Nutella Banana Bread: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness

Nutella Banana Bread: Just the name alone conjures up images of warm, gooey goodness, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, banana-infused bread, swirled with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate magic of Nutella. This isn’t your grandma’s banana bread (though we love her recipe too!), this is banana bread elevated to a whole new level of decadent deliciousness.

While the origins of banana bread itself are rooted in the resourcefulness of home cooks during the Great Depression, when overripe bananas were too precious to waste, the addition of Nutella is a more modern, and frankly genius, twist. Nutella, that iconic Italian spread, has captured hearts worldwide with its creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor. Combining it with the comforting familiarity of banana bread is a match made in baking heaven.

People adore this Nutella Banana Bread for so many reasons. The taste is simply divine – the sweetness of the bananas perfectly complements the chocolatey hazelnut notes of the Nutella. The texture is wonderfully moist and tender, and the swirling of Nutella creates pockets of intense flavor throughout each slice. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. So, are you ready to transform your overripe bananas into something truly extraordinary? Let’s get baking!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (about 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ½ cup (about 150g) Nutella, plus extra for swirling on top (optional)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparing the Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the bread from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. This step is crucial for a well-risen and evenly textured bread.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the bread’s light and tender crumb.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
   • First Addition: Add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
   • Second Addition: Add half of the mashed bananas and sour cream and mix until just combined.
   • Third Addition: Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
   • Fourth Addition: Add the remaining mashed bananas and sour cream and mix until just combined.
   • Final Addition: Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the Nutella and nuts (optional). Gently fold in the ½ cup of Nutella and the chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to overmix. You want to distribute the Nutella and nuts evenly throughout the batter without deflating the batter.

Baking Process:

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Swirl with Nutella (optional). If desired, dollop spoonfuls of extra Nutella on top of the batter and use a knife or skewer to create a swirl pattern. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra burst of Nutella flavor.
3. Bake. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the bread periodically. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
4. Cool in the pan. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from breaking apart when you remove it from the pan.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Nutella Banana Bread:

1. Use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
2. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
3. Use softened butter. Softened butter creams more easily with the sugar, creating a light and airy batter.
4. Measure flour accurately. Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in a dry bread.
5. Add chocolate chips. For an extra chocolatey treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
6. Adjust baking time as needed. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the bread periodically and adjust the baking time as needed.
7. Store properly. Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Nutella Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
2. Walnut Nutella Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty flavor and texture.
3. Pecan Nutella Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the batter for a nutty flavor and texture.
4. Cinnamon Nutella Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm and spicy flavor.
5. Espresso Nutella Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a rich and coffee-flavored bread.
6. Vegan Nutella Banana Bread: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and the sour cream with vegan sour cream or yogurt. Make sure the Nutella is vegan-friendly (some brands are).

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve warm with a pat of butter. The warm bread melts the butter and creates a delicious and comforting treat.
2. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm bread perfectly.
3. Serve with a drizzle of Nutella. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some Nutella over the bread.
4. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea. The bread makes a great accompaniment to a hot beverage.
5. Make French toast. Slice the bread and dip it in an egg mixture, then cook it on a griddle for a delicious and decadent breakfast.
6. Use it for sandwiches. Spread some peanut butter or cream cheese on the bread for a quick and easy snack or lunch.
7. Toast it. Toast a slice of the bread and spread it with butter or jam for a simple and satisfying breakfast.

Troubleshooting:

1. Bread is too dry: Make sure you are using enough mashed bananas and sour cream. Also, avoid overbaking the bread.
2. Bread is too dense: Avoid overmixing the batter. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh.
3. Bread is not rising: Make sure your baking soda is fresh. Also, avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking.
4. Bread is burning on top: Tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
5. Bread is sticking to the pan: Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 12-15g
• Saturated Fat: 6-8g
• Cholesterol: 40-50mg
• Sodium: 200-250mg
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Sugar: 20-25g
• Protein: 3-4g

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden skewer or toothpick
• Wire rack

Why This Recipe Works:

This Nutella

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve made it this far, which means you’re at least *thinking* about making this Nutella Banana Bread. And let me tell you, you absolutely should! This isn’t just another banana bread recipe; it’s a decadent, moist, and utterly irresistible treat that elevates the classic to a whole new level. The rich, nutty flavor of Nutella swirled throughout the sweet banana bread creates a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a truly special and memorable bake.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the result is a loaf that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery. It’s the kind of recipe that will impress your friends and family without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it’s baking is simply divine – a warm, comforting scent that will instantly make you feel cozy and content.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this Nutella Banana Bread is its versatility. It’s fantastic served warm, straight from the oven, with a pat of butter melting on top. It’s equally delicious at room temperature, making it perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics. For a truly indulgent experience, try toasting a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra Nutella. Oh my!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the batter for an even more decadent treat. Or, for a lighter twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You could even add a streusel topping for added sweetness and texture. The possibilities are endless!

Another great idea is to make mini loaves! These are perfect for gifting or for portion control (though, let’s be real, you’ll probably eat more than one!). Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

This Nutella Banana Bread is truly a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it for countless gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack. It’s also a wonderful way to show someone you care – a homemade loaf of this delicious bread is a gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of this incredible Nutella Banana Bread. I promise you won’t regret it! And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Nutella Banana Bread adventures!