Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins

Banana muffins are a classic favorite, cherished for their soft, moist texture and rich flavor. But when you take that classic recipe and swirl in Nutella, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. These Nutella swirl banana muffins offer the perfect combination of banana goodness and chocolate-hazelnut richness, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

For more Nutella dessert ideas, explore this collection of over 60 Nutella recipes from Delish. Nutella’s versatility makes it a fantastic addition to many baked goods, but when paired with bananas, it becomes a match made in heaven.

Banana-based baked goods have a history that stretches back decades, and the introduction of Nutella as a baking ingredient has brought a new layer of indulgence to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone new to the kitchen, this Nutella swirl banana muffin recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the results will leave everyone craving more.

Why Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins Are the Perfect Snack

There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas and creamy Nutella. The bananas lend a natural sweetness and moistness to the muffins, while Nutella provides an irresistible swirl of chocolate-hazelnut flavor. Whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast or looking for a treat to serve at a gathering, these muffins fit the bill perfectly.

One of the best things about these muffins is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry with a cup of coffee, served at a brunch gathering, or even packed as a snack for school or work. The Nutella swirl not only adds flavor but also makes the muffins look gorgeous, creating a beautiful contrast with the soft, golden-brown muffin.

If you’re new to baking or just want some extra inspiration for overripe bananas, check out this list from Allrecipes with 75 delicious ways to use overripe bananas. Bananas are incredibly versatile in baking and work well in everything from muffins and cakes to pancakes and smoothies.

What You Need to Make Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins

Essential Ingredients

Making Nutella swirl banana muffins is straightforward, and you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
• 1/2 cup Nutella: This creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread adds the signature swirl that makes these muffins so special.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the muffin, providing structure.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the banana batter. You can substitute with a natural sweetener like honey if you prefer.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: For a rich, moist muffin.
• 1/4 cup milk: Helps to bring the batter together and adds a little extra moisture.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acid in the bananas to create a leavening effect.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the bananas and Nutella.

Optional add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey bite.
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Adds texture and flavor.

These are simple ingredients that come together to create a muffin that’s both rich and comforting. If you don’t have Nutella on hand or want to make a healthier version, you can try substituting it with almond butter, peanut butter, or another nut-based spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Before you begin mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the muffins will bake evenly and rise properly. While the oven is heating up, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper muffin cups or greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. A fork works just fine for this. You should have about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of mashed banana.

Next, add the following to the bananas:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Use a whisk or a hand mixer to combine all the wet ingredients until they are fully incorporated. Make sure the butter is softened so it mixes in smoothly.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Add Nutella and Swirl

Now comes the fun part – the Nutella swirl! To make it easier to swirl, microwave the Nutella for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Spoon the muffin batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Then, add a small spoonful of Nutella to the top of each muffin and use a toothpick or knife to swirl the Nutella into the batter.

Bake the Muffins

Bake the muffins in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has some Nutella on it, that’s fine—just make sure there’s no wet batter left. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Perfect Muffins

Making these muffins is easy, but a few tips can help ensure that they come out just right every time:

• Use Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are sweet and soft, making them perfect for baking. They’ll lend the muffins the moisture and sweetness they need.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can cause the muffins to be dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Customize Your Muffins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the muffins while they bake. Every oven is different, so make sure to check the muffins around the 18-minute mark.
• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Creative Variations of Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with variations to suit your tastes. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Peanut Butter Banana Muffins: Replace Nutella with peanut butter for a nutty twist. You can swirl it into the batter just like Nutella.
• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, stir in chocolate chips along with the Nutella for an even more indulgent treat.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), use non-dairy milk, and swap the butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these muffins.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Nutella swirl banana muffins are perfect for any occasion, and they pair beautifully with various beverages and accompaniments:

• Pair with Coffee: These muffins go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. The combination of banana and chocolate pairs perfectly with the rich, bold flavor of coffee.
• Serve with Tea: For a lighter pairing, serve these muffins with a soothing cup of chai tea or green tea.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the muffins with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them first, mash them up, and proceed with the recipe as usual.

How Can I Make These Muffins Healthier?

If you want to make these muffins a bit healthier, try the following:

• Substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or avocado for a healthier fat.

Can I Substitute Nutella with Another Spread?

Yes! While Nutella provides the best balance of sweetness and flavor, you can swap it with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter if you prefer a different taste.

How Do I Prevent the Nutella from Sinking to the Bottom?

To keep the Nutella from sinking to the bottom of the muffins, make sure to swirl it gently into the batter. You can also add a little bit of the banana batter at the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the Nutella to help it stay in place.

Can I Freeze These Muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

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