Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to combine rich hazelnut flavor with the sweet, comforting taste of ripe bananas, these Nutella Banana Muffins are about to become your new favorite treat! These muffins are unbelievably moist and fluffy, swirled with creamy Nutella in every bite, and perfect for everything from lazy weekend breakfasts to after-school snacks. Whether you’re a devoted Nutella fan or just hoping to use up those spotty bananas on the counter, this recipe hits every note of decadence, comfort, and pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good news! Every ingredient here is easy to find, but each one plays its own special role in making these Nutella Banana Muffins delicious, tender, and absolutely irresistible. Here’s how they come together to create muffin magic:

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for structure, keeping muffins light yet hearty.
• Baking soda & baking powder: This dream team gives lift and helps your muffins rise sky-high.
• Salt: Just a little enhances the flavors of both Nutella and banana, so don’t skip it!
• Ripe bananas: Super ripe is best for maximum sweetness and moisture—plus, they add beautiful banana flavor.
• Butter (melted): Melted butter makes these muffins rich and insanely tender.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hit of caramel-esque sweetness and a moist crumb.
• Granulated sugar: For balanced sweetness with a classic bakery-quality texture.
• Eggs: The binding agent—gives structure and makes the crumb super soft.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in a subtle warmth that rounds out every bite.
• Nutella: The star swirl—melts in, offering ribbons of chocolate-hazelnut decadence in every muffin.

How to Make Nutella Banana Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners—this not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps the muffins stay delightfully moist. Set your pan aside while you get your ingredients ready!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Giving these a quick mix ensures an even rise and prevents any pockets of baking soda from sneaking into your finished muffins. Once combined, set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until nice and smooth. If you’re going by volume, six medium-sized bananas should get you right to the magic number: two cups. This is where the magic (and moisture) really starts!

Step 4: Mix and Fold Dry Ingredients

Add your bowl of mixed dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated—don’t overmix! Scrape around the sides and the bottom to make sure nothing is hiding. This step is key for keeping your Nutella Banana Muffins tender.

Step 5: Warm the Nutella

Scoop your Nutella into a microwave-safe bowl and give it a quick zap for about 30 seconds. Warming it makes it super easy to swirl through your muffin batter, creating those gorgeous, chocolatey ribbons that everyone loves.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl

Fill each muffin liner about three-quarters of the way with your beautiful banana batter. Add a teaspoon-sized dollop of the warmed Nutella right on top of each one. Use a toothpick or a butter knife to swirl the Nutella into the batter—just a few quick twists will deliver bakery-worthy swirls!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your muffins into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little Nutella on the toothpick is okay, just not raw batter). The tops should look springy and golden around the edges.

Step 8: Cool… or Enjoy Warm!

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 15 minutes—this helps them set and get that ideal texture. Then, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling, or go ahead and treat yourself to a warm Nutella Banana Muffin right away (highly recommended!).

How to Serve Nutella Banana Muffins

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try dusting the tops with powdered sugar or adding a few banana slices after baking. You can even drizzle a touch more Nutella on top for the ultimate gooey finish. A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or mini chocolate chips also brings texture and that wow factor to your muffins.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or set out a bowl of Greek yogurt to mellow the sweetness. Hot coffee or a frothy latte makes these Nutella Banana Muffins especially cozy—think of them as a decadent pairing for your favorite morning beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Host a brunch? Pile the muffins high on a bakery-style cake stand; they look gorgeous with those Nutella swirls peeking out. Or wrap them individually in parchment and twine as a take-home favor. You can even make mini muffins for a bite-sized dessert bar—adorable and irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Nutella Banana Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them for extra freshness—just bring them back to room temp or give a quick warm-up before enjoying.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re craving one, let it thaw at room temperature or give it a gentle warm-up in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a muffin in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm several in a low oven (300°F) for 5-8 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and revives the gooey Nutella swirl like magic.

FAQs

Can I use less ripe bananas?

It’s best to use very ripe bananas—think deep yellow with brown spots—for maximum sweetness and flavor. Less ripe bananas can work in a pinch, but the muffins might be less moist and flavorful.

Can I substitute something for Nutella?

Absolutely! You can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a chocolate peanut butter for a twist. The swirl technique works the same and still tastes amazing.

Can I make Nutella Banana Muffins gluten-free?

Try swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend. Just make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free, too, and your muffins should turn out soft and tender.

Why did my muffins turn out dense?

Over-mixing the batter can make muffins dense. For best results, mix just until the flour disappears and no streaks remain—that’s the secret to a perfect crumb!

Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes! Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped toasted hazelnuts to the batter before baking for even more texture and fun flavor. Just be careful not to overload the batter, or you’ll lose some of that luscious Nutella swirl.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the homemade goodness of Nutella Banana Muffins—each bite is a blend of comfort, nostalgia, and pure chocolate-hazelnut bliss. Give this recipe a spot in your regular baking rotation and share them with friends and family; you’re sure to see them disappear fast. Enjoy every warm, swirly bite!

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