Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Highlighted under: Classic Cooking
I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this Nutella swirl version takes it to a whole new level! The rich, chocolatey goodness of Nutella combined with ripe bananas creates a moist, indulgent treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. With every slice, you get fabulous ribbons of Nutella that melt into the soft bread, creating a heavenly flavor combination. Trust me, once you try this, you won't want to go back to plain banana bread!
Baking this banana bread with Nutella swirl was a delightful experience. I took my classic banana bread recipe and swirled in generous amounts of Nutella, which not only added a luxurious taste but also made the texture incredibly moist. I noticed that using overripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and flavor, so don’t hesitate to use those that are well spotted!
One tip I found useful is to avoid over-mixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This helps keep the bread tender and fluffy. The swirls of Nutella bloom beautifully during baking, creating a delicious interplay of chocolate and banana that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Heavenly combination of chocolate and banana flavors
- Moist and tender texture with a rich Nutella swirl
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect banana bread with Nutella swirl. The ripe bananas not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the moist texture of the bread. Choose bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots; these are at their sweetest and will mash easily. The melted butter adds richness, while the sugar not only sweetens but also helps to create a tender crumb by incorporating air into the batter during mixing.
Baking soda acts as the leavening agent in this recipe, helping the bread rise and develop a light texture. Be sure to use fresh baking soda, as old or expired baking soda might not provide enough lift. The pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the ingredients. Lastly, the Nutella swirl adds a decadent touch, so try to have the Nutella at room temperature or slightly warmed; this makes it easier to swirl into the batter.
Perfecting the Baking Technique
Baking your banana bread correctly is essential for a successful outcome. It's important to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing your loaf inside; this allows for even cooking and helps the bread rise properly. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the center of the bread. If your toothpick has wet batter on it, it's a sign that the loaf needs more time in the oven.
Cooling your banana bread is just as crucial as the baking process. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to transfer to a wire rack. If you skip this step and attempt to remove it too soon, the bread can crumble or break apart. Once on the rack, let it cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming mushy or falling apart.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delightful banana bread:
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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your banana bread successfully:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in melted butter. Stir in baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in flour until just combined.
Add Nutella
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of Nutella on top, then add the remaining batter over it. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella through the batter.
Bake the Loaf
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips
- For best results, use very ripe bananas—they should be almost black for maximum sweetness. You can also add walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra texture.
Storage Tips
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you're not planning to eat it all within that timeframe, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for longer storage. It can last up to three months when frozen. Just remember to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If your banana bread has been cut, make sure to cover the exposed sides with plastic wrap to minimize exposure to air, which can dry it out. You may also slice it before freezing so that you can conveniently grab individual pieces whenever you want a quick treat.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread with Nutella swirl is versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways. For a delightful breakfast or brunch option, consider toasting a slice and adding a pat of butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra indulgence. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced meal.
If you're looking to elevate your dessert experience, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, feel free to fold in nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or even incorporate chocolate chips in addition to the Nutella for a truly decadent treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use thawed, frozen bananas. They should be very ripe for the best flavor.
→ How do I store leftover banana bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage.
→ Can I make this banana bread without Nutella?
Absolutely! You can either omit the Nutella or replace it with another spread like peanut butter or almond butter.
→ What should I serve with this banana bread?
It's delicious on its own, but you can serve it with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a special treat.
Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this Nutella swirl version takes it to a whole new level! The rich, chocolatey goodness of Nutella combined with ripe bananas creates a moist, indulgent treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. With every slice, you get fabulous ribbons of Nutella that melt into the soft bread, creating a heavenly flavor combination. Trust me, once you try this, you won't want to go back to plain banana bread!
Created by: Willow Harries
Recipe Type: Classic Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Nutella
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix in melted butter. Stir in baking soda and salt. Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in flour until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of Nutella on top, then add the remaining batter over it. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella through the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For best results, use very ripe bananas—they should be almost black for maximum sweetness. You can also add walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 5g