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: Soft Favorites

I absolutely adore this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl! It combines the classic warmth of banana bread with the luxurious richness of Nutella, creating a delightful treat that satisfies my sweet cravings. This recipe has become a go-to for me during the weekends when I have overripe bananas and want to impress my family with something simple yet indulgent. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it's baking is heavenly, making it hard to resist a slice as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:29:34.189Z

Baking this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl was a delightful experiment for me. I love how the rich, chocolatey flavor of Nutella harmonizes with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. I’ve found that using very ripe bananas is key—they not only add sweetness but also create a moist texture that's essential for good banana bread.

While mixing, I learned that swirling Nutella into the batter only slightly creates a marbled look, which adds to its visual appeal. Remember to not over-mix; we want those beautiful ribbons of Nutella to shine through. Each slice promises a sweet surprise of gooey chocolate, making this bread a true crowd-pleaser.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender banana bread with a rich chocolate twist
The Nutella swirl creates an irresistible contrast in flavors
Perfect for breakfast or dessert and easy to make

      

Mastering the Banana Base

The bananas you choose are crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your banana bread. Opt for very ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown on the outside; they’ll yield a sweeter and more flavorful result. If you're in a hurry and need to speed up the ripening process, you can place unripe bananas in a paper bag for a day or two. The ethylene gas they produce will hasten their ripening, ensuring they're soft enough to mash smoothly into your batter.

When mashing the bananas, aim for a consistency that still has some small chunks for texture. This will create a wonderfully moist bread while still giving you those delightful bites of banana. I’ve found that using a potato masher works best, as it allows you to achieve both smoothness and an occasional chunk effortlessly.

The Art of Swirling Nutella

Swirling Nutella into the batter can seem tricky, but it’s all about technique. Be sure not to overmix once the Nutella is in; you want to maintain distinct layers for that beautiful marbled effect. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl through the top layer after you've added the remaining batter. The key is to do this lightly, leaving some Nutella visible on the surface, which will caramelize beautifully during baking.

If you want to customize the filling, consider adding chopped hazelnuts or walnuts with the Nutella. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a complementary crunch. Just keep in mind that incorporating nuts will change the texture slightly, making it a heartier loaf.

Storage and Enjoying Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the refrigerator for a week. For longer preservation, banana bread freezes beautifully; just slice it before freezing so you can easily take out individual pieces as needed. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

This banana bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways! Serve it plain for breakfast, toast it with a bit of butter for an indulgent snack, or even use it as a base for a decadent dessert. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat when entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients listed below to make your delicious banana bread:

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

Once you have all your ingredients, it's time to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect banana bread with a Nutella swirl:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas then stir in the melted butter. Mix in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar and Egg

Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla until well combined.

Incorporate Flour

Add the flour and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.

Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of Nutella over the batter, then add the remaining batter and swirl the Nutella through the top layer.

Bake

Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Banana Bread with Nutella swirl, perfect for sharing or savoring alone!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter along with the Nutella for added texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider substituting the sugar with honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners can provide a different flavor profile and may make your banana bread a bit moister. Just remember to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to account for the added moisture from these sweeteners.

For a dairy-free version, you can replace the melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This will keep the richness intact while making it suitable for those avoiding dairy. Additionally, using flaxseed meal mixed with water is a great egg substitute for a vegan option, maintaining the moisture and binding the ingredients effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Keeping a close eye on your mixing technique will ensure a light and fluffy loaf. Another potential pitfall is baking it for too long; check for doneness at the 55-minute mark to avoid a dry texture.

In case your bread sinks in the middle, it could be a result of underbaking. Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer, as many home ovens can run cooler or hotter than indicated. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook through.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch, consider dusting the cooled banana bread with powdered sugar as a finishing touch. It adds an elegant element, especially if you're serving it for brunch or a gathering. A drizzle of melted Nutella on top can also enhance the visual appeal and provide a delightful taste contrast.

Pair slices of your banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea to create a cozy snack timestamp. For an adult twist, don’t hesitate to pair it with a dessert wine or a creamy dessert-flavored liqueur. Whether served plain or dressed up, this banana bread will certainly impress family and friends alike.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them and drain excess liquid before mashing.

→ What can I substitute for Nutella?

You can use any chocolate hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months.