Homemade banana Nutella muffins are incredibly easy to make, offering a delightful fusion of your favorite chocolatey hazelnut spread with naturally sweet overripe bananas. This irresistible combination results in moist, fluffy muffins that are perfect for any time of day. If you’ve enjoyed our banana pineapple muffins, prepare to fall in love with this decadent duo, elevated with a mesmerizing swirl of chocolatey goodness.
These banana Nutella muffins are truly a revelation. You simply *must* try them with your next batch of beautifully speckled, overripe bananas. The addition of this creamy chocolate hazelnut spread transforms an ordinary banana muffin into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s hard to imagine anything more satisfying, making this recipe easily one of our all-time best muffin recipes.
Indulgent Banana Nutella Muffins: A Perfectly Balanced Treat
While you could certainly adapt our simple 4-ingredient banana bread into muffins and then slather Nutella on top, baking the spread directly into the batter elevates the flavor to an entirely new level of amazing. The Nutella melts and caramelizes slightly within the muffin, creating pockets of rich, gooey chocolatey goodness that are simply out of this world. While a dollop on top is nice, incorporating it into the bake is where the real magic happens.
For those who frequently find themselves with a stash of deeply browned bananas, you know the struggle of finding creative ways to use them. If your overripe banana recipes list is looking a bit short, allow us to share some of our favorites. These fruits are far too good to discard when they reach that perfectly brown, sweet stage. This is precisely the moment to transform them into something truly special. For a super easy option, you might try cake mix pumpkin banana muffins. But for an incredible from-scratch experience, these banana Nutella muffins are simply unbeatable. Here’s our latest delightful creation.
Let’s delve into some fundamental tips for successful muffin baking, shall we?
- For efficiency, especially when baking for a crowd or meal prep, investing in a 24-cup muffin pan is a game-changer. Alternatively, opt for mini-sized muffins, which bake much faster and are perfect for little hands or portion control.
- We consistently recommend using paper liners, and for good reason. They make cleanup a breeze, prevent sticking, and transform your muffins into convenient grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
- No muffin pan? No problem! You can easily use stiffer, freestanding silicone baking cups or even a sturdy paper muffin wrap to achieve similar results.
Quick Oats vs. Old-Fashioned Oats in Muffins: A Texture Talk
While you certainly *can* use old-fashioned oats in muffins, be aware that it will slightly alter the final texture. For this particular recipe, we’ve opted for 1 cup of quick oats. Quick oats are pre-steamed and cut into smaller pieces, allowing them to cook faster and become softer, integrating seamlessly into the muffin batter for a tender crumb. Old-fashioned rolled oats, while often more nutritious and chewier, might result in a denser, chewier muffin, which some prefer. If old-fashioned oats are all you have on hand, we suggest substituting no more than 1/2 cup to maintain a desirable texture. Experiment to find your preferred consistency!
Prior to developing this recipe, we explored other variations, including classic chocolate banana muffins made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. This hazelnut spread, however, offers a distinct flavor profile—a rich, nutty sweetness that creates a truly unique and equally amazing taste experience.
What is Nutella and is it good for you?
Nutella is a popular hazelnut cocoa spread that typically contains sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, milk powder, whey powder, soy lecithin, and vanillin. It was originally manufactured by Ferrero in Italy and gained widespread popularity globally. Like many indulgent treats, Nutella should be consumed in moderation. While it contains some fiber and iron, its primary ingredients contribute to a high sugar and fat content. Enjoying it in small quantities as part of a balanced diet is key.
Every great banana muffin begins with the star ingredient: the bananas themselves! Aim for bananas that are very ripe, ideally with brown spots covering the peel, but not entirely black. This level of ripeness ensures maximum natural sweetness and moisture, contributing to a truly flavorful muffin. You can either incorporate a delightful swirl inside using our easy muffin recipe batter as a base, or simply follow the detailed instructions below for these exceptional Nutella-infused treats.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Banana Nutella Muffins
The foundation of these delicious muffins begins with high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully chosen to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. All-purpose flour serves as the primary dry ingredient, providing the necessary structure for our muffins. If you’re looking to boost the protein content, you could explore variations like Kodiak banana muffins, but remember that specific flour blends might require adjustments to leavening agents.
- Ripe Bananas: Crucial for sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas that are well-browned with plenty of spots, but not completely black, then mash them thoroughly.
- Quick Oats: Essential for their tender texture. Quick oats cook faster and become soft within the muffin, unlike old-fashioned oats which create a chewier consistency.
- Boiling Water: Used to plump up the quick oats, ensuring they soften properly before mixing into the batter.
- Milk: Any type of milk works, including dairy-free alternatives, providing richness and moisture.
- Oil: A neutral-flavored oil or unsweetened applesauce can be used, contributing to the muffin’s tender crumb.
- Brown Sugar & Vanilla Extract: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the muffins moist, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Egg: Best added at room temperature, as it incorporates more smoothly into the batter and contributes to a lighter texture.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The dynamic duo of leavening agents, working together to create light, fluffy muffins.
- Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice is used to create homemade buttermilk with the milk, reacting with the baking soda to lift the muffins.
- Nutella: The star of the show, providing rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor and a beautiful swirl.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Creative Variations and Delicious Adaptations
These banana Nutella muffins serve as a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to incorporate about 1/2 cup of your favorite add-ins to personalize each batch. If you’re in the mood for a fruity twist, consider folding in some homemade pressure cooker jam instead of the chocolate spread. Peanut butter is another excellent option that pairs wonderfully with bananas, or for an added crunch, crushed nuts are always a winning choice. Both peanut butter and Nutella have similar consistencies, making them interchangeable for swirling or mixing.
Beyond muffins, a spoonful or two of Nutella can transform all sorts of baked goods. You can swirl it into brownies made from cake mix, create an instant mug cake, or even marble it through a cheesecake for an extra layer of decadence. The possibilities are truly endless! For easier handling and swirling, simply microwave the Nutella for about 15-30 seconds until it softens slightly.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the baking process. A complete, step-by-step printable recipe card is available further down the page for your convenience.
How to Bake Irresistible Nutella Banana Oat Muffins
Achieving perfectly moist and flavorful muffins with a delightful Nutella swirl is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a truly rewarding baking experience:
- First, prepare your muffin pans by either spraying them thoroughly with non-stick spray or lining each cup with paper muffin liners. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To create a quick homemade buttermilk, stir 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice into your 3/4 cup of milk and set it aside for a few minutes while you gather and mix the other ingredients. This allows the milk to curdle slightly, adding tenderness to your muffins.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the brown sugar until everything is well combined. In a separate small bowl, mix the quick oats with the boiling water and let them sit for a couple of minutes to soften.
- In a third bowl, whisk your egg and oil into the prepared buttermilk mixture. Now, add the softened quick oats to your flour mixture. Gradually pour the wet ingredients (buttermilk, egg, and oil) into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help create tender muffins. Finally, gently fold in your mashed bananas.
- For easier swirling, warm your room-temperature Nutella in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will make it softer and more pliable.
- Fill each muffin tin cup approximately 3/4 full with the batter. Take a teaspoon of the warmed Nutella and dollop it into the center of each muffin cup. Using a toothpick or a thin skewer, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter to create beautiful marbled patterns. Bake for about 18-20 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and prevents them from sticking. Then, carefully remove the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Using a knife to gently pry them out can be helpful if they’re a little snug. Cooling completely allows the texture to set properly for the best eating experience.
Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Muffins: The Art of Timing
The secret to light, fluffy muffins lies in avoiding overbaking. Overbaking is the quickest way to dry out your delicious creations. Always begin checking your muffins at the minimum time suggested in the recipe. The best way to determine doneness and prevent them from drying out is to gently touch the center of a muffin; if it springs back, they are ready. Immediately transfer them from the hot muffin pan to a wire cooling rack. Leaving them in the hot pan will cause them to continue cooking and inevitably dry out, compromising their soft, tender texture.
Baking in a Loaf Pan: A Nutella Bread Variation
If you prefer a loaf to individual muffins, you can easily adapt this same delicious batter for a larger pan, similar to our Nutella Bread recipe. The main difference will be the baking time, which will be significantly longer. When using a loaf pan, ensure you give it a light spritz of non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. To check for doneness, typically around 50 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, and the top of the loaf should spring back when gently touched.
Air Fryer Nutella Muffins: A Small Batch Solution
For those times you crave just a few freshly baked muffins without heating up the entire oven, the air fryer is an excellent option. If you’re familiar with making muffins in an air fryer, you can apply the same principles using silicone baking cups. The cooking time will vary slightly from conventional oven baking, but it’s a fantastic way to prepare a small batch of these delightful treats quickly and efficiently.
How to Store Leftover Banana Nutella Muffins for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade muffins for as long as possible. Leftover muffins keep quite well, maintaining their deliciousness and texture for several days. For optimal freshness, store them in airtight bags or containers at room temperature on your countertop. Remember to gently press out any excess air each time you open and close the container. While they will remain soft and flavorful for the first few days, their texture may begin to change slightly beyond that.
For longer-term preservation, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. This method extends their shelf life from approximately 3 days to up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost one or a few muffins on the countertop for a quick and convenient treat weeks later. Serve them as is, or warm them slightly and add a pat of butter, which will melt and soak into the tender crumb, making them even more indulgent. These muffins also make a fantastic dessert after dinner. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
Banana Nutella Muffins
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Equipment
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1 muffin tin
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2 bowls
Ingredients
- 1.5 c all purpose flour
- 2 bananas, overripe and mashed
- 1 c quick oats
- 1 c water, boiling hot
- 3/4 c milk
- 1/4 c oil
- 1/4 c brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 c Nutella
- Optional: See How long to bake mini muffins for small batch options
Instructions
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Prepare muffin pans by spraying or lining with papers. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Create homemade buttermilk by stirring 1/2 tbsp lemon juice into 3/4 cup milk; set aside.
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In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; stir in brown sugar. In a small bowl, mix quick oats and boiling water; let soften.
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Whisk egg and oil into the buttermilk mixture. Add softened quick oats to the flour mixture. Gently stir the wet ingredients (buttermilk, egg, oil) into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in mashed bananas.
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Fill muffin tins 3/4 full with batter. Warm Nutella in microwave for 15 seconds to soften. Add a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each muffin. Swirl with a toothpick or cake tester. Bake for about 18 minutes.
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Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. The texture improves as they cool.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
