There is something truly magical about the combination of creamy Nutella and sweet, ripe bananas baked into soft, fluffy muffins. This Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to breakfast or snack time. Imagine tender muffins bursting with the rich flavor of hazelnut spread, complemented by the natural sweetness and moistness of bananas—each bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making these for your family, friends, or just because, they are guaranteed to bring smiles all around and become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe. Each one plays a special role in creating those moist, tender, and irresistibly chocolatey treats!
- 2 ripe bananas: The star of the show, mashed for natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: Adds that signature creamy hazelnut chocolate flavor we all adore.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Provides richness and a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Balances the flavors and enhances browning.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and give structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth to the batter.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The bulk of your muffin base, creating tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to create lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional): For those who want an extra chocolatey surprise in each bite.
How to Make Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or simply grease each cup well. This ensures your muffins release easily once baked and keeps their shape intact.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until completely smooth; this will provide natural sweetness and moisture. Stir in the Nutella, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing everything until you have a beautifully creamy and glossy batter. This step is where the magic begins—watch those flavors meld together!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter, ensuring every muffin rises perfectly.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined—remember, overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Your batter should be thick and lumpy but smooth enough to spoon into the tins.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Chocolate Chips
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If you love an extra chocolate boost, sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each muffin. These little bursts of chocolate will melt slightly as the muffins bake, making each bite a treat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of toasted bananas and Nutella filling your kitchen is a beautiful sign that you’re almost ready.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and ensures they hold their perfect tender crumb.
How to Serve Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try topping your muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm Nutella, or a few chopped toasted hazelnuts. These garnishes add a beautiful contrast in texture and bring out the nutty flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Nutella Banana Muffins pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack. A hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea complements the sweetness and makes for a cozy, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing muffins in half and turning them into mini Nutella banana sandwiches by adding a smear of extra Nutella or a slice of fresh banana inside. They also work beautifully served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Nutella Banana Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick grab-and-go treats.
Freezing
These muffins freeze exceptionally well! Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw muffins at room temperature or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until warm. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes the Nutella inside wonderfully melty and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Since bananas and Nutella are naturally sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Just keep in mind it might affect the muffins’ browning and texture a bit.
What’s the best way to know when Nutella Banana Muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they are perfectly baked.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Expect a slightly denser muffin but still incredibly tasty!
Are these muffins suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze very well. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing, and wrap them tightly. They thaw quickly and reheat beautifully.
Is it important to use ripe bananas?
Yes, ripe bananas are key! They provide more sweetness and moisture, which makes these Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe so tender and flavorful. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious treat that effortlessly combines your love for bananas and Nutella, this Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe is the answer. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, these muffins are perfect for any time of the day. Give it a try, and I promise these will become your new favorite go-to snack to share with loved ones or savor whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Print
Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Banana Muffins are deliciously moist and rich, combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a snack, these muffins are easy to make and delightfully satisfying with optional chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing the cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then stir in the Nutella, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the muffins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each muffin for added chocolate bursts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are fully ripe for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- Chocolate chips are optional but enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
- Use paper liners for easy removal and clean-up.
