Okay, let’s talk comfort food. Remember those banana breads your grandma used to make, filling the whole house with that warm, sweet scent? Well, imagine that, but kicked up a notch with the creamy, chocolatey goodness of Nutella. These Nutella Banana Muffins are like a warm hug on a chilly morning, but honestly, I could eat them any time of day. They’re even easier than regular banana bread, and trust me, once you taste that swirl of Nutella, you’ll never look back. My kids devour these faster than I can make them, and honestly, I’m not complaining. If you love a quick and easy treat, these Nutella Banana Muffins are calling your name!
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What is Nutella Banana Muffin?
Think of these Nutella Banana Muffins as the love child of your favorite banana bread and a decadent Nutella spread. It’s essentially a moist, flavorful banana muffin, swirled with ribbons of that irresistible hazelnut-chocolate spread we all know and love. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the Nutella brings a rich, nutty depth that’s just…chef’s kiss! They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit, whether I’m bringing them to a potluck or just whipping up a batch for a cozy weekend at home.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how simple it is! These Nutella Banana Muffins are seriously foolproof, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.
Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of bananas and Nutella? The banana provides a natural sweetness and moistness, while the Nutella adds that rich, chocolatey flavor. What is that hazelnut flavor that we all crave? Is it a match made in heaven?
Easy Peasy:Unlike some baking recipes that require precise measurements and complicated techniques, these recipes are easy to follow. What are muffins? Is it really that easy to make Nutella cupcakes?
Budget Friendly You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Bananas are inexpensive, and a jar of Nutella goes a long way. This is a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, turning them into a delicious treat.
Super Versatile:Nutella Banana Muffins are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee, pack them in lunchboxes for sweet treat, or serve them as dessert. What are the best desserts to serve after dinner? They’re also great for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend at home. What are the best treats ever?
If you like banana bread and Nutella, you’re going to love these. They’re like a portable version of banana bread. Is Nutella Banana Muffins a family favorite? In your house too!
How do you make Nutella Banana Muffins?
Quick Overview
Making these Nutella Banana Muffins is easier than you think! We’re talking simple mixing, a beautiful swirl of Nutella, and a quick bake in the oven. The best part? The results are so rewarding – moist, flavorful muffins that are guaranteed to disappear fast. Don’t be intimidated by baking; this recipe is designed for success, even if you’re a beginner!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached, but regular is fine too)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda per 1 cup.
- 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted. 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon)
- 34 cup granulated sugar. 2
- 2 large eggs
- What is the best vanilla extract to use?
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium banana slices – the softer, the sweeter)!
- ¼ cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it works great)
For the Filling:
- 12 cup Nutella, slightly softened (microwave for 10-15 seconds if needed)
For the Glaze:
- 12 cup powdered sugar. 2 cups
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). How do you line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with cooking spray? I prefer liners because they make for easy cleanup, but either works!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Whisking helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed, which is key for a good rise. Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Set aside. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. What is the best way to stir together bananas and milk? What are some good ways to make banana muffins mashed?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not over mix flour and sugar. Overmixing can cause a hard muffin. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
How do you soften Nutella by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds? You want it to be smooth enough to swirl, but not so runny that it disappears into the batter.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you fill a muffin cup with banana batter? What is the best way to serve Nutella on muffins? Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the Nutella into the batter. This creates an interesting marbled effect. How do you create swirls? Some people love to make figure eights, but I like to just drag the knife through the batter in a bowl. What is a Don’t over swirl a muffin, otherwise it will be brown!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 18 minutes – oven temperatures can vary. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins. I like to use a fork for a rustic look, but you can also use a piping bag for a more precise application.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, the muffins are ready to serve! What are some good ways to enjoy these at room temperature? What are some great afternoon teas that pair well with coffee?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ideas for making Nutella Banana Muffins? The next level: the next step.
For Breakfast: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of granola adds a bit of extra texture and protein. And of course, don’t forget the coffee! A latte or cappuccino pairs perfectly with the sweet, nutty flavor of the muffins.
For Brunch: Create a beautiful brunch spread with these muffins as the star. Arrange them on a platter with other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado toast. Serve with a refreshing mimosa or a glass of orange juice.
As Dessert: Warm the muffins slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts adds an extra touch of decadence. I sometimes serve them with a small bowl of fresh berries to balance out the sweetness.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy these muffins with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on road trips. My kids love to have them as an after-school snack with a glass of milk. It’s a simple pleasure that always brings a smile to their faces.
Growing up, my mom would always make banana bread on Sunday mornings, and the whole house would smell amazing. These Nutella Banana Muffins bring back those memories, but with a fun, chocolatey twist. They’re a perfect way to start the day or enjoy a comforting treat any time of day.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella Banana Muffins
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate these muffins. Here are some of my top tips:
Banana Prep: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, and they also mash more easily. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft and the skins are black. This intensifies their sweetness and flavor.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense muffins. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour remaining. It’s better to undermix than overmix.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your Nutella swirls! Use a toothpick, knife, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. You can swirl the Nutella in a circular motion, create figure eights, or simply drag the utensil through the batter in a zigzag pattern. Just be careful not to over swirl, as this can muddy the batter and make the muffins less visually appealing.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of milk, you can substitute with yogurt or sour cream. This will make the muffins even more moist and tender. You can also add other ingredients to customize the flavor, such as chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or a pinch of nutmeg. I sometimes add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a mocha flavor.
Baking Tips: Bake the muffins in the center rack of the oven for even browning. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
Glaze Variations: The glaze is optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. You can customize the flavor by adding a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze. For a richer glaze, use cream or half-and-half instead of milk. I also like to add a tablespoon of Nutella to the glaze for an extra chocolatey kick.
One time, I accidentally added too much baking soda to the batter, and the muffins came out tasting slightly soapy. I learned my lesson and now I always double-check my measurements! Another time, I forgot to grease the muffin tin, and the muffins stuck to the bottom. Now I always use paper liners or grease the tin thoroughly with cooking spray.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Nutella Banana Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid storing them in a humid environment, as this can make them soggy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. To prevent them from drying out, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the muffins for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quick thaw.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the muffins, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. The glaze can become sticky if stored for an extended period. If you’ve already glazed the muffins, you can still store them, but the glaze may not look as fresh. For best results, store unglazed muffins and glaze them right before serving.
I once made a big batch of these muffins and froze half of them for later. It was so convenient to have a sweet treat on hand whenever I needed one. They thawed perfectly and tasted just as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Nutella Banana Muffins are more than just a recipe; they’re a little slice of happiness. They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a light dessert, these muffins are sure to hit the spot. The combination of banana and Nutella is simply irresistible, and the swirl of Nutella adds a touch of elegance that makes them perfect for sharing. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my classic banana bread or my chocolate chip muffins. They’re all family favorites that I’ve been making for years.
So go ahead, give these Nutella Banana Muffins a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! And please, come back and let me know how they turned out. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your own variations. Happy baking!
Berry Oatmeal Crumble Bars: Sweet and Tart Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour organic if possible
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups mixed berries fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, toss the mixed berries with lemon juice and cornstarch. Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the berries.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing and serving.
