Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting flavors of banana and chocolate, then you are absolutely going to adore this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe. These muffins combine ripe, naturally sweet bananas with the creamy, rich delight of Nutella swirled right into the batter. They come out perfectly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become one of your all-time favorite muffin recipes to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Nutella Banana Muffins may seem simple at first glance, but each ingredient plays a vital role in creating their delicious texture and flavor. From ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to just the right amount of baking soda and powder ensuring a tender rise, everything comes together beautifully.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the muffins while keeping them soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise and prevents them from getting too dense.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Assists with leavening for a light, fluffy crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor — sea salt or kosher salt works best.
• 6 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 2 cups): The star of the show adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the muffins tender.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel flavor and adds moisture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: For balanced sweetness without overpowering.
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• ⅓ cup Nutella: The luscious chocolate-hazelnut spread swirled right into the muffin batter.

How to Make Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for a perfectly even bake. Line your muffin tins with 18 paper liners or grease them lightly. This simple first step sets the scene for fuss-free baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these well ahead helps ensure that your muffins will rise beautifully and have an even crumb without any salty or bitter pockets.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat together the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium speed for about 3 minutes. This gives the batter a lovely, airy texture while fully incorporating the bananas’ natural sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet mixture, mixing just until there are no flour streaks left. Be careful not to overmix here; overworked batter can lead to tough muffins. Scrape the bowl bottom to avoid any stray flour pockets or dry bits.

Step 5: Warm and Swirl in the Nutella

Place your Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for about 30 seconds until it’s soft enough to swirl easily through the batter. This step is important because chilled or thick Nutella won’t swirl smoothly into the muffins.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Add Nutella

Fill each muffin liner about three-quarters full with the batter. Then drop about one teaspoon of the warmed Nutella on top of each muffin. Using a toothpick or thin knife, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter to create those beautiful marbled pockets of hazelnut goodness.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your muffins for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing ensures your muffins are moist but fully cooked, with a slightly golden top that’s just begging to be bitten into.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Although cooling fully is ideal, I won’t blame you if you sneak one while it’s still warm — nothing beats that gooey Nutella swirl melted into fluffy banana muffin!

How to Serve Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

These muffins are delicious on their own, but if you want to get a little fancy, consider topping them with chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish. A drizzle of extra Nutella or even a smear of melted chocolate glaze can take them to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair your Nutella Banana Muffins with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of cream cheese also complements the muffin’s rich flavors beautifully and adds a creamy texture to your snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch spread, place your muffins on a tiered cake stand surrounded by small bowls of fresh berries, honey, and nut butters. You might even serve them warm alongside a hot latte or a cold glass of milk to make guests feel instantly at home with a comforting treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Nutella Banana Muffins should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their moist texture and delicate flavors.

Freezing

Want to save some for later indulgence? Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, letting you enjoy a quick treat whenever you want.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover muffins back to life, simply microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the soft crumb and melty Nutella swirls, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are actually best because they are sweeter and soften the muffins wonderfully. Just make sure you have about 2 cups of mashed bananas.

Is it okay to substitute Nutella with another chocolate spread?

Yes, you can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a good quality chocolate spread. The flavor might vary slightly, but the texture and overall result will still be delicious.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure to choose one with xanthan gum for the best texture. The muffins might be a bit more delicate but should taste equally amazing.

Do I have to swirl Nutella into the batter?

Swirling the Nutella creates lovely pockets of flavor and a fun visual effect, but if you prefer, you could also dollop it on top or even mix it all through for an even chocolatey taste throughout.

How long do these muffins keep fresh?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these muffins will stay fresh and moist for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting about the combination of bananas and Nutella baked into soft, tasty muffins. This Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is wonderfully simple, rewarding, and perfect for any time you want a little baked happiness. Give it a try and enjoy every moist, chocolaty, banana-packed bite—you won’t regret it!

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