add the remaining banana bread batter on top.
Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the remaining Nutella into the top of the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For best results, use overripe bananas as they are sweeter and add more moisture to the bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g