The Ultimate Nutella Swirl Banana Bread: Moist, Decadent, and Easy One-Bowl Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary Nutella banana bread, a recipe that promises an unparalleled combination of moistness, tenderness, and rich flavor. Each slice is a delightful experience, generously swirled with luscious ribbons of gooey Nutella that melt in your mouth. To elevate the texture and intensify the chocolate hazelnut profile that we all adore, this bread is packed with both sweet chocolate chips and perfectly roasted, crunchy hazelnuts. It’s a beautifully chunky, satisfyingly moist banana bread that truly comes alive with every bite. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its incredible simplicity: everything comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, requiring no electric mixer. This makes it an ideal treat for any occasion, from a comforting weekend breakfast to a festive holiday dessert, proving itself as a truly decadent indulgence that’s easy to whip up any time of the year.
Beyond this delightful banana bread, my ultra-creamy Nutella cheesecake is also a massive hit, especially during holiday gatherings!
🍌 Why You’ll Adore This Nutella Banana Bread Recipe
- Incredibly Soft, Moist, and Flavorful: This isn’t just any banana bread; it’s a masterpiece of texture. Imagine a tender crumb, perfectly soft, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The generous chunks of gooey banana integrated throughout ensure a consistently moist experience, making every bite unbelievably satisfying. It’s the kind of banana bread that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment.
- Decadent Nutella Swirls: The star of this bread is undoubtedly the rich Nutella swirl. We layer a thick ribbon of creamy chocolate hazelnut spread through the center and artfully drizzle it on top, creating stunning, marbled patterns. As the bread bakes, the Nutella transforms into luscious, gooey ribbons that provide bursts of decadent flavor and a beautiful visual appeal that’s simply irresistible.
- Enhanced Chocolate Hazelnut & Crunch: To truly maximize that iconic Nutella taste and add an exciting textural contrast, this recipe is generously loaded with mini chocolate chips and finely chopped, roasted hazelnuts. The chocolate chips melt into delightful pockets of sweetness, while the roasted hazelnuts contribute a wonderful crunch and a deeper, nuttier dimension that complements the Nutella and banana perfectly.
- Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: Say goodbye to piles of dishes and complicated steps! This recipe is designed for ease and convenience. You only need one mixing bowl and a whisk to bring this incredible Nutella banana bread together. No electric mixer required, making it perfect for quick baking sessions or when you want maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss.
📝 Essential Ingredients for Nutella Banana Bread
Read through for all the tips you will need for success!
Full steps and ingredients in recipe card below.
Bananas: The secret to truly flavorful banana bread lies in the ripeness of your bananas. Opt for spotty, overripe bananas – the more brown spots they have, the sweeter and more intense their flavor will be. For an even more profound banana taste, consider freezing those spotty bananas and then defrosting them before mashing. The freeze-thaw process breaks down cell walls, intensifying both the sweetness and the characteristic banana flavor, resulting in an exceptionally moist loaf.
Hazelnuts: While you can use pre-roasted hazelnuts for a shortcut, taking the time to roast raw hazelnuts yourself makes a significant difference. Freshly roasting them unlocks a wonderfully fragrant, toasty flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully. This simple step elevates the overall nutty profile of your banana bread, making it taste far more authentic and rich.
Nutella: I personally use brand-name Nutella for its consistent quality and flavor, but any high-quality chocolate hazelnut spread will work effectively in this recipe. Don’t let any leftover Nutella go to waste – it’s also fantastic for making my decadent chocolate Nutella cupcakes!
Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic depth that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of bananas and the richness of chocolate and hazelnut. It’s a subtle addition that truly enhances the overall cozy flavor profile of the banana bread.
All-Purpose Flour: For the most accurate and consistent results in baking, weighing your flour is highly recommended. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, measuring correctly is crucial. Gently stir the flour in its bag to aerate it, then spoon it lightly into your measuring cup. Level off the excess with the flat edge of a knife, being careful not to pack the flour down into the cup. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to a dry, dense banana bread.
Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are a fantastic choice for this banana bread because they provide a more even distribution of chocolate throughout the loaf, ensuring a delightful hint of chocolate in nearly every bite. If you prefer larger pockets of melted chocolate, regular semisweet chocolate chips also work wonderfully. Feel free to substitute with milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate note.
Plain Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is a game-changer for achieving a truly moist and wonderfully fluffy banana bread. The acidity and fat content in Greek yogurt (or sour cream, which works just as well) tenderize the crumb and add incredible moisture without making the bread greasy. It contributes to a light, airy texture that is simply irresistible.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
Step 1: Roast and Chop Hazelnuts. Begin by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C). Spread the raw hazelnuts evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. They are perfectly roasted when they become fragrant, turn a light golden brown, and their skins begin to loosen easily. Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool completely, then gently rub them to remove most of the skins. Once cooled, roughly chop them into desired pieces. This simple step vastly improves their flavor!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients (Part 1). Peel your ripe bananas and place them into a large mixing bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash the bananas until they are roughly broken down, leaving some small chunks for texture – this adds to the “chunky” appeal of the bread. To this, add the brown sugar and eggs. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a thick, sweet banana base for your batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients (Part 2). Into the same bowl with your banana mixture, pour in the melted butter, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Give everything another thorough whisk until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and evenly colored. This ensures all the delightful flavors are well distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add-ins. Now, add the all-purpose flour and baking soda directly into the wet ingredient bowl. Using a whisk, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined and a cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. Next, add the chopped hazelnuts (remember to reserve a tablespoon for sprinkling on top) and the chocolate chips. Fold these delicious add-ins into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: First Layer of Batter and Nutella. Line a 9″ by 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out later. Transfer approximately half of the prepared banana bread batter into the lined loaf pan, using a spatula to gently smooth out the bottom layer. Then, take about half a cup of Nutella and, using a spoon, dollop it over the batter, allowing it to fall in delightful ribbons. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic swirls are part of the charm!
Step 6: Second Layer and Final Swirl. Carefully spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the Nutella layer in the loaf pan, spreading it gently to cover. Next, drizzle the rest of your Nutella over the top surface of the batter. For that signature swirl, take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl the Nutella into the top layer of the batter, creating beautiful patterns. Finally, sprinkle the reserved tablespoon of chopped hazelnuts over the top for a beautiful finish and added crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool. Place your prepared Nutella banana bread into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. The banana bread is done when a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the very center comes out with only melted Nutella on it, not wet banana bread batter. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to remove it. This cooling period is crucial for the bread to set properly and prevent crumbling. After initial cooling, lift the bread out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
✔️ Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Banana Bread Every Time
- Always Use Overripe, Spotty Bananas: This is arguably the most crucial tip for exceptional banana bread. As bananas ripen, their starch converts to sugar, making them naturally sweeter and intensifying their signature flavor. Overripe bananas are also softer and easier to mash, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter and a much more moist crumb. Don’t be afraid of bananas that look almost black – they’re perfect for baking!
- Do Not Overmix the Batter After Adding Flour: Once you’ve added the flour to your wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough, and chewy banana bread instead of the tender, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few small lumps of flour are perfectly fine; they will disappear during baking.
- Roast Your Hazelnuts for Optimal Flavor: Raw hazelnuts often have a slightly grassy or bitter undertone that isn’t ideal for a rich Nutella flavor profile. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and deep, toasty aroma, making them truly shine in this recipe. The instructions for roasting are included in the first step of the recipe, and it’s a step worth taking for a superior taste experience.
- Ensure Even Nutella Distribution for the Best Swirl: When adding the Nutella layers, don’t worry about spreading it perfectly smooth. The beauty of a Nutella swirl lies in its natural, marbled appearance. Dollop it in ribbons or spoonfuls and then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl, rather than vigorously mix, through the batter. This technique ensures distinct pockets of gooey Nutella throughout your banana bread.
🥄 Make Ahead and Storage Guidelines
This Nutella banana bread is wonderfully versatile when it comes to storage, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness for days! To maintain its freshness at room temperature, simply store the cooled loaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For extended enjoyment, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. If you’re planning to savor it even longer, this banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked taste.
📖 Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Banana Bread
While I haven’t personally tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, many readers have reported success by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The overall moistness from the bananas and yogurt should help maintain a good texture. If you decide to try it, please share your results in the comments below – your feedback helps other bakers!
I prefer using the original Nutella brand for its rich, authentic flavor and consistent texture, which works beautifully in this recipe. However, many other brands of chocolate hazelnut spread are available, and you can certainly use any that you enjoy and trust for baking. Just ensure it’s a good quality spread for the best results in flavor and melt.
Absolutely, you can omit the roasted hazelnuts if you prefer a banana bread without nut inclusions. The bread will still be incredibly delicious with the Nutella swirl and chocolate chips. However, the hazelnuts add a wonderful crunch and deepen the overall nutty flavor profile, so if you’re a fan of nuts in your banana bread (like a classic banana walnut bread), I highly recommend keeping them in for that extra dimension.
Yes, absolutely! Frozen overripe bananas are actually fantastic for banana bread. Simply thaw them completely at room temperature or in the microwave until soft. They will release a lot of liquid, which you should *not* drain, as this liquid intensifies the banana flavor and moisture in the bread. Just mash them as usual once thawed.
🍞 More Delicious Baking Ideas
- Banoffee Cake
- Pumpkin and Chocolate Bread
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Bread
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
Did you make this recipe? I would love for you to rate this recipe and hear what you think in the comments below! Share your creation on Instagram and tag @flouringkitchen. Follow me on Pinterestto save and for more recipe ideas.
📖 Recipe
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread with Hazelnuts and Chocolate Chips
MaryEquipment
- 9×5 inch Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup hazelnuts raw (plus 1 tbsp reserved for topping)
- 3 bananas large, very ripe, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup butter melted
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for moisture
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, properly measured
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Place the raw hazelnuts on a cookie sheet and roast them in the oven for 5-8 minutes, being careful not to burn them. They’re ready when they’re fragrant, golden brown, and the skin comes off easily. Let them cool completely, then roughly remove the skins by rubbing them in a clean kitchen towel, and chop into pieces. Set aside 1 tablespoon of chopped hazelnuts for topping.½ cup hazelnuts
- Peel the ripe bananas into a large mixing bowl. Use the back of a fork to mash them roughly, leaving some delightful chunks for texture. Add the packed brown sugar and large eggs into the bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and smooth.3 bananas, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs
- Pour the melted butter, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt into the bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.½ cup butter, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Add the measured all-purpose flour and baking soda into the bowl with the wet mixture. Gently fold the mixture with a whisk or spatula until just combined and a cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender banana bread.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Now, add the chopped hazelnuts (excluding the reserved tablespoon) and the mini semisweet chocolate chips into the batter. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- Line a 9″ by 5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the longer sides. Transfer about half of the prepared banana bread batter into the lined loaf pan and use a spoon or spatula to gently smooth out the bottom layer. Then, take approximately half a cup of Nutella and spoon it over the batter, letting it naturally form ribbons and dollops.
- Carefully add the remaining banana bread batter on top of the Nutella layer and spread it gently. Drizzle the remaining Nutella over the top surface. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the top layer of Nutella into the batter to create a marbled effect. Finish by sprinkling the reserved chopped hazelnuts over the top.¾ cup Nutella
- Bake the Nutella banana bread in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. The banana bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with only melted Nutella, but no wet banana bread batter. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added; mix just until combined to ensure a soft and tender crumb.
- Always roast your hazelnuts. This simple step significantly enhances their flavor, making them toasty and fragrant, which is crucial for a true chocolate hazelnut taste.
- For accurate baking results, always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.