If you’re searching for a scrumptious treat, this Nutella Swirl Banana Bread checks all the boxes! With beautifully swirled Nutella and the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, it’s a fun twist on the classic loaf that your family will love.
This recipe addresses challenges of blandness and dryness, providing a solution for home bakers seeking a moist, flavor-rich banana bread experience.
I’ve faced my fair share of challenges with banana bread, like achieving the right balance of moisture without it turning gummy. This recipe solves that, giving you a moist, tender loaf every time. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or when friends drop by unexpectedly.
What really shines here is how simple it is to make, just 10 minutes of prep and about 50 minutes in the oven, and you’ll have a warm loaf that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s a reliable recipe that you can count on for perfect results time after time.
If you enjoy quick and tasty bread recipes, you’ll want to try my Sourdough Banana Muffins next!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour in the batter.
- The recipe contains egg and Nutella, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets because of granulated sugar and flour content.
- The recipe contains Nutella, so it is not nut-free.
- The recipe is dairy-free and vegetarian as it does not include milk or animal-derived ingredients except eggs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A Perfect Texture This loaf features a tender crumb with a slight density that gives it satisfying chewiness. The rich Nutella swirls add a contrast that keeps every slice interesting.
- Scrumptious Flavor The mix of sweet, ripe bananas and creamy hazelnut spread creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and nutty. Each bite invites a harmonious blend of flavors that linger pleasantly on your palate.
- Aromas That Delight As it bakes, your kitchen fills with warm, inviting scents that make it hard to resist. The combination of bananas and Nutella warming in the oven delivers an irresistible invitation for the whole family.
- Lasts Longer This banana bread stays fresh for days, making it a great option for make-ahead snacks or breakfast. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy a slice any time you crave its comforting flavors.
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 thick slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Nutella Swirl Banana Bread with a rich hazelnut flavor and moist texture, perfect for dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, good quality
- ½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, fresh
- 2 very ripe large bananas, with plenty of brown spots
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (240 g) Nutella, creamy
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly grease the sides and bottom of a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with non-stick parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) ensuring it reaches the full temperature for even baking.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, use a fork to mash the very ripe bananas until nearly smooth with no large chunks remaining to guarantee even moisture distribution.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until no lumps remain to improve the texture of the bread.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted unsalted butter (cooled to prevent curdling), whole milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients and mashed bananas into the dry ingredients. Stir gently and carefully, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing. The batter should be slightly thick but not dense.
- Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the Nutella over the batter. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the Nutella gently through the batter to create visible swirls but do not overmix. Pour the remaining batter over this layer, followed by the rest of the Nutella. Swirl again gently to maintain distinct Nutella ribbons within the batter.
- Step 7: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil after 30 minutes to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.
- Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent a soggy bottom crust. Slice into 8 thick slices before serving.
Notes
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
- Place the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve freshness.
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- To avoid sinking in the middle, check doneness at 50 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- If Nutella does not swirl well, add it in spoonfuls (¾ cup total), ensuring you see visible swirls and the batter remains distinct, not fully mixed.
- Tent the bread with foil if the top browns too fast after 30 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined (about 15 seconds) to keep a tender crumb and prevent density.
- If the batter feels too thin, add 2 tablespoons of flour to reach the right consistency before pouring into the loaf pan.
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.
- Pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad to add brightness and contrast in flavor.
- Use leftover banana bread for French toast or quick breakfast sandwiches.
- Add slices to yogurt parfaits or oatmeal bowls to add richness.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes to add texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Ingredient Notes
- Ripe bananas: Opt for overly ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. They bring natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: Use good quality all-purpose flour for the structure of the bread. You can also substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Granulated sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist and enhances the texture. Melted coconut oil or applesauce can also work as substitutes for lighter options.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind everything together. You could replace it with a flax egg if you want a vegan version.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, giving the bread rise. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
- Nutella: Choose a creamy Nutella for easy swirling. It adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
Recipe Tips
- If the banana bread sinks in the middle, check for doneness 50 minutes into baking by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- When the Nutella doesn’t swirl well, add it in spoonfuls ¾ cup at a time, ensuring the batter remains visible but not completely mixed.
- If the bread’s top browns too quickly, tent it with foil after 30 minutes to prevent burning while continuing to bake.
- For a dense texture, make sure not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; mix until just combined in about 15 seconds.
- If your batter appears too thin, try adding an additional 2 tablespoons of flour to reach the right consistency before pouring into the pan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an enjoyable dessert. Accompany with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a light contrast.
Use to make French toast or quick breakfast sandwiches. Add to yogurt parfaits or oatmeal bowls for added richness.
Top with chocolate sauce or a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
Recipe variations
- You can use chopped walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture to the nutella swirl banana bread. Add ½ cup to the batter before swirling in Nutella.
- Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract along with ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm flavor. These seasonings brighten the taste without overpowering Nutella’s character.
- Either unsalted butter or coconut oil can be used for the fat component. If using coconut oil, melt it gently and measure ½ cup to match the recipe’s moisture level.
- If making extra loaves, double the ingredients to fill two 9×5 inch pans. Adjust baking time to about 55-60 minutes or test with a toothpick for doneness. This works well with banana bread variations like Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your Nutella Swirl Banana Bread fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to keep texture and flavor stable.
Refrigeration: Place the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days to slow spoilage and preserve freshness.
Freezing: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place it in a freezer container up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Nutella Swirl Banana Bread or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
