Easy One-Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins: Your Go-To Recipe for a Decadent Treat
Indulge in the heavenly combination of ripe bananas and rich Nutella with these incredibly simple One-Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins. Designed for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, these soft, fluffy muffins boast a luscious, gooey Nutella core, making them the ultimate sweet breakfast delight or a perfect anytime treat. Get ready to bake a batch of pure deliciousness today!
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About These Banana Nutella Muffins
The delightful pairing of Nutella and banana has always been a personal favorite, a truly irresistible duo. While I’ve explored this flavor combination in various forms, including a beloved pumpkin banana bread with a Nutella swirl, I knew that muffins were the next logical and utterly essential step. But I didn’t want just any swirl; I craved something more — a glorious, gooey pocket of Nutella baked right into the heart of a soft, moist muffin.
And that’s precisely what these sweet, irresistible treats deliver. Each muffin is a fluffy, moist banana delight, generously studded with rich chocolate chunks. But the real magic lies within: a hidden pearl of warm, melted Nutella waiting to be discovered with every bite, elevating the deliciousness to a whole new level. These aren’t just muffins; they’re an experience.
The true genius of this recipe, beyond its incredible flavor, is its simplicity. It’s a true one-bowl wonder, meaning dramatically less cleanup for you! Forget about cumbersome stand mixers or hand mixers; a simple wooden spoon and a large mixing bowl are all you need. With just 10 straightforward ingredients and a mere 30 minutes from start to finish, these muffins are the perfect fun addition to any slow, indulgent weekend morning. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked banana and Nutella, knowing you can whip up this delightful breakfast with minimal fuss.
Beyond their ease of preparation, these baked goodies are also ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare a batch up to 3 days in advance, keeping them fresh and ready for busy mornings or unexpected cravings. For even longer enjoyment, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to heat them individually whenever the mood strikes. Convenience, decadence, and simplicity – these muffins truly have it all!
Essential Ingredients for Your Muffins
Creating these delightful banana Nutella muffins requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect fluffy texture and rich flavor:
- Bananas: The star of the show! For the best results, use overly ripe bananas – the ones with plenty of brown and black spots. These are naturally sweeter and softer, making them easier to mash and imparting a more intense banana flavor to your muffins. Underripe bananas simply won’t yield the same delicious outcome, as they lack the sugar conversion needed for that signature sweetness and moistness. I find a potato masher works wonders for a quick mash, but a sturdy fork will do the trick too.
- Coconut Oil: This provides moisture and a subtle richness to the muffins. Be sure to melt it completely and allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into the wet ingredients. If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer a different fat, melted unsalted butter is an excellent substitute and will provide a similarly moist crumb.
- Honey: Serving as the sole sweetener in this recipe, honey not only adds natural sweetness but also a lovely subtle flavor that complements the bananas beautifully. For those who prefer alternatives, agave nectar can be used in the same quantity.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as a binder, helping to structure the muffins and keep them light and fluffy. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with the other ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer. I always advocate for using a high-quality pure vanilla extract. My personal favorite is Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, which adds an unparalleled depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Simple and essential. This provides the foundational structure for your muffins. No need for specialty flours here!
- Baking Soda: Our sole leavening agent. This is vital for achieving those perfectly risen, airy muffins. Always double-check the expiration date of your baking soda, as old baking soda is a common culprit for failed baked goods.
- Salt: A pinch of fine kosher salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the muffins.
- Chocolate Chunks: While chocolate chips work, I personally love using dark chocolate chunks. Their irregular shapes create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the muffin, and the slight bitterness of dark chocolate provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet banana and Nutella. Feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if that’s your preference.
- Nutella: The star filling! Nutella, the classic chocolate hazelnut spread, brings its signature creamy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness to the center of each muffin. If you have a preferred alternative chocolate hazelnut spread, that will work perfectly as well.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
One of the joys of this “one-bowl” recipe is how few tools you actually need. Gather your largest mixing bowl, a sturdy wooden spoon for effortless stirring, and a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Don’t forget a good supply of muffin tin liners – they make cleanup a breeze and help keep your muffins perfectly shaped!
My Favorite Baking Essentials
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are a few items I highly recommend for any home baker, including for this muffin recipe:
Muffin Tin
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Mixing Bowls
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Measuring Spoons
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Here’s How to Make Banana Nutella Muffins
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Follow these easy steps to bake your perfect batch of one-bowl banana Nutella muffins:
1. Mix Together Ingredients
In your spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted coconut oil (ensure it’s cooled slightly), sweet honey, large eggs, and fragrant vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients gently until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, so be mindful! Next, add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until the flour streaks have almost disappeared, again, being careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in your chosen chocolate chunks or chips. This ensures they are evenly distributed without bruising the batter.
2. Layer the Batter and Nutella
Prepare your 12-cup muffin tin by lining each section with paper liners. A cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop is your best friend here, making it super easy to portion the batter cleanly. Start by adding 1 to 1½ tablespoons of muffin batter to the bottom of each lined cup. This forms the base of your muffin. Then, place a generous teaspoon of Nutella right in the center of the batter in each cup. Don’t be shy – this is where the magic happens! Finish by topping each with another 1 to 1½ tablespoons of batter, making sure the irresistible Nutella core is completely covered and sealed within the muffin.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Once hot, place your filled muffin tin inside and bake for approximately 20 to 22 minutes. The muffins should rise beautifully and turn a lovely golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out clean of wet batter. (Don’t worry if it has melted chocolate or Nutella on it – that’s expected and desired!) Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve them warm to experience the ultimate gooey Nutella center, or enjoy them at room temperature. They are delicious either way!
For detailed instructions on storing, freezing, and reheating these delicious muffins, please refer to the “How to Store and Reheat” section below, as well as the notes in the full recipe card.
Tips for Muffin Success
Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Measure Properly: In baking, precision is key. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to too much dry ingredient and dense, dry muffins. This small step makes a big difference in the texture of your final product.
- Embrace Ripe Bananas: This cannot be stressed enough! The browner and spottier your bananas are, the better. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, making them incredibly sweet and imparting a deep, rich banana flavor to your muffins. Using underripe bananas will result in muffins that lack both sweetness and that desirable moist, tender crumb. They truly are the secret to the best banana muffins!
- Mash Bananas Thoroughly: For a smooth, consistent muffin batter, ensure your bananas are well-mashed. My favorite tool for this job is a potato masher, which makes quick work of even very ripe bananas. A sturdy fork can also be used effectively. If you want to skip the elbow grease entirely, you can briefly pulse the peeled bananas in a blender or food processor until smooth. Just be careful not to overprocess to a watery consistency.
- Do Not Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy muffins instead of light and tender ones. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking is another common pitfall that leads to dry muffins. Keep an eye on them, and start checking for doneness at the lower end of the suggested baking time. The toothpick test (looking for no wet batter, only melted chocolate/Nutella) is your best indicator.
- Serve Warm for the Ultimate Gooey Center: While delicious at any temperature, these muffins are truly at their peak when served slightly warm. The warmth melts the Nutella filling into a luscious, gooey core and softens the chocolate chunks, creating a delightful explosion of flavor and texture with every bite. If you’re enjoying them later, a quick 10-15 second pop in the microwave will bring back that irresistible warmth.
More banana-baked goodies to explore: Pumpkin Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl | Double Chocolate Avocado Banana Bread | Spiked Caramelized Banana Milkshake | Banana Peanut Butter Mini Muffins
How Do You Mash Bananas?
Mashing bananas is a simple but important step for these muffins. My absolute favorite tool for achieving the perfect consistency is a sturdy potato masher. Its design makes quick work of even the softest, ripest bananas, giving you a chunky yet smooth consistency that’s ideal for muffin batter. You can also use the back of a fork; with truly ripe bananas, they should be soft enough that this won’t require too much effort.
For an even faster method, or if you prefer a completely smooth banana puree, you can place the peeled bananas into a food processor or blender. Pulse just a few times until the bananas are mashed to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overprocess, as you want a thick, pureed banana, not a watery liquid. Over-blending can introduce too much air or make the mixture too thin, which can affect the muffin’s final texture.
Can I Use Less Ripe Bananas?
While it might be tempting to use bananas that aren’t quite ready, using unripe bananas is not recommended for this recipe. The key to the delicious sweetness and moistness of these muffins comes directly from the natural sugars developed in overly ripe bananas. Unripe bananas contain more starch and less sugar, resulting in a muffin that lacks the depth of flavor and tender texture we’re aiming for.
However, if you only have slightly less ripe bananas on hand and can’t wait, there’s a quick trick to help them along! Pierce the skin of the bananas several times with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for about 30 seconds at a time. Continue microwaving in short bursts until the bananas are softened and their skins begin to turn darker. This process helps to break down the starches and soften the fruit, making them more suitable for baking, though they still won’t be quite as sweet as naturally ripened bananas. Another method is to bake them unpeeled on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until soft and dark.
Do These Banana Nutella Muffins Need Refrigeration?
Typically, there’s no need to refrigerate these banana Nutella swirl muffins. They stay perfectly delicious and fresh when stored properly at room temperature. The key is to ensure they are kept in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This method will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
However, if you live in a particularly warm climate, your house tends to be hot, or you simply want to extend their shelf life by a few extra days, storing them in the refrigerator is a good option. In the fridge, they can remain fresh for up to 6 days. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of baked goods slightly, making them a little firmer, so warming them up before serving is highly recommended.
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Absolutely, muffins are fantastic for freezing! Freezing is an excellent way to prepare these decadent treats in advance, allowing you to enjoy a quick, homemade breakfast or snack whenever you desire. To freeze them effectively, first ensure the muffins have completely cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can make them soggy upon thawing.
Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in a layer of plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. This individual wrapping helps to protect their flavor and texture from freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped muffins into a large, resealable freezer-friendly bag or an airtight container. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date so you know when they were frozen! These muffins will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to two to three months.
Freezing them individually also allows for convenient thawing – just grab one whenever a craving strikes!
What’s the Secret to Keeping Them Moist?
The secret to keeping these banana Nutella muffins wonderfully moist and tender for days after baking largely comes down to proper storage. Once your muffins have completely cooled down to room temperature, it’s crucial to protect them from air exposure. Air is the number one enemy of moist baked goods, quickly leading to staleness and dryness.
To combat this, tightly wrap your muffins individually in plastic wrap, or store them in a single layer in an airtight container. A bread box or a container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Stored this way at room temperature, they will remain delightfully moist for up to 3 days. For an even longer shelf life, you can opt to store them in the fridge, which can extend their freshness for a couple of extra days, keeping that tender crumb intact.
Need more inspiration for breakfast? Check out my breakfast recipes page!
What to Serve with Banana Nutella Muffins
These banana Nutella muffins are so flavorful and satisfying, they can easily stand alone as a quick, sweet breakfast or snack. However, they also make a fantastic addition to a more elaborate breakfast or brunch spread. Their sweet, indulgent profile pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
For a balanced meal, consider serving them alongside a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced melon, to add a touch of freshness and vitamins. Crispy bacon or a scrambled egg provides a savory contrast that perfectly complements the muffin’s sweetness. If you’re hosting brunch, consider pairing them with a light yogurt parfait, some granola, or even a savory quiche for a complete and varied offering.
And, of course, no sweet breakfast treat is complete without a warming beverage. A steaming mug of piping hot coffee or a creamy latte is a classic choice. For an extra special touch on a leisurely weekend morning, try them with a refreshing maple sweet cream cold brew. If you’re looking for another delightful twist on banana bread, Biscoff banana bread offers a totally decadent flavor profile with the addition of spiced cookie butter spread!
How to Store and Reheat
Proper storage and reheating ensure your banana Nutella muffins stay delicious, whether you plan to enjoy them tomorrow or next month.
- Storing at Room Temperature: Once your muffins have completely cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh and moist for up to 3 days. Always ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
- Storing in the Refrigerator: If you need to extend their freshness, you can store the cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. While this prolongs their life, they might become slightly firmer, so reheating is recommended before serving.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, muffins freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely. Individually wrap each muffin in a layer of plastic wrap, then place them in a large resealable freezer-friendly bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date!
- Reheating from Room Temperature: To enjoy the warm, gooey Nutella center, simply pop a muffin into the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Otherwise, they are delicious at room temperature as well.
- Reheating from Frozen: You have a few options for frozen muffins.
- Thaw & Warm: Thaw a frozen muffin at room temperature overnight, then warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
- Oven Reheat: For a crispier exterior and a warm, soft interior, place frozen muffins in a preheated 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Microwave Directly: For a quick reheat, place a frozen muffin in the microwave for approximately 30-60 seconds, or until thawed and warmed through.
If you need another Nutella-filled breakfast recipe, try Nutella-filled donut holes! For dessert, these 3-ingredient Nutella cake bites are always a hit.
More Tasty Muffins to Bake Up
If you’ve enjoyed these banana Nutella muffins, you’ll love exploring other delightful muffin recipes. Muffins are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from a healthy start to your day to an indulgent treat.
- For a healthier, yet utterly delicious muffin to kickstart your day or enjoy as a satisfying snack, these blackberry oatmeal muffins are a surefire winner. Packed with wholesome oats and juicy berries, they offer a burst of fresh flavor.
- If your sweet tooth is calling for something a little more decadent, these rich and moist red velvet muffins will undoubtedly satisfy any craving you might have with their iconic chocolatey flavor and vibrant hue.
- And for those who simply can’t get enough of classic banana goodness but prefer a muffin format, these banana bread muffins offer the perfect combination of the beloved quick bread and a convenient, portable muffin.
Finally, if you try this One-Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing about your baking successes and enjoy responding to every single comment. Your feedback means the world to me!
Feel free to drop any questions you have in the comments section as well – I’m always happy to help.
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is my favorite thing, and I truly cherish looking through those photos. It’s incredibly rewarding!
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Banana Nutella Muffins
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
12 muffins
Equipment
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Mixing Bowls
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Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 4 medium overly ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/4 cup mashed)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.
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Add mashed bananas, coconut oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Stir until just combined. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chunks. Be careful not to overmix.
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In each paper-lined cup, add 1 1/2 Tbsp muffin batter. Top each with 1 heaping teaspoon of Nutella in the center. Finish each cup off with another 1 1/2 Tbsp of batter to completely cover the Nutella.
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Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until baked through and golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean of muffin batter (it will have melted Nutella and chocolate on it!).
Serve immediately for the best gooey center, or store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
Freeze. When freezing, be sure to wrap each muffin individually in a layer of plastic wrap once completely cooled. Add them to a large resealable freezer-friendly bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat. From room temperature, you can either eat as is or reheat for 15 seconds in the microwave to make the center wonderfully gooey again.
From frozen, thaw at room temperature overnight and warm in the microwave if desired. To heat up directly from frozen, I like to place mine in a 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave for about 30-60 seconds until thawed and warm.
Nutrition
312kcal
Baking
Breakfast