Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Nutella

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I absolutely love baking this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl! The combination of ripe bananas and rich, creamy Nutella creates an irresistible treat that my family can't get enough of. I've perfected this recipe over numerous bake-offs with my friends, and each time the bread comes out moist, flavorful, and beautifully swirled. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. I truly believe the key to the best texture is using overripe bananas and swirled Nutella just before baking, which makes every slice exciting as you never know how much Nutella you'll get!

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:22:34.639Z

When I first developed this recipe, I wanted to create something that combined classic banana bread with a beloved treat, Nutella. After several iterations, I discovered that gently folding the Nutella into the batter creates a delightful swirl, ensuring that every bite offers an explosion of flavor. The creaminess of Nutella complements the natural sweetness of the bananas perfectly!

I also realized that baking time is crucial; if you take it out too soon, the center can remain gooey. Using a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness is a game changer—if it comes out clean, you’re all set for that perfect banana loaf!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The irresistible combination of banana and Nutella
Moist and fluffy texture with every slice
Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent dessert

      

Mastering the Banana Bread Batter

The batter for this banana bread is what truly sets it apart. Using overripe bananas is essential, as their higher sugar content enhances the natural sweetness and contributes to the moistness of the bread. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots or even dark skins; this indicates maximum ripeness. Don't rush the mashing process! Take a moment to mash them well, ensuring that there are no large chunks left, which can interfere with the even texture of the final product.

Mixing the batter requires a gentle hand. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the desired light, fluffy texture. Once you add the flour, mix just until you see no dry streaks; small lumps are fine. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream or yogurt to your batter. This extra ingredient can intensify creaminess and moisture, elevating the banana bread to the next level.

Nutella Swirling Techniques

Swirling Nutella into your banana bread is both an art and a science. When dolloping Nutella over the batter, use a spoon to create generous dollops that will melt beautifully into the bread as it bakes. I recommend placing them evenly across the surface to ensure that each slice has the potential for that delightful Nutella marbling. Be cautious not to over-swirl; you want to see distinct ribbons of Nutella rather than a fully blended mixture.

For a striking visual effect, consider lightly layering the Nutella between the two portions of batter. This method not only introduces more Nutella flavor but also creates a beautiful cross-section when you slice into the finished bread. It’s a great way to keep everyone guessing where the Nutella will pop up in each slice!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the most delicious banana bread with a Nutella twist!

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Nutella

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Nutella swirl banana bread.

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 baking soda and salt. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Add Flour

Gradually mix in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Layer with Nutella

Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add dollops of Nutella on top, then pour the remaining banana batter over the Nutella. Use a knife to swirl it gently for a marbled effect.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

This bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter for added sweetness.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Proper storage is vital to maintaining the freshness of your banana bread. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Room temperature storage will keep the bread moist for about 3-4 days. If managing leftovers, consider freezing individual slices with parchment paper in between for easy thawing later. This method ensures you can enjoy a slice anytime without compromising texture or flavor.

When freezing, wrap the bread well and place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze banana bread for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply set it out on the counter for a couple of hours, or pop it in a microwave on low power in 10-15 second intervals for a warm treat.

Serving Suggestions

This Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl is wonderful on its own, but there are countless ways to elevate its deliciousness. For an indulgent breakfast, toast slices and spread a thin layer of butter on warm pieces, making sure the Nutella gets all gooey again. Pair it with a robust cup of coffee or a creamy latte to kickstart your day.

For dessert lovers, serve slices warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, chocolatey banana bread and the cold ice cream is heavenly. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and mash them before using.

→ How can I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the flour?

You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option; it will slightly change the texture.

→ Is it okay to use less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your liking, but keep in mind it will affect the sweetness.