There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas and Nutella. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while Nutella adds rich, chocolate hazelnut depth that feels indulgent without being over the top. These Banana Nutella Muffins are soft, fluffy, and swirled with pockets of warm, gooey Nutella that melt right into the crumb as they bake.

Every bite is comforting and familiar, yet special enough to feel like a treat. The muffin itself is tender and banana forward, with lightly golden edges and a soft center. Then you hit a ribbon of Nutella creamy, chocolatey, and just sweet enough to balance the banana flavor perfectly.

This is the kind of recipe you make when you have overripe bananas on the counter and want something better than basic banana bread. It’s quick, approachable, and incredibly rewarding. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, lunchboxes, or that mid afternoon coffee break when you want something homemade and satisfying.

Nutella Banana Muffins

What Are Banana Nutella Muffins?

Banana Nutella Muffins are a twist on classic banana muffins, made extra special with swirls or dollops of Nutella baked directly into the batter. Instead of mixing Nutella fully into the batter, it’s gently layered or swirled so you get distinct pockets of chocolate hazelnut flavor throughout each muffin.

The idea builds on traditional banana baking, where ripe bananas provide moisture and sweetness, but adds a dessert-like element that feels bakery worthy. These muffins sit right at the intersection of breakfast and dessert sweet enough to feel indulgent, but still grounded in familiar, comforting flavors.

What makes this recipe stand out is balance. The banana flavor isn’t overshadowed by chocolate, and the Nutella doesn’t sink or disappear. Each muffin bakes up evenly, with a soft crumb and visible swirls that look as good as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly moist and tender, thanks to ripe bananas
Nutella swirls in every bite for rich chocolate flavor
No mixer required easy, one bowl prep
Perfect for using overripe bananas
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

How This Recipe Works

Mashed bananas add moisture and sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar
Oil or melted butter keeps the crumb soft, even after cooling
Nutella is gently swirled, not mixed, for distinct pockets of flavor
A hot oven start helps muffins rise tall, then finish baking evenly

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
Spoon and level for accurate measuring.
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Star

½ to ¾ cup Nutella
Slightly warmed for easier swirling.

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts
Mini chocolate chips
A pinch of espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavor

banana nutella muffin close up — Look at that gooey Nutella center

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil (or butter), egg, and vanilla until fully combined.

4. Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should look slightly lumpy.

5. Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

6. Add the Nutella

Drop small spoonfuls of Nutella on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.

7. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not directly into Nutella) comes out mostly clean.

8. Cool

Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

For extra Nutella pockets: Add a second small dollop halfway through filling
Banana chocolate version: Add cocoa powder to the batter
Nut-free: Skip hazelnuts and use chocolate spread alternatives
Healthier swap: Use half whole wheat flour for extra fiber
Bakery finish: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking

If you enjoy banana-based treats, these pair perfectly with recipes like Classic Banana Bread or Easy Banana Muffins Recipe for a cozy baking lineup.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead:
The batter can be mixed (without Nutella) up to 12 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.

Storage:
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze fully cooled muffins for up to 3 months. Wrap individually for best results.

Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to re-melt the Nutella slightly.

banana nutella muffins served — Perfect with coffee for breakfast or an afternoon treat

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or latte
Add to a brunch spread with fruit and yogurt
Pack for school or work snacks
Enjoy as a dessert muffin with a drizzle of melted Nutella
Pair with vanilla Greek yogurt for breakfast

Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Muffin)

Calories: 260–300
Protein: 4–5g
Fat: 13–16g
Carbohydrates: 34–38g

Values vary depending on Nutella amount and add-ins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using underripe bananas, which lack sweetness
Overmixing the batter, leading to dense muffins
Over-swirling Nutella, which blends it fully into the batter
Overbaking, which dries out the muffins

FAQs About Banana Nutella Muffins

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain excess liquid first.

Why did my Nutella sink?
Too much Nutella or very thin batter can cause sinking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily for larger batches.

Are these very sweet?
They’re balanced—sweet but not overwhelming.

Conclusion

These Banana Nutella Muffins are the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something special. They’re soft, chocolate-swirled, and incredibly easy to make—ideal for busy mornings, cozy baking days, or anytime you want a comforting homemade treat.

If you love easy Desserts like Cinnamon Roll Muffins or Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Soft banana muffins + gooey Nutella swirls 🍌🍫 Save these Banana Nutella Muffins for the easiest bakery-style treat you’ll ever bake!

Banana Nutella Muffins

These Banana Nutella Muffins are soft, moist, and swirled with rich, chocolatey Nutella for an irresistible treat. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the creamy hazelnut spread, creating a bakery-style muffin with a tender crumb. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Muffins

Calories 290 kcal