Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Nutella

Highlighted under: Home Baking Recipes

I love a good banana bread, and when I decided to experiment with a Nutella swirl, I was thrilled with the results! The combination of sweet bananas and rich Nutella creates a delectable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it's for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread has quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is absolutely heavenly!

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:21:35.505Z

When I first made this banana bread with Nutella swirl, I couldn't wait to share it with my friends. The rich chocolatey goodness intertwined with the moist bananas creates a flavor sensation that I didn't anticipate would be so irresistible! I made sure to use overripe bananas because the more spots they have, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread becomes.

A key tip I learned is to slightly swirl the Nutella instead of completely mixing it in. This allows for those beautiful ribbons of chocolate to remain visible, giving you that stunning swirl effect once you slice it. Trust me, the visual appeal is as delightful as the taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent swirl of Nutella elevates classic banana bread
Perfectly moist texture that makes every bite delightful
Simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive for guests

      

Perfecting the Swirl

The key to achieving that delightful Nutella swirl in your banana bread lies in the timing and distribution of the ingredients. When you dollop the Nutella on top of the batter, make sure to use a knife with a thin blade for precision. Gently swirl in the Nutella just enough to create beautiful marbling without fully mixing it in. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that every bite contains a tantalizing hit of Nutella.

For a more pronounced Nutella flavor, consider using slightly warmed Nutella, as it becomes easier to swirl and distribute. Also, don't hesitate to experiment with how much Nutella you use; you can increase or decrease the quantity according to your preference, ensuring that the banana flavor remains front and center while still enjoying that chocolate-hazelnut richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re keen to enjoy this Nutella swirl banana bread over several days, proper storage is essential. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider slicing the bread and freezing individual pieces. Just ensure each slice is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they can be enjoyed within three months.

When you’re ready to eat your frozen banana bread, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—just be cautious not to overheat it. This allows the Nutella to become slightly oozy again, making for a delightful treat that tastes freshly baked.

Flavor Variations

While Nutella is an incredible addition, consider experimenting with other mix-ins or flavor profiles that pair well with banana bread. For instance, adding chopped walnuts or pecans can introduce a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor. If you want a bit of spice, incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon into the mix. This complements the sweetness of the bananas beautifully and adds a cozy warmth to the bread.

You can also create a richer version by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and swirling in the Nutella even more generously. This transforms your banana bread into a chocolate-hazelnut delight that remains moist but introduces an enticing double chocolate flavor, sure to please any chocolate lover in your home.

Ingredients for Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Nutella

Instructions for Making Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Add Nutella

Spoon half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then dollop half of the Nutella on top. Use a knife to slightly swirl the Nutella. Pour in the remaining banana batter and repeat the swirling process with the remaining Nutella.

Bake

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

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and can enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredient Insight

The ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, contributing not only sweetness but also moisture that keeps the bread tender. Make sure to choose bananas that have plenty of brown spots, as they are at their sweetest and provide the best flavor. If you're in a pinch and don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Using a combination of granulated and brown sugar enhances flavor complexity. Granulated sugar gives that initial sweetness, while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel notes and moisture, creating a beautifully tender crumb. If you want to reduce sugar, try substituting half the granulated sugar with an equivalent amount of honey or maple syrup, but be mindful that this can alter the texture slightly.

Baking Tips

Oven calibration is key to successful baking, especially for banana bread, which requires precise cooking. If you find your bread is browning too quickly on the top but still appears raw in the middle, consider tenting it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time. This will allow the center to cook properly without burning the top.

Always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If your toothpick comes out with wet batter, simply return the loaf to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes while keeping an eye on the top. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry results, so keep a watchful eye as it nears the end of the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with simple accompaniments. Consider spreading additional Nutella on warm slices or topping them with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the flavors and provide an enticing contrast to the sweetness.

For a breakfast twist, serve with a side of Greek yogurt and sliced fresh strawberries. This not only adds a refreshing touch to your meal but also provides a balance to the rich banana bread. Remember, whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter, this Nutella swirl banana bread is sure to impress!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the Nutella?

Yes, you can use any chocolate spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

→ How do I store banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can last for up to 3 months.

→ Why is my banana bread dense?

This can happen if the batter is over-mixed or if there are too many bananas. Make sure to mix just until combined for the best texture.