Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Highlighted under: Golden Ideas
I absolutely adore this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl recipe! It combines my love for moist, sweet banana bread with the irresistible chocolatey goodness of Nutella. Whenever I have overripe bananas, I whip up this treat to share with friends and family. The swirl adds a delightful surprise to each slice, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Baking it fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that no one can resist. Trust me, this is a recipe you'll want to make again and again!
During one of my weekend baking sessions, I decided to experiment with my classic banana bread recipe. I had some Nutella left in the pantry, and thought, why not add a swirl of chocolate hazelnut goodness? The result was nothing short of divine! The combination of sweet bananas and rich Nutella created a perfect harmony of flavors that delighted my taste buds.
What worked best was to slightly heat the Nutella beforehand to make it easier to swirl into the batter. This not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also ensures that every slice gets a beautifully marbled effect. Trust me, this is a banana bread recipe that you won't forget!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist banana bread enriched with a chocolate hazelnut swirl
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime
Mastering the Perfect Banana Bread
Getting the right texture in this banana bread is crucial, and it starts with the bananas. Make sure your bananas are very ripe, with lots of brown spots; this will provide the natural sweetness and moisture that the bread needs. Mash them thoroughly and incorporate them with the butter while they're still slightly warm, as this enhances the absorption of flavors and helps to create that rich, soft texture. Aim for a smooth consistency that blends easily with the other ingredients.
Another success factor is how you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mixing them just until combined is key to preventing dense banana bread. You want a few lumps to remain — overmixing can lead to tough bread. When adding the flour, fold it in gently enough that some streaks remain visible. This technique ensures that your banana bread remains airy and moist after baking.
Nutella: The Star Ingredient
Nutella not only adds a delicious chocolatey flavor to your banana bread but also contributes to its moistness. The fat content in Nutella helps create a rich, decadent texture in contrast with the soft banana base. For a stronger hazelnut flavor, consider adding chopped hazelnuts to the batter, which pairs wonderfully with the Nutella swirl. Just make sure to adjust the amount of Nutella to accommodate their addition so that the bread doesn’t become too heavy.
If you prefer a less sweet version, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly — the Nutella contributes plenty of sweetness on its own. You can also experiment with alternative chocolate spreads, such as almond or cashew, if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. However, note that these substitutes somewhat change the final taste, so try a small batch first to see how you like the outcome.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious banana bread:
Ingredients for Banana Bread
- 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 ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl:
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Once combined, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Swirl in the Nutella
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop dollops of Nutella over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter.
Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious creation!
Serve this banana bread warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own or with a spread of butter!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter along with the Nutella swirl.
Storage Tips
To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag, where they can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
For those who enjoy their banana bread toasted, freezing it in slices is particularly beneficial. This way, you can toast individual pieces as needed, reviving the bread's original moisture and flavor. Just be sure not to over-toast, as that can lead to dryness.
Serving Suggestions
Banana bread with Nutella swirl makes an aesthetic brunch centerpiece. For a delightful presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top and serve it with a side of fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. You can also serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
If you wish to elevate your snack, try toasting slices of banana bread and spreading a thin layer of Nutella on top just before serving. The combination of warm, toasty bread and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread will surely be a hit at any gathering. Consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or chai for a delicious afternoon break!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How can I store the banana bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
→ Can I make mini loaves?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
I absolutely adore this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl recipe! It combines my love for moist, sweet banana bread with the irresistible chocolatey goodness of Nutella. Whenever I have overripe bananas, I whip up this treat to share with friends and family. The swirl adds a delightful surprise to each slice, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Baking it fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that no one can resist. Trust me, this is a recipe you'll want to make again and again!
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Banana Bread
- 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
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the melted butter. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Once combined, add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add in the flour, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drop dollops of Nutella over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious creation!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter along with the Nutella swirl.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g