Chef Mitchell preparing Nutella Banana Muffins
šŸ‘Øā€šŸ³ Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

šŸŽ“ 10+ Years Experience ā° 1000+ Recipes Created šŸ½ļø Culinary School Graduate

ā¤ļø My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during a baking competition in culinary school. The combination of Nutella and bananas was a hit, and I've honed it to perfection since then. Every time I bake these muffins, Iā€™m reminded of the joy they bring to my family and friends. They are now a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing them with others."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in snack recipes. His passion for baking and creating new flavors has led him to develop countless recipes, each designed to be both delicious and simple to make. His focus is on using high-quality ingredients to elevate everyday snacks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes ā†’
Delicious Nutella Banana Muffins served on a plate

Why This Nutella Banana Muffins Recipe Works

These Nutella Banana Muffins are incredibly moist and fluffy thanks to the ripe bananas. The addition of Nutella not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful chocolatey swirl that everyone loves. This recipe is forgiving and allows for easy adjustments to suit your taste, making it accessible for all bakers.

The technique of folding Nutella into the batter creates beautiful swirls that make each muffin visually appealing. Additionally, using overripe bananas ensures maximum sweetness and moisture, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. You'll achieve bakery-quality muffins right from your home oven.

šŸ’” Professional Tip

For best results, use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients; this keeps the muffins tender and fluffy. If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the muffins and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to enjoy later.

If you need a substitute for butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil. Both will provide moisture to the muffins, although the flavor may vary slightly. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you could also use applesauce, which will add some natural sweetness.

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.

Absolutely! Nutella Banana Muffins freeze very well. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. They pair well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making for a delightful snack or breakfast option.

Nutella Banana Muffins can last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you want to maintain their freshness, it's best to bring them to room temperature before serving, as they taste better when warm.

Yes, you can make the muffins in advance and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you're planning to keep them longer, consider freezing them for future enjoyment.

The best way to reheat these muffins is to use a microwave, heating them for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive their freshness and make them taste almost like they're fresh out of the oven.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

āœ…

Too Dry

Problem: If your muffins turn out dry, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour.

Solution: To prevent this, make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix the batter just until combined. Adding a bit more mashed banana can also help retain moisture.

āœ…

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the muffins lack a crispy top, it may be due to not baking them long enough or using low oven temperature.

Solution: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and consider baking the muffins for a few extra minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.

āœ…

Overcooked

Problem: Muffins may come out overcooked if they are left in the oven too long.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, check your muffins a few minutes before the timer goes off. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.

āœ…

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the muffins have an undercooked center, they may need more time in the oven.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes and check again with a toothpick.

āœ…

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt muffins may indicate that your oven temperature is too high or that they were left in too long.

Prevention: Consider reducing the oven temperature slightly and checking the muffins sooner to prevent burning the exterior.

āœ…

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your muffins are too sweet, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup next time to achieve a better balance.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, ensure that you're measuring the salt correctly and consider using unsalted butter.

Bland: If the muffins are bland, adding more spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract can enhance the flavor significantly.

Fresh ingredients for Nutella Banana Muffins

Essential Ingredients for Nutella Banana Muffins

Key ingredients for these muffins include ripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and moisture, and Nutella, which adds a rich, chocolaty flavor. Using high-quality butter and fresh eggs ensures the best texture and taste.

When selecting bananas, look for ones that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. This indicates maximum sweetness and flavor. For Nutella, choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste of the muffins.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Look for bananas that are mostly brown with minimal yellow skin for the best results.
  • Nutella: Choose a high-quality Nutella for a rich and creamy texture. This will ensure the swirls create a delicious contrast in each bite of the muffins.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Sift your flour before measuring to avoid adding too much, which can lead to dry muffins. Using unbleached all-purpose flour will yield the best texture.
Cooking process for Nutella Banana Muffins

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Nutella Banana Muffins is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by mixing your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This helps to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

The key to perfect muffins lies in not overmixing the batter. Gently folding the ingredients together ensures that your muffins rise beautifully, giving you a delightful treat to enjoy.

Key Technique for Perfect Nutella Banana Muffins

The most important technique for these muffins is to carefully fold the Nutella into the batter rather than mixing it in completely. This creates beautiful swirls and ensures that each muffin has a delightful chocolatey flavor without overpowering the banana.

Nutella Banana Muffins

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

šŸ“‹ Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature

For the Sauce

  • 2 ripe bananas
    Mashed
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup butter
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    Beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    Sifted
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    Optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until smooth.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Whisk until well combined.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  5. Mix Ingredients Together

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  6. Add Nutella

    Spoon in the Nutella and gently fold it into the batter, creating swirls.

  7. Fill Muffin Cups

    Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

  8. Bake

    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Nutella Banana Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins warm, straight from the oven, or toasted with a little butter on top. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding other mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or your favorite nuts. You can also substitute almond flour for a gluten-free option, adjusting baking times as needed.