If you are looking to indulge in a treat that perfectly blends the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the irresistible charm of chocolate hazelnut spread, this Nutella Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a moist, tender loaf infused with warm spices and swirls of creamy Nutella that add pockets of pure bliss in every bite. Whether you're baking for breakfast, a snack, or a last-minute dessert, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite thanks to its straightforward ingredients and heartwarming flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to baking fabulous banana bread with that irresistible Nutella twist. Each element is carefully chosen to build upon the moisture, texture, and rich flavor that makes this loaf so special.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for structure, giving the bread a soft crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise perfectly and stay light.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy spice that complements bananas beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides richness and keeps the bread tender, plus more for greasing the pan.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds depth with subtle molasses notes, making the bread moist and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the loaf and helps achieve a lovely crumb texture.
- Large eggs (2, at room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Mature bananas (2 cups mashed, about 4 large): The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and moisture.
- Greek yogurt (⅓ cup): Keeps the bread extra moist while adding a slight tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses aromatic sweetness that brightens every bite.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread (⅔ cup, Nutella recommended): Creates luscious swirls bursting with hazelnut chocolate goodness.
How to Make Nutella Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; this perfect heat will bake your banana bread evenly. While the oven warms, generously butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and to develop a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combination ensures that your bread rises nicely and has a gentle background of warm spice, which perfectly pairs with the sweet bananas and Nutella swirls.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer on high speed, beat the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about two minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, leading to a tender loaf.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Bananas, Yogurt, and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time on medium speed, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then blend in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and evenly combined batter—this mixture brings moisture, flavor, and that slight tang from the yogurt that keeps the bread from being overly sweet.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula or set your mixer to low speed. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread dense instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Nutella Swirl
Place the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for 10 to 15 seconds until it becomes smooth and drizzle-able. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause burning and alter the flavor.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Nutella
Pour half the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out. Drizzle half of the warmed Nutella over the batter and gently swirl it with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella, swirling again but keeping Nutella evenly distributed to ensure the bread rises evenly.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake on the middle rack for 55 to 60 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing it to cook through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done. Let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Nutella Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of extra Nutella can elevate your slices beautifully. For a fresh touch, add thin banana slices or chopped toasted hazelnuts on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a decadent brunch, serve with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching spread, slice the bread thickly and serve with an assortment of spreads like peanut butter, honey, or mascarpone cheese. You can also turn the slices into delightful French toast by dipping them in an egg mixture and cooking on a griddle until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, retaining its moist texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
This Nutella Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can enjoy the taste of freshly baked bread anytime by thawing slices overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring slices back to life, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This restores the soft crumb and makes the Nutella swirls even more molten and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt adds extra tanginess and creaminess that enhances the bread’s texture. If you use regular yogurt, consider draining it to reduce excess moisture.
Is it necessary to microwave the Nutella before swirling?
Warming Nutella makes it easier to drizzle and swirl, creating those beautiful marbled patterns. Cold Nutella is thicker and harder to work with, so microwaving briefly is recommended.
What if my bananas aren't overripe?
For the best flavor and sweetness, use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. If your bananas are not ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on butter, eggs, and yogurt, so to make it vegan, you’ll need substitutions like plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free yogurt. Keep in mind the texture will vary slightly but can still be delicious!
How can I tell when the banana bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more baking time.
Final Thoughts
There's something truly comforting about biting into a slice of homemade banana bread with gooey Nutella ribbons running through it, and this Nutella Banana Bread Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a satisfying, joyful baking experience and a delicious reward at the end. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Nutella Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nutella Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful quick bread infused with ripe bananas and swirled with rich chocolate hazelnut spread. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack, it combines the natural sweetness of bananas with creamy Nutella for an irresistible twist on classic banana bread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (plus more for greasing the pan)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional
- ⅔ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (I use Nutella)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter and set aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until they are well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer on high speed, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, helping the bread to rise.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Then mix in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Combine with a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the Nutella: Place the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 15 to 20 seconds until it becomes easy to drizzle. Stir once or twice during microwaving to loosen it up, but avoid overheating to prevent burning.
- Layer Batter and Nutella: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Drizzle half of the melted Nutella over it, then gently swirl with a knife. Pour the remaining batter on top, smooth it out, and drizzle the remaining Nutella. Swirl again to create patterns, avoiding thick Nutella in the center so the bread can rise evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. About 30 minutes into baking, cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then carefully remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool further before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Nutella Banana Bread warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Microwave Nutella carefully to prevent burning; stir after 10 seconds if needed.
- Swirling Nutella throughout the batter adds beautiful marbling and preserves texture.
- Loosely cover with foil after 30 minutes to prevent excess browning.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better texture.

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