If you love the comforting taste of classic banana bread and the rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella, then Nutella Swirled Banana Bread is the dessert you didn’t know you needed. This soft, moist loaf combines sweet ripe bananas with thick ribbons of Nutella swirled throughout, creating a bakery-style treat that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is a true family favorite that delivers big flavor using simple ingredients.
One of the best things about Nutella Swirled Banana Bread is how approachable it is. You don’t need special equipment, advanced baking skills, or hours in the kitchen. With just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a homemade dessert that smells incredible as it bakes and tastes even better once sliced. This is the kind of easy recipe that chocolate lovers come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly and perfect for first-time bakers
- No-fail recipe with simple, foolproof steps
- Quick dessert using basic pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly baking with affordable staples
- Family-approved and kid-friendly
- Crowd-pleaser for brunches, potlucks, and holidays
About the Ingredients
This Nutella Swirled Banana Bread relies on classic, simple baking ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture and flavor.
- Ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist the bread will be. They provide natural sweetness and structure.
- Melted butter – Adds richness and keeps the loaf tender. Butter also enhances the banana flavor.
- Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and keeps the crumb soft.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Sugar – Sweetens the bread and contributes to moisture.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure without making the loaf dense.
- Nutella – The star ingredient, creating rich, chocolatey swirls throughout the bread.
These best baking ingredients come together easily, making this recipe a great example of affordable baking with bakery-quality results.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender
- Slightly warm the Nutella so it swirls easily
- Line the loaf pan with parchment for easy removal
- Check doneness with a toothpick near the center
These baking tips and easy kitchen hacks help ensure dessert success every time.
Pro Tips
- Mash bananas thoroughly for an even texture
- Swirl Nutella gently—too much mixing will lose the marbled look
- Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing for clean cuts
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
This easy step-by-step recipe makes baking stress-free and reliable.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter with mashed bananas until smooth.
- Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined.
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Add dollops of Nutella over the batter.
- Spoon remaining batter on top.
- Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
These simple cooking instructions ensure perfect dessert preparation every time.
Variations
This Nutella Swirled Banana Bread is easy to customize with fun twists.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Nutella chocolate chip – Add chocolate chips to the batter
- Healthier version – Reduce sugar or use whole wheat flour
- Peanut butter swirl – Swap Nutella for peanut butter
- Nutty banana bread – Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts
These recipe variations make this loaf one of the most customizable desserts you can bake.
How to Store Nutella Swirled Banana Bread
Proper storage keeps this dessert moist and delicious.
- Room temperature – Store wrapped for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze – Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat – Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds
These dessert storage tips make this bread perfect for make-ahead desserts and leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Nutella Swirled Banana Bread ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day once flavors settle.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I make it healthier?
You can reduce sugar, use whole wheat flour, or add less Nutella.
What substitutions can I use?
You can substitute Nutella with chocolate spread, peanut butter, or almond butter.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Absolutely. It’s a chocolate lover dessert that kids adore.
Nutella Swirled Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and mashed bananas. Mix in baking soda and salt, then add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon dollops of Nutella over the batter, then top with remaining batter.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the Nutella through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
