Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
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 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Nutella

Highlighted under: Classic Cooking

I love baking banana bread, especially when I can combine it with the rich, indulgent flavor of Nutella. This recipe has become a favorite in my house because it transforms the classic banana bread into something extraordinary. The nutty chocolate swirls blend perfectly with the moist, tender crumb, creating a dessert that's ideal for any occasion. Whether it's breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread satisfies every craving! Plus, it’s so easy to make that it quickly becomes a staple in my baking repertoire.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:43:35.658Z

Baking this banana bread was an adventure in flavor for me. The first time I decided to add Nutella, I expected a simple enhancement, but the result was spectacular. The way the Nutella melts into the moist bread creates an irresistible combination that has everyone coming back for seconds. My tip is to slightly underbake it, so the center stays wonderfully soft and fudgy.

One of my favorite moments is watching it rise in the oven, the chocolate swirls peeking through the crust. It’s a delightful sight and an even better aroma filling the kitchen. Don’t forget to let it cool before slicing; patience will reward you with perfectly clean cuts revealing those gorgeous swirls inside!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor with a hint of banana sweetness
Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day

      

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in this banana bread plays a crucial role in developing flavor and texture. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the melted butter contributes richness. The combination of baking soda and the slight acidity from the bananas helps the bread rise, giving it that lovely fluffy texture. Don't skip the salt; it enhances the other flavors, creating a well-rounded loaf.

Flour is the backbone of the bread, providing structure. Using all-purpose flour is ideal for achieving a balance between soft and sturdy. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the delicious banana and Nutella flavors will still shine through.

Swirling the Nutella

When folding in the Nutella, less is more. Aim to fold it gently into the batter to create beautiful swirls rather than fully blending it. This not only ensures that each slice has a visual appeal but also allows the chocolate flavor to remain distinct in pockets throughout the bread. If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, feel free to increase the amount of Nutella used in the batter or add a layer between two halves of the batter in the pan.

For optimal swirls, use a butter knife or a skewer to make gentle, figure-eight motions in the batter. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this will result in less defined swirls and a more uniform flavor. The visual contrast between the chocolate and golden banana bread is part of what makes this recipe irresistible.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled, this banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain its freshness longer, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the fridge, where it can last even up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the sliced banana bread for up to three months; just ensure each slice is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

This banana bread serves wonderfully warm from the oven, but you can also serve it toasted with a smear of butter or additional Nutella for an indulgent treat. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit to elevate your dessert experience. It's also delightful as a breakfast option alongside yogurt or a smoothie.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious banana bread with Nutella swirl:

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 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Nutella

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your banana bread:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt.

Combine Ingredients

Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix well before adding the flour gradually.

Add Nutella

Gently fold in half of the Nutella into the batter, making sure to leave swirls. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.

Swirl and Bake

Drop the remaining Nutella on top and use a knife to create swirls. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade banana bread warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. This banana bread also freezes well, so feel free to make two loaves!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your banana bread comes out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. To remedy this in the future, mix just until the flour is combined, ensuring your bread remains light and fluffy. Additionally, make sure you're using fully ripe bananas as they provide more sweetness and moisture, which can help with the overall structure.

Another common issue is uneven baking, resulting in a loaf that’s dark on the outside but undercooked in the middle. To avoid this, ensure your oven is properly calibrated, and consider placing an oven thermometer inside to monitor the temperature. You can also rotate the loaf halfway through baking for even cooking.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding in nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for extra texture. Alternatively, consider mixing in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to complement the Nutella swirls. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile, giving it a cozy warmth that’s perfect for fall.

If you want to try a different twist, replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. You can also experiment with substituting a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to make a chocolate banana bread that pairs beautifully with the Nutella.

Scaling the Recipe

This banana bread recipe is easily scalable. If you have more ripe bananas on hand, you can double the recipe and make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust your baking time slightly; larger quantities may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should be about 200°F (93°C).

If you're baking for a smaller crowd, you can halve the recipe. You can also bake it in mini loaf pans, which will reduce the baking time, usually around 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking and losing that perfect moist texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Thaw the bananas first and then mash them for the recipe.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe without Nutella?

Yes! You can omit the Nutella or substitute it with another spread or even chopped chocolate.

→ Is this recipe good for beginners?

Definitely! This banana bread recipe is simple and forgiving, making it perfect for novice bakers.