If you’ve ever dreamed of a banana bread that’s not just moist and flavorful but also boasts a luscious chocolate-hazelnut twist, this Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine the comforting aroma of ripe bananas mingling with gooey ribbons of Nutella baked into every tender slice—this is more than just banana bread, it’s a dessert-and-breakfast delight rolled into one. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning treat or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe blends simplicity and indulgence in the most satisfying way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a white bowl filled with light brown dry flour mixture. To the right of it, a smaller white bowl holds a pale yellow soft butter. Below the smaller bowl, there are three yellow bananas with brown spots on their peels. Near the center, two brown eggs are placed side by side. On the left side of the image, a jar of Nutella with a white lid is visible, and in front of it, a small clear glass bowl contains white baking powder and a brown spice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the rich, smooth texture of melted butter or oil.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The key to moisture and natural sweetness; the riper, the better for optimal flavor and texture.
½ cup melted butter or oil: Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb; butter gives a classic flavor, oil keeps it moist.
½ cup sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness and enhances the crust’s golden color.
2 eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together for a perfect loaf.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic depth.
1½ cups flour: Creates the sturdy yet tender base for the bread; all-purpose flour works beautifully here.
1 tsp baking soda: The leavening agent that helps your bread rise and become delightfully fluffy.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness.
½ cup Nutella: The star ingredient for that signature chocolate-hazelnut swirl—make sure it’s slightly warmed for easier swirling!

How to Make Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your bread slips out cleanly once baked. Taking this step seriously helps the bread maintain its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas, melted butter or oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything comes together into a smooth, fragrant batter. This mix is where moisture and flavor begin their magic.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt over your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bread might become dense. The slight lumps in the batter mean you’re on the right track for a tender bite.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Nutella

Pour about half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out. Then spoon half of the Nutella over the top in dollops. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the Nutella through the batter with deliberate gentle movements, creating that beautiful marbled effect. Add the remaining batter, then repeat the Nutella swirling for double the chocolate-hazelnut goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—patience here keeps your loaf intact and ready to slice.

How to Serve Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe

A sliced loaf of nut-topped cake sits on a wooden board with one slice pulled forward, showing layers of light brown cake with dark swirls inside. The cake's top is covered with chopped nuts that spill onto the board. More of the same cake appears blurred in the background resting on a wire rack. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of extra Nutella on each slice makes every bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or snack time. If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bread into thick slices and toasting them lightly, turning it into a decadent Nutella banana French toast. For gatherings, serve slices stacked with layers of mascarpone cheese and fresh strawberries for a show-stopping treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for 2 to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a slice or two throughout the week without losing its charm.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To revive your banana bread’s fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly. This brings back the soft texture and melty Nutella swirls, making each bite taste just out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in this Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe?

Absolutely! Since ripe bananas and Nutella add a natural sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread. Just keep in mind it may affect the crust’s color and texture a bit.

What if I don’t have Nutella? What can I use instead?

If Nutella isn’t on hand, any chocolate hazelnut spread will work wonderfully. Alternatively, a good-quality chocolate spread or even peanut butter for a different twist could be swirled in for creative variations.

How ripe do the bananas need to be?

The riper the bananas, the better. Look for spots or even blackened skins—they indicate high sugar content and softness, which makes your bread extra flavorful and moist.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Stirring in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking adds delightful texture and extra bursts of flavor that play beautifully alongside the Nutella swirl.

Is this banana bread gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, just make sure they include a binding agent to keep the bread tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a slice of freshly baked banana bread, and adding that chocolate-hazelnut swirl courtesy of Nutella takes it to an entirely new delicious realm. This Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe is easy to make and endlessly satisfying, whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a sweet treat to brighten your day. Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes your go-to recipe for sharing smiles with family and friends.

Nutella Banana Bread with a Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Recipe