Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
Highlighted under: Daily Food
I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this Nutella swirl variation has become my go-to delight! The simple combination of ripe bananas and creamy Nutella creates a luscious treat that's perfect for any occasion. I enjoy this recipe because it's easy to make and yields a wonderfully moist loaf. Each slice sings with notes of chocolate and banana, bringing a smile to my face, especially when served warm. Trust me, you won't be able to resist that rich swirl of Nutella in every bite!
When I first tried adding Nutella to my banana bread, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. But to my surprise, the combination was absolutely magical! The Nutella adds a rich chocolatey layer that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas. I love using very ripe bananas as they give the bread a wonderful flavor and moisture. The trick is to swirl the Nutella in just enough to create beautiful marble patterns without overmixing.
Another tip I've learned is to check the bread with a toothpick. If it comes out with some moist crumbs, it’s perfect! Overbaking can lead to a dry loaf, which we definitely want to avoid. I also find letting it cool before slicing makes for cleaner pieces. It’s delightful straight out of the oven or toasted with a spread of butter!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The irresistible combination of chocolate and banana flavors.
- Ultra-moist texture that feels like a warm hug.
- Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your banana bread, always use overripe bananas. They not only add natural sweetness but also provide moisture, which is vital for keeping the bread soft. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown; these contain higher sugar levels and a deeper flavor that makes your bread irresistible.
When combining wet and dry ingredients, be cautious not to overmix. Overmixing can deactivate the leavening agents, leading to a denser loaf. Stir until the flour is just incorporated, then stop. You want to ensure the batter is slightly lumpy for a light, airy texture that beautifully contrasts with the Nutella's creamy richness.
Understanding Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient plays a vital role in your banana bread. For instance, the melted butter not only adds flavor but also contributes to the moist texture. It's crucial to let it cool slightly before mixing with the bananas to avoid cooking the egg too early. Room temperature eggs integrate better into the mixture, creating a smooth batter.
Nutella adds a delightful twist, transforming traditional banana bread into a decadent treat. The fat content in Nutella helps to enhance the loaf's moisture while imparting a luxurious chocolate flavor that perfectly balances the banana's sweetness. Feel free to adjust the Nutella amount based on your preference; it's an easy swap that can create a subtle or more pronounced chocolate layer.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this 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
Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start baking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Nutella swirled banana bread.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until combined. Then stir in the baking soda and salt.
Add Sugar and Egg
Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
Incorporate Flour
Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!
Swirl in Nutella
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then drizzle half of the Nutella over it. Top with the remaining batter and finish with the remaining Nutella. Use a knife to create swirls.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Your bread is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the sweetest taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're looking to prepare this banana bread in advance, consider doubling the recipe. The baked loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the bread at room temperature before slicing.
For short-term storage, keep the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revitalize its moist texture and make the Nutella swirl extra gooey, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Serving Suggestions
This Nutella swirl banana bread can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. For a delightful breakfast, consider toasting a slice and adding a pat of butter or a dollop of additional Nutella on top. It pairs wonderfully with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, elevating the treat to new heights.
For a more indulgent dessert, serve warm slices à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm bread with the cold ice cream amplifies the flavors and creates an enticing dessert experience. Garnish with sliced bananas or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to impress your guests.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw them first 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 refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl Recipe
I absolutely love baking banana bread, and this Nutella swirl variation has become my go-to delight! The simple combination of ripe bananas and creamy Nutella creates a luscious treat that's perfect for any occasion. I enjoy this recipe because it's easy to make and yields a wonderfully moist loaf. Each slice sings with notes of chocolate and banana, bringing a smile to my face, especially when served warm. Trust me, you won't be able to resist that rich swirl of Nutella in every bite!
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 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the mashed bananas until combined. Then stir in the baking soda and salt.
Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
Gently stir in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then drizzle half of the Nutella over it. Top with the remaining batter and finish with the remaining Nutella. Use a knife to create swirls.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the sweetest taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g