If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting baked treats with a touch of indulgence, this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella, these muffins are fluffy yet moist, easy to whip up, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, this recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients into a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in making these muffins absolutely delicious. From the gentleness of mashed bananas to the swirl of creamy Nutella, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 2 ripe bananas: The key to natural sweetness and moistness in every bite.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the bananas.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and soft without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the muffins their fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a touch of lift to keep the crumb light.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all flavors.
- ½ cup Nutella: The star ingredient for that luscious, chocolate-hazelnut swirl inside each muffin.
How to Make Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to make sure your muffins come out effortlessly once baked. This simple prep step lays the groundwork for beautifully baked muffins every single time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The mixture should look glossy and inviting, energizing you for the next step.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key to getting those perfect muffin rises and an even crumb.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring lightly just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here — a few lumps are just fine! Overworking the batter can lead to dense muffins, and we want light, fluffy, tender results.
Step 5: Add the Batter and Swirl Nutella
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Drop a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin, then gently swirl it into the batter using a toothpick or the tip of a knife. This artistic swirl ensures every bite has a heavenly hit of Nutella without overwhelming the subtle banana flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, except for some melted Nutella which adds that signature gooeyness. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them set beautifully and makes handling easier.
How to Serve Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate these muffins with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts on top add an extra layer of sophistication and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or a latte for a cozy breakfast. A side of Greek yogurt or a glass of cold milk can also complement their rich flavors perfectly, balancing the sweetness and adding creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe the star of a brunch table by arranging them on a tiered stand surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. For a fun twist, slice a muffin in half and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any muffins left after the initial excitement, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in the same container, where they will keep well for about 5 days.
Freezing
Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe works wonderfully for freezing. Simply wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their moist texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your muffins again, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. You can also pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to crisp up the edges while keeping the inside soft and melty.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas that are too mushy for this recipe?
Yes! In fact, very ripe, even mushy bananas are ideal for this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe because they provide maximum sweetness and moisture, making the muffins extra tender.
Is it necessary to swirl the Nutella, or can I just mix it in?
Swirling Nutella on top creates those beautiful pockets of chocolate-hazelnut goodness you bite into, but if you prefer, you can gently stir it into the batter for a more uniform flavor throughout.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Absolutely. Melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter might change the texture slightly, resulting in a more buttery muffin.
How can I make these muffins vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and use a plant-based oil (like coconut or avocado oil). Make sure your Nutella substitute is also vegan-friendly.
Do these muffins freeze well after baking?
They freeze beautifully! Just be sure to wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and thaw gently to preserve their light, moist texture.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is one of those truly rewarding baking adventures that never fails to bring smiles to the table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get to enjoy a moist, flavorful muffin that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. Go ahead and make a batch today — I promise, these muffins will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Print
Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Banana Muffins combine ripe bananas and creamy Nutella for a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Swirled with chocolate hazelnut spread, they offer a delightful twist on classic banana muffins with a rich, chocolaty surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other
- ½ cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients form a smooth mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently and just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full for perfect muffin rise.
- Add Nutella swirl: Place about a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each filled muffin cup. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean except for melted Nutella.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and handling.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, consume muffins the day they are baked.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To keep muffins longer, freeze them for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Allow frozen muffins to thaw at room temperature or warm briefly before serving for optimal taste.
