Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Tender: The abundance of ripe bananas ensures each muffin is incredibly moist and tender.
Nutella Swirl: A generous swirl of Nutella adds a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that pairs perfectly with the banana base.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is both easy and convenient to whip up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Melted butter
Ripe bananas
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Nutella

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough muffins.
Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Add Nutella Swirl: Place a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin. Using a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 muffins.
Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
Baking Time: 17-20 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

Add Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized delights; adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots are sweeter and provide more moisture, enhancing the flavor and texture of the muffins.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it may result in a denser muffin. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

Is there a substitute for Nutella?

Any chocolate-hazelnut spread or similar chocolate spread can be used as a substitute.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes, by substituting the egg with a flaxseed egg and using plant-based butter and a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread.

How do I prevent the Nutella from sinking to the bottom?

Swirling the Nutella on top of the batter helps it stay on the surface and creates a marbled effect.

Can I add spices to the batter?

Absolutely. Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for butter.

How can I make the muffins gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the sweetness and moisture. Alternatively, use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Why are my muffins dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Conclusion

These Nutella Banana Muffins combine the classic flavor of banana bread with the rich indulgence of Nutella, resulting in a treat that’s both comforting and decadent. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike.