Why You’ll Love This Moist Nutella Banana Bread Recipe
As a baker, I understand the joy of a truly exceptional treat. This Moist Nutella Banana Bread transcends your average banana loaf. It offers a decadent twist on a beloved classic.
You will love its tender crumb, the perfect balance of sweet banana, and the rich, creamy swirls of chocolate-hazelnut goodness. We achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture by carefully combining the right ingredients and employing simple techniques. Furthermore, this recipe is straightforward, welcoming bakers of all skill levels.
You can easily whip up this delicious Nutella banana bread for breakfast, a comforting snack, or a delightful dessert. It quickly becomes a family favorite, always disappearing faster than you expect. Moreover, the aroma alone fills your kitchen with an irresistible warmth.
This is more than just a banana bread; it is an experience. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to bake the best Moist Nutella Banana Bread you have ever tasted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Moist Nutella Banana Bread begins with high-quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after texture and flavor. Therefore, measure everything accurately for the best results.
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs, at room temperature
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup plain milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk)
* 4 very ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
* ½ cup Nutella, plus extra for swirling
Substitutions & Variations
This Moist Nutella Banana Bread recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences or available ingredients.
Flour Alternatives: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum.
Sweetener Swaps: If you prefer less refined sugar, you can reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup. Honey or maple syrup can replace some of the brown sugar, but adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain consistency.
Dairy-Free Option: Simply use a plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work beautifully) and a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture of your Nutella banana bread will remain excellent.
Nutella Alternatives: If Nutella is unavailable, or you prefer a different flavor, try other chocolate-hazelnut spreads. Alternatively, swirl in a thick caramel sauce or a homemade chocolate ganache for a different kind of indulgence.
Add-Ins for Extra Texture:
* Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) with the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey punch to your Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
* Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch. Add ½ cup to the batter.
* Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm flavors of the banana bread.
* Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical twist.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: This recipe easily converts to mini loaves or muffins. Reduce the baking time accordingly; muffins usually take 20-25 minutes, and mini loaves 30-40 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delightful Moist Nutella Banana Bread is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
1. Prepare Your Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation ensures your Nutella banana bread will not stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to combine them thoroughly. This step distributes the leavening agents evenly throughout the Nutella banana bread.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Then, add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the melted butter.
Whisk until well combined and smooth. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg incorporates fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Milk and Bananas: Pour the milk into the wet ingredients mixture. Stir until just combined.
Now, add the mashed ripe bananas. Mix gently until mostly smooth, but a few small lumps are perfectly fine for this Moist Nutella Banana Bread. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix; overmixing develops gluten, which can make your banana bread tough. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
6. Swirl in Nutella: Pour about half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the ½ cup of Nutella over the batter.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella. For a dramatic swirl, run your knife through the batter in a figure-eight pattern.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean (a little melted Nutella on the skewer is fine, but not wet batter). Baking time can vary based on your oven.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the Moist Nutella Banana Bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Cooling completely prevents the bread from crumbling when sliced.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Moist Nutella Banana Bread involves a few simple tricks. These tips will elevate your baking and ensure a consistently delicious result every time.
1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a truly Moist Nutella Banana Bread. The bananas should have lots of brown spots or even be mostly black.
Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide more moisture, resulting in a more flavorful and tender crumb. Freeze ripe bananas if you are not ready to bake immediately; simply thaw them before use.
2. Do Not Overmix: Overmixing is the enemy of moist banana bread. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain.
A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense loaf instead of a light, fluffy one.
3. Accurate Measuring: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for flour if possible; otherwise, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This prevents adding too much flour, which can dry out your Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. They incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more emulsified mixture. This contributes to a better texture in your finished banana bread.
5. Perfect Nutella Swirl: For distinct Nutella swirls, warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes it easier to dollop and swirl. Do not overmix the Nutella into the batter; gentle swirls create beautiful marbling.
6. Test for Doneness: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend. The internal temperature of fully baked bread should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C). Alternatively, the toothpick test works well: insert a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean (a bit of melted Nutella is okay).
7. Cool Completely: Patience is key! While it is tempting to slice into a warm loaf, letting your Moist Nutella Banana Bread cool completely on a wire rack allows the starches to set. This results in cleaner slices and a better overall texture.
Storage & Reheating Tips
You want to keep your delicious Moist Nutella Banana Bread fresh for as long as possible. Proper storage ensures every slice remains as delightful as the first.
Countertop Storage:
Store your Nutella banana bread at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This method works best if your home is not too humid.
Refrigeration:
If you need to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the wrapped loaf for up to a week. The refrigerator can slightly alter the texture, making it a bit firmer. Always ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
This Moist Nutella Banana Bread freezes beautifully. First, allow the loaf to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
You can also place the double-wrapped loaf into a freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. For individual servings, slice the loaf before freezing, then wrap each slice separately. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
Reheating Tips:
* From Room Temperature: For a warm, just-baked experience, slice the bread and microwave individual slices for 10-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm slices in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
* From Refrigerator: Follow the same reheating methods as above, but you might need a few extra seconds in the microwave or toaster oven.
* From Freezer: Thaw frozen slices or a whole loaf overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as you would from room temperature. You can also heat a frozen slice directly in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a toaster oven on a low setting until warmed through. The key is gentle reheating to retain the beloved moistness of your Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This delightful Moist Nutella Banana Bread is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments, making it perfect for any time of day.
For Breakfast or Brunch:
* A Hot Cup of Coffee: The rich, robust flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the Nutella banana bread beautifully.
* A Soothing Tea: A cup of black tea, Earl Grey, or even a herbal blend provides a gentle counterpoint.
* Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant bowl of berries, melon, or sliced oranges adds a refreshing, light contrast.
* Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt offers a tangy balance to the sweetness and adds a protein boost.
For an Afternoon Snack:
* A Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting, milk is always a perfect companion for any banana bread.
* Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: For warmer days, a chilled coffee drink provides a refreshing pairing.
* A Smear of Cream Cheese: A thin layer of plain or honey-sweetened cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness and tang.
For Dessert:
* Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of Moist Nutella Banana Bread is pure indulgence.
* Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a touch of vanilla, lightens the richness.
* A Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lover, an extra drizzle of chocolate or even warmed Nutella takes this treat to the next level.
* Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on the side offer a burst of freshness and color.
Enjoy your Moist Nutella Banana Bread however you like! It’s truly a treat that stands wonderfully on its own, but these pairings elevate the experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Moist Nutella Banana Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Moist Nutella Banana Bread actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature.
What makes my banana bread moist?
Several factors contribute to a moist banana bread. Firstly, using very ripe bananas (almost black) adds natural moisture and sweetness. Secondly, oil or melted butter in the recipe keeps the crumb tender.
Thirdly, avoiding overmixing the batter prevents gluten from developing excessively, which can lead to a dry, tough loaf. Finally, using brown sugar also adds moisture due to its molasses content. All these elements work together to create an incredibly Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
Can I freeze Moist Nutella Banana Bread?
Yes, you certainly can! This Moist Nutella Banana Bread freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat individual slices from frozen.
How ripe should bananas be for the best Moist Nutella Banana Bread?
For the absolute best Moist Nutella Banana Bread, use bananas that are very ripe. They should have a significant amount of black or dark brown spots on their peels, or even be completely black. At this stage, they are at their sweetest and provide the most moisture, which translates into a wonderfully rich flavor and super moist texture.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of this Moist Nutella Banana Bread?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour if it does not. The texture of your gluten-free Moist Nutella Banana Bread will still be fantastic.
Why did my Nutella sink to the bottom of the banana bread?
If your Nutella sank, it might have been too warm or too much was added at once. Slightly chill the Nutella or ensure it’s at room temperature (not melted) before swirling. Also, ensure your batter is thick enough to suspend the Nutella. Gently dolloping and swirling in two stages, as described in the instructions, helps to keep the Nutella distributed throughout the Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
Can I reduce the sugar in this Moist Nutella Banana Bread recipe?
Yes, you can somewhat reduce the sugar. The ripe bananas contribute a lot of natural sweetness, and the Nutella is also sweet. You can try reducing the granulated sugar by ¼ to ½ cup without significantly impacting the texture of your Moist Nutella Banana Bread. However, reducing it too much might affect the overall balance of flavors and the bread’s moisture.
My banana bread is dry. What went wrong?
Several factors can lead to dry banana bread. The most common culprits are overmixing the batter (which develops gluten and makes the bread tough), using too much flour (always measure accurately), or overbaking. Ensure you use very ripe bananas and follow the baking time guidelines, testing for doneness with a skewer. These steps are crucial for a truly Moist Nutella Banana Bread.
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Moist Nutella Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Nutella Banana Bread combines the classic flavors of banana bread with rich, creamy Nutella swirls, creating a delightful and indulgent treat. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
2 large Eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup Plain Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
4 very ripe Medium Bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
½ cup Nutella, plus extra for swirling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pa
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix in the granulated and brown sugars. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract
- Stir in the milk and mashed bananas until just combined
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined
- Pour half the batter into the pan, dollop with Nutella, and swirl it in. Repeat with the other half of the batter and Nutella
- Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clea
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
Store at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55-70 mins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Looking to discover the delightful history behind banana bread? Dive into the nostalgia of baking with your family as you explore the roots of this beloved treat in our detailed guide by following this link.
Moist Nutella Banana Bread is not just a culinary creation; it represents a fusion of flavors and memories. Unveil the essence of baking by learning more about this cherished food tradition found in the world of banana bread.