Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making banana bread, and this Nutella swirl version has quickly become my favorite! The combination of ripe bananas and rich Nutella creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible, and each slice reveals a luscious ribbon of chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, regular banana bread will never be the same again!

Honoria Blake

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:53:35.294Z

When I first experimented with banana bread, I never imagined it would lead me to this decadent Nutella swirl version. I discovered that the secret to an incredibly moist loaf lies in using very ripe bananas. They not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to that tender texture we all crave. Don’t be afraid to use those brown bananas sitting in your kitchen!

As I swirled in the Nutella, I found it creates a beautiful marbling effect that elevates the classic recipe into something truly special. The key is not to overmix; just a few gentle folds will ensure you have a stunning presentation and bursts of chocolate in every bite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible ribbons of Nutella amidst flavorful banana bread
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key to a moist and flavorful banana bread lies in the ripeness of your bananas. I recommend using bananas that are heavily speckled or even starting to turn black for the best sweetness and depth of flavor. Mash them well so that they incorporate smoothly into the batter, preventing any large lumps from forming. This will help ensure that your bread has a uniform texture throughout, allowing the Nutella to swirl delightfully without disruption.

When mixing your dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, be careful not to over-mix. Stirring just enough to combine them prevents the development of gluten, which can lead to a tough texture. You want the batter to be lumpy yet cohesive; this will showcase the tender crumb that everyone loves about banana bread. Remember, a few banana chunks are perfectly fine and add to the overall rustic appeal.

Swirling Nutella Like a Pro

For that beautiful Nutella swirl, avoid the urge to over-mix after adding the Nutella to the batter. Dolloping it on top and swirling with a knife creates the signature ribbons that not only look impressive but also give pockets of rich hazelnut flavor. Try using a skewer or a toothpick to achieve the swirl; this can provide more control and allows for delicate design without disturbing the batter too much.

If you find Nutella too thick to dollop easily, consider warming it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This softens it enough to spread without completely blending into the batter. Just be careful not to overheat; you want it spreadable, not molten, as too much heat can cause it to sink rather than swirl, compromising that stunning marbled effect.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create this delicious 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 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Nutella

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Nutella swirled banana bread:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork, then stir in the melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Add Batter Ingredients

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined.

Add Nutella

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the Nutella over it. Use a knife to swirl gently. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella.

Bake

Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes, and wait for it to cool before slicing!

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Pro Tips

  • For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Once your banana bread has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to pull out a piece whenever a craving strikes without having to thaw the entire loaf.

To freeze the entire loaf, ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. This way, the flavors will remain intact, and each slice will be just as delightful as the first.

Serving Suggestions

This Nutella-swirl banana bread is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated further with simple accompaniments. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the rich flavors. For a brunch twist, consider serving it with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese, adding a creamy contrast to the chocolate-hazelnut goodness.

For those looking to enjoy the bread warm, you might want to toast individual slices lightly in a toaster or on a skillet. This enhances the Nutella's flavor as it softens further, making your breakfast or snack feel extra indulgent. Pair it with a chilled glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee to make the experience even more delightful!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the bananas first and make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is it possible to substitute the sugar?

You can try using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

I absolutely love making banana bread, and this Nutella swirl version has quickly become my favorite! The combination of ripe bananas and rich Nutella creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible, and each slice reveals a luscious ribbon of chocolate-hazelnut goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, regular banana bread will never be the same again!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time75 minutes

Created by: Honoria Blake

Recipe Type: Favorite Baking Inspiration

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/3 cup melted butter
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. Pinch of salt
  5. 3/4 cup sugar
  6. 1 large egg, beaten
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  9. 1/2 cup Nutella

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork, then stir in the melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined.

Step 04

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the Nutella over it. Use a knife to swirl gently. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella.

Step 05

Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 5g