Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Highlighted under: Rustic Planning
I absolutely love making this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl when I have overripe bananas sitting on my counter. The combination of moist, fluffy banana bread studded with swirls of rich Nutella creates a delightful treat that my whole family enjoys. It's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. What’s even better is how simple it is to prepare; with just a few ingredients, I can whip up this delicious loaf in no time, and the smell while it bakes is irresistible!
When I first experimented with banana bread, I knew I had to add a twist. That's when I thought about Nutella; the creamy hazelnut chocolate spread pairs wonderfully with banana's sweetness. I mixed it in a bit differently—swirling it in rather than just combining it, which created beautiful marbling that not only looks fantastic but offers a bite of that chocolate heaven in every slice.
The key to success with this recipe is using very ripe bananas as they not only contribute natural sweetness but also enhance the moisture of the bread. I recommend letting your bananas brown on the counter for a fuller flavor; it truly makes a difference!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful banana bread enhanced with chocolate goodness
- Easy preparation with everyday ingredients
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking throughout the day
Step-by-Step Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
When mixing the ingredients for your banana bread, it's essential to incorporate the wet ingredients thoroughly with the mashed bananas. This ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the batter, which contributes to the moistness of the bread. If you notice that the mixture is lumpy after adding the butter, don't worry too much—some small clumps of banana can add to the texture.
Overmixing is a common pitfall when making banana bread. After you fold in the flour, stir just until you no longer see any dry flour. This helps keep the bread tender and fluffy. You want your batter to be slightly thick but not dry. It's better to err on the side of under-mixing than over-mixing in this case.
Nutella: The Swirl That Makes a Difference
Using Nutella is what elevates your banana bread from ordinary to extraordinary. Its rich, chocolatey flavor not only adds a delightful swirled effect but also enhances the sweetness of the bread. For an even more interesting flavor profile, consider warming the Nutella slightly before dolloping it onto the batter. This makes it easier to swirl and creates a more harmonious blend of flavors as it bakes.
If you are looking for a slightly healthier alternative, you can substitute Nutella with a nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter. While this will change the flavor dramatically, it will still add a creamy texture and rich taste to your banana bread. Just keep in mind that using a nut butter may affect the overall sweetness of the loaf, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started on your 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
Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your delicious banana bread:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter until smooth.
Mix Ingredients
Stir in the baking soda and salt, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add Flour
Next, fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Swirl Nutella
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the Nutella on top. Use a knife to create a swirl pattern. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your scrumptious banana bread with Nutella swirl!
Pro Tips
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream for an extra special treat.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it's crucial to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to three months. I recommend slicing the bread before freezing; this way, you can easily take out individual pieces as needed without thawing the whole loaf.
Serving banana bread with Nutella is also an option! Toast individual slices and spread a little more Nutella on top for an indulgent snack or breakfast. Pair it with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices for a tempting brunch or afternoon treat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your banana bread turns out denser than expected, it might be due to mixing it too much after adding the flour. Remember, the key is to mix just until combined. Additionally, using overly ripe bananas can add extra moisture; it's best to use medium-sized bananas for the best results. Aim for bananas that are speckled brown but not completely black for optimal flavor and texture.
In case your banana bread comes out too dry, you may have baked it for too long or at too high of a temperature. Keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes of baking. Checking for doneness with a toothpick should reveal moist crumbs, not wet batter—this is your indicator to pull it from the oven!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
→ How should I store the banana bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I substitute the Nutella?
Absolutely! You can use any chocolate spread or leave it out for a classic banana bread.
→ Is it possible to add nuts to the banana bread?
Yes, feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
I absolutely love making this Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl when I have overripe bananas sitting on my counter. The combination of moist, fluffy banana bread studded with swirls of rich Nutella creates a delightful treat that my whole family enjoys. It's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. What’s even better is how simple it is to prepare; with just a few ingredients, I can whip up this delicious loaf in no time, and the smell while it bakes is irresistible!
What You'll Need
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
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4x8 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter until smooth.
Stir in the baking soda and salt, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Next, fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the Nutella on top. Use a knife to create a swirl pattern. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream for an extra special treat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g