Name: Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas (mashed); 1/3 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for swirl/topping)

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If you’re craving a scrumptious treat that balances creamy chocolate hazelnut goodness and the sweet, comforting flavors of ripe bananas, Nutella Banana Muffins absolutely deliver. Every bite is soft, moist, and laced with swirls of Nutella, making them practically irresistible whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. These muffins come together with easy pantry staples and a minimum of fuss, which means you can whip them up whenever the muffin mood strikes. Trust me, after one taste, Nutella Banana Muffins will earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Nutella Banana Muffins is their delightful simplicity. Every ingredient plays a special role—ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, Nutella for that iconic swirl, and a few baking basics to tie it all together.

Ripe Bananas: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re sweeter and mash to the perfect creamy texture for moist muffins.
Melted Butter: Buttery richness enhances the flavor and keeps each bite incredibly tender.
Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the flavors and ensures a light, dessert-worthy sweetness.
Large Egg: Acts as the binder, helping everything come together while adding a fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic background note that pairs beautifully with chocolate and banana.
Baking Soda: Gives the batter just the right lift so your muffins rise perfectly in the oven.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this tiny but mighty ingredient.
All-Purpose Flour: Simple, sturdy, and works as the base for these muffins, letting the other flavors shine.
Nutella: The star of the show—creamy, chocolatey, and perfect for swirling both inside and atop every muffin.

How to Make Nutella Banana Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nicely heated while you prepare the batter. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This step keeps the muffins from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth—some small lumps are totally fine. Add in the melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then whisk until the mixture is combined and creamy. This is where those bananas begin lending their signature moistness.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over your banana mixture before folding in the flour. Stir gently, just until all of the flour disappears—the secret to light, fluffy muffins is not overmixing the batter at this stage.

Step 4: Fill and Swirl Nutella

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-fourths full. Drop a heaping teaspoon of Nutella onto the top of each muffin, then take a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl it into the batter for that gorgeous marbled effect. Don’t be shy—this is the heart of what makes Nutella Banana Muffins so special!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except a little Nutella, of course). Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can wait that long before diving in!

How to Serve Nutella Banana Muffins

Garnishes

A drizzle of warm Nutella over the cooled muffins takes them to decadent new heights. For a pop of extra flair, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair Nutella Banana Muffins with a tall glass of cold milk, your favorite coffee, or a creamy vanilla latte. For breakfast, they’re fantastic alongside a bowl of fresh berries or Greek yogurt to keep things balanced and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking muffins on a pretty tiered stand if you’re hosting brunch, or wrap each one in parchment and tie with a ribbon for charming lunchbox or picnic treats. For dessert, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and even more Nutella!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store Nutella Banana Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them to keep them fresh even longer.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever a muffin craving hits.

Reheating

To bring that just-baked warmth back, pop a muffin in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or gently reheat in a low oven. The Nutella gets gooey and the banana fragrance comes alive all over again—almost as good as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar for a less sweet muffin, or substitute with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or your favorite alternative. The ripe bananas also help add natural sweetness, so feel free to adjust to your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder. The results are still moist and delicious, so everyone can enjoy Nutella Banana Muffins.

Is it okay to use a different chocolate spread?

While Nutella is classic, other chocolate hazelnut or even chocolate almond spreads will work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a smooth, spreadable option for perfect swirls.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely. Chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips are fantastic additions. Stir them in with the dry ingredients for extra crunch and chocolatey bites throughout.

Do Nutella Banana Muffins work with frozen bananas?

Yes—if you have overripe bananas stashed in the freezer, let them thaw and drain off excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe. They add just as much flavor and moisture as fresh bananas.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of transforming simple ingredients into something truly comforting and sweet, Nutella Banana Muffins are absolutely worth a try. There’s a good chance you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, whether for a quick breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. Dive in, bake a batch, and share the joy—these muffins are just too good to keep to yourself!