Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
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

Highlighted under: Golden Favorites

I absolutely love baking banana bread, especially when I can add a delightful twist to this classic treat. This Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe has become a favorite in our household because the combination of ripe bananas and rich Nutella creates an indulgent loaf that everyone loves. With its moist texture and mesmerizing swirls, it's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Let me take you through the steps to create this deliciously unique banana bread that’s sure to impress.

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:21:35.367Z

Every time I make this banana bread, the kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma of baked goodness. The Nutella swirl not only enhances the flavor but also adds an eye-catching appearance that makes this loaf perfect for sharing. I’ve experimented with different methods, but the key is to gently fold the Nutella into the banana mixture without fully blending it, allowing those beautiful swirls to remain intact.

This recipe has become a staple for weekend brunches at my house. I’ve found that using extra ripe bananas really boosts the natural sweetness and moisture of the bread. Trust me, the extra effort of waiting for those spotty bananas to appear is entirely worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent Nutella swirls that elevate traditional banana bread
Perfectly moist texture with a sweet, comforting flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, making it great for any occasion

      

Mastering the Texture of Your Banana Bread

Achieving the perfect moisture in your banana bread hinges on the ripeness of your bananas. The more overripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be, creating a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. When mashing the bananas, aim for a smooth consistency without any large chunks, as this ensures even distribution throughout the batter, enhancing the overall texture of the final loaf.

Another key factor in achieving a beautifully moist banana bread is the incorporation of melted butter. Using melted butter instead of softened butter helps to blend the ingredients more thoroughly, fostering a uniform texture. Additionally, it contributes to a slightly denser loaf, which perfectly complements the Nutella swirls. Just be sure to let the melted butter cool slightly before combining it with the bananas to avoid cooking the egg when added.

Swirling in the Nutella: Tips for Success

The art of swirling Nutella into your banana bread can make a significant difference in presentation and flavor. For the best results, use Nutella that is at room temperature. This way, it will be easier to drizzle and swirl without disrupting your batter too much. If your Nutella is cold, consider microwaving it in 10-second intervals to bring it to a creamy consistency without overheating and risking separation.

When adding the Nutella, it's important to not overmix. After you drizzle it onto the batter, use a knife to gently swirl it in a figure-eight motion, allowing the rich chocolate hazelnut spread to be incorporated without losing the structure of your banana bread. Visual cues to watch for include not seeing any large sections of unbaked batter or Nutella—that means it’s perfectly blended.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Nutella Swirl

1/2 cup Nutella

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter and mashed bananas. Then, stir in the baking soda and salt.

Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla

Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Incorporate the Flour

Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Nutella

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then drizzle half of the Nutella on top. Use a knife to swirl it together. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella.

Bake the Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to switch things up, there are several substitutions you can make. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This usually yields excellent results without compromising texture. Additionally, for a healthier alternative, you can replace half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the consistency, making it a bit denser.

For those looking to elevate the flavor further, adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can infuse your banana bread with a cozy warmth. Just a teaspoon can enhance the overall taste without overpowering the banana and Nutella, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator or toast them directly from the freezer for a warm treat anytime.

When reheating, a toaster or oven can restore your banana bread’s moistness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place wrapped slices in for about 10 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in 15-second intervals, but be careful not to overheat, as this can dry the bread out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

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

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for Nutella?

You can use any chocolate hazelnut spread, or try peanut butter for a different flavor.