Easy One Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins: Your Go-To Recipe for a Sweet Breakfast
Prepare yourself for the ultimate sweet breakfast treat: One Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins! These delightful muffins offer an irresistible blend of sweet, ripe bananas and creamy, luscious Nutella, all effortlessly prepared in a single mixing bowl. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy muffin, only to discover a warm, gooey Nutella center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a leisurely weekend morning or a quick, indulgent snack, these muffins are designed for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Bake a batch today and elevate your breakfast experience!
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About These Banana Nutella Muffins
The delightful pairing of Nutella and banana has always been a personal favorite, transforming any ordinary baked good into something extraordinary. While I’ve previously explored this divine flavor combination in delicious bread recipes, I knew it was time to capture its magic in a batch of homemade muffins. But I didn’t want to simply swirl the rich chocolate hazelnut spread on top; my goal was to create a truly indulgent experience with a generous, gooey center of Nutella nestled right in the heart of each fluffy muffin.
And that’s precisely what these sweet treats deliver. Each muffin boasts a wonderfully soft and moist banana base, generously studded with luscious chocolate chunks that add another layer of decadence. But the real surprise lies within: a perfect pocket of warm, melted Nutella that oozes out with every bite, elevating these from good to utterly sensational. These aren’t just any chocolate chip muffins; they are an experience in pure deliciousness, perfect for any time of day.
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity. Crafted entirely in just one bowl, it significantly cuts down on cleanup time, making it ideal for even the busiest mornings. You won’t need any fancy equipment like a stand mixer or a hand mixer – just a bowl, a spoon, and a little enthusiasm. With only 10 accessible ingredients, you can whip up this entire batch in about 30 minutes, turning a slow weekend morning into a delightful baking adventure. These quick and easy banana Nutella muffins are also fantastic for meal prepping! You can bake them up to 3 days in advance and store them, or freeze them to enjoy individually whenever a craving strikes.
Essential Ingredients for Banana Nutella Muffins
Creating these heavenly banana Nutella muffins requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The key to a truly fantastic muffin lies in the quality and freshness of these components.
- Bananas: The star of the show! For the best flavor and moisture, it is absolutely crucial to use overly ripe bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown and black spots on their skins – these are packed with natural sweetness and are much easier to mash. Underripe bananas will not deliver the same delicious results; they are less sweet and can make your muffins drier. I find a potato masher works perfectly for this task, but the back of a sturdy fork will also do the trick.
- Coconut Oil: This adds a wonderful subtle flavor and helps create a moist crumb. Make sure to melt the coconut oil completely before incorporating it into the wet ingredients. After melting, allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added. If coconut oil isn’t readily available or you prefer another option, melted unsalted butter is an excellent substitute, providing a rich, classic flavor.
- Honey: This recipe relies solely on honey for its sweetness, avoiding refined sugar. Honey not only sweetens but also contributes to the muffins’ moist texture and beautiful golden-brown color. If you prefer, agave nectar can be used as an alternative sweetener.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the muffins, ensuring they rise beautifully and have a tender texture. Always use fresh, large eggs for optimal results in baking.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile of these muffins. I always recommend investing in a good vanilla, such as Nielsen Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, for its rich and aromatic notes that truly make a difference in your baked goods.
- All-Purpose Flour: Simple and effective, standard all-purpose flour is all you need for this recipe. There’s no need for any specialized flours; just make sure to measure it correctly for the perfect muffin consistency.
- Baking Soda: This is the primary leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become wonderfully light and fluffy. It’s vital to check the expiration date on your baking soda before starting; using old baking soda is one of the most common reasons baking recipes can fail to rise properly.
- Salt: A small amount of fine kosher salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the muffin, preventing them from tasting flat.
- Chocolate Chunks: I personally love using dark chocolate chunks in this recipe because their slightly bitter notes create a fantastic contrast with the sweet banana and hazelnut spread. However, if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips or chunks work just as well.
- Nutella: The star filling! Nutella, in my opinion, is the best chocolate hazelnut spread, offering a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious flavor. If you have another favorite brand of chocolate hazelnut spread, feel free to use that instead to customize these muffins to your taste.
Essential Tools for One Bowl Banana Nutella Muffins
One of the many beauties of this easy one bowl muffin recipe is that it requires very minimal equipment, meaning less fuss and quicker cleanup. You don’t need a counter full of gadgets to achieve perfectly baked, delicious muffins.
For mixing, all you truly need is the largest bowl from your set of mixing bowls and a sturdy wooden spoon or rubber spatula. The simple act of hand-mixing helps prevent overworking the batter, which is key to tender muffins. Of course, you’ll also need a reliable 12-cup muffin tin to bake your delicious creations. To ensure easy removal and even less cleanup, don’t forget to line your muffin tin with paper or silicone muffin liners.
Baking Favorites for Every Kitchen
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking endeavors, ensuring consistent results and making the process enjoyable. Here are a few indispensable baking favorites that will make your time in the kitchen smoother and more successful, especially for recipes like these banana Nutella muffins.
A reliable muffin tin: Essential for perfectly shaped muffins. Look for one with a non-stick coating for easy release.
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A set of quality mixing bowls: Having bowls of various sizes makes meal prep and baking much more efficient. Stainless steel or glass options are durable and easy to clean.
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Accurate measuring spoons: Precision is key in baking. A good set of measuring spoons ensures your ingredients are perfectly portioned for optimal results.
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How to Make These Irresistible Banana Nutella Muffins
Making these one-bowl banana Nutella muffins is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, gooey-centered delights.
Mix Together Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures the muffins don’t stick and makes for easy cleanup. In your largest mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: mashed ripe bananas, cooled melted coconut oil (or butter), honey, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these together gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage. Next, add the dry ingredients directly to the wet mixture in the same bowl: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir until the flour streaks have almost disappeared, but do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chunks using your spatula. The key to tender muffins is to mix until just combined, stopping as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
Layer for the Nutella Center
Now for the exciting part – creating that irresistible Nutella center! Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the banana muffin batter into the bottom of each of the 12 lined sections of your muffin tin. A cookie scoop is incredibly helpful here for uniform portions and a cleaner process. Once the bottom layer is in place, add a generous, large teaspoon of Nutella directly into the center of the batter in each muffin cup. Ensure the Nutella is neatly centered for the best “surprise” effect. Finally, top each with another 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of muffin batter, making sure the Nutella is completely covered. This layering technique ensures the Nutella remains perfectly gooey and centered during baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the Nutella center) comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. Don’t worry if the toothpick has some melted chocolate or Nutella on it – that’s expected! Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These banana Nutella muffins are best served warm, allowing the Nutella core to be delightfully gooey, or at room temperature. They are a delightful addition to any breakfast spread or as a comforting snack throughout the day.
For detailed instructions on storing, freezing, and reheating your muffins, please refer to the “How to Store and Reheat” section below.
Tips for Perfect Banana Nutella Muffins Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Measure Dry Ingredients Properly: For consistent and best results in any baking recipe, especially muffins, always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, dense muffins.
- Embrace Overripe Bananas: The more brown and black spots your bananas have, the better! Overripe bananas are not only sweeter, contributing to the delicious flavor of these muffins, but their softer texture also makes them easier to mash and incorporate smoothly into the batter. If you use underripe bananas, your muffins won’t have the rich banana flavor or the desired moistness.
- Mash Bananas Thoroughly: Ensure your bananas are well-mashed for an even consistency throughout the muffin batter. My personal favorite tool for this job is a potato masher, but a fork also works wonderfully. For those looking to skip the manual effort, you can quickly pulse the bananas in a blender or food processor until smooth. Just be careful not to over-process them into a watery paste.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: After adding the dry ingredients, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy muffins instead of light, fluffy ones. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and actually desirable for a tender crumb.
- Don’t Skimp on the Nutella Layer: The generous dollop of Nutella in the center is what makes these muffins so special. Ensure it’s completely covered by the top layer of batter to prevent it from burning or drying out during baking.
- Serve Warm for Best Experience: The absolute best way to enjoy these baked delights is when they are slightly warm. The gentle heat allows the Nutella center to become beautifully gooey and soft, and the chocolate chips to be delightfully melted. If you’re reheating a cooled muffin, a quick 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave is usually enough to bring back that warm, luscious center.
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 for Muffins?
Mashing bananas is a simple but important step for achieving the right texture and sweetness in your muffins. My absolute favorite and most efficient way to mash bananas is with a sturdy potato masher. Its design makes quick work of even the softest overripe bananas, allowing you to achieve a consistently smooth, yet slightly lumpy, texture which is ideal for muffins.
Alternatively, the back of a sturdy dinner fork is also very effective. Since the bananas are ideally very soft and ripe, you shouldn’t encounter much difficulty mashing them by hand. Aim for a consistency where there are still small chunks of banana visible, as these will add bursts of banana flavor and moistness to your baked muffins.
If you’re looking to minimize effort, you can also use a food processor or a blender. Simply place the peeled, ripe bananas into the appliance and pulse a few times until they reach your desired mashed consistency. Be cautious not to over-process them into a completely smooth, watery puree, as this can affect the texture of your muffins. A slightly chunky mash is generally preferred for banana muffins.
Can I Use Less Ripe Bananas to Make These Muffins?
Using less ripe bananas for these muffins is not recommended. The sweetness and moistness of this recipe heavily rely on the natural sugars and softer texture found in overly ripe bananas. If you use underripe bananas, your muffins will likely lack the rich, sweet banana flavor that makes these so delicious, and they may also turn out drier and denser.
However, if you only have green or slightly yellow bananas on hand and can’t wait for them to ripen naturally, there’s a quick trick you can use: microwave them! Pierce the skin of each banana several times with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 30 seconds at a time. Continue to microwave in short intervals until the bananas are noticeably softer and their skins turn dark brown or black. Let them cool slightly before peeling and mashing. While this method helps soften them and brings out some sweetness, it won’t be quite the same as naturally ripened bananas, but it’s a good alternative in a pinch.
Do These Banana Nutella Muffins Need to Be Refrigerated?
No, these banana Nutella swirl muffins do not strictly need to be refrigerated for immediate consumption. They will remain fresh and delicious when stored properly at room temperature. The key is to keep them in an airtight container or individually wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Stored this way, they will maintain their quality for up to 3 days on your countertop.
If you wish to extend their shelf life a bit further, especially if you live in a warm or humid climate, you can certainly store them in the refrigerator. In the fridge, they will stay 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. If storing in the fridge, I recommend warming them up briefly in the microwave before eating to restore their soft texture and gooey Nutella center.
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Absolutely, these banana Nutella muffins freeze beautifully! Freezing is an excellent way to prepare a batch ahead of time or to preserve leftovers for quick, convenient breakfasts or snacks. To freeze them effectively and maintain their fresh taste and texture, allow the muffins to cool completely to room temperature after baking. This step is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can make them soggy.
Once cooled, wrap each muffin individually in a layer of plastic wrap. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Then, place the individually wrapped muffins into a large, resealable freezer-friendly bag or an airtight freezer container. They will last wonderfully in the freezer for up to two months. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date of freezing so you know when they expire! When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply follow the reheating instructions provided in the storage section.
What’s the Secret to Keeping These Muffins Moist?
The secret to keeping these delicious banana Nutella muffins wonderfully moist for days after baking lies primarily in proper storage. After your muffins have completely cooled down to room temperature, air exposure becomes their biggest enemy, quickly leading to dryness and staleness. To combat this, immediately wrap them tightly. The best method is to wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can reach the surface.
Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container. If using a container, a clever trick is to place a paper towel at the bottom and on top of the muffins; this helps absorb any excess moisture, preventing sogginess while still locking in freshness. Store these tightly wrapped or contained muffins at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a couple of days longer, transferring them to the refrigerator in the same airtight manner can extend their moistness and freshness.
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 that they can easily stand alone as the star of your breakfast or snack. Their sweet, indulgent profile makes them an ideal grab-and-go treat. However, if you’re looking to create a more elaborate breakfast spread or simply want to balance out the sweetness, they pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
For a wholesome meal, I often enjoy mine with a refreshing side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced melon, and a savory element like crispy bacon or a scrambled egg. The contrast between sweet and savory is truly delightful. And, of course, no breakfast is complete without a warming beverage. Don’t forget a mug of piping hot coffee to kickstart your day, or for an extra special treat on a slow weekend morning, try a creamy maple sweet cream cold brew. The rich coffee notes complement the chocolate and banana perfectly.
If you’re exploring other decadent banana bread variations, Biscoff banana bread offers a unique twist with the addition of spiced cookie butter spread, making it another fantastic and indulgent option to consider for your baking adventures.
How to Store and Reheat Your Muffins
Proper storage is essential to keep your banana Nutella muffins fresh and delicious for as long as possible, ensuring that every bite is as enjoyable as the first. Here’s how to do it:
- Store at Room Temperature: Once your muffins have completely cooled down, they can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Kept at room temperature, they will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, try to consume them within this timeframe.
- Store in the Refrigerator: If you need to extend their shelf life, these muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. Again, ensure they are in an airtight container or individually wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Bringing them to room temperature or warming them slightly before eating will enhance their flavor and texture.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Muffins are perfect for freezing! After they have cooled completely, wrap each muffin individually in a layer of plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their quality. Place the wrapped muffins into a large, resealable freezer-friendly bag or an airtight freezer container. They will last beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label your bag with the date!
- Reheat from Room Temperature: If your muffins are at room temperature, you can enjoy them as is. However, for that delightful warm, gooey Nutella center, pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This short burst of heat will soften the Nutella and bring out the fresh-baked taste.
- Reheat from Frozen: To reheat a frozen muffin, you have a couple of options. You can thaw it at room temperature overnight, then warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds if desired. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can place a frozen muffin directly into the microwave for approximately 30-45 seconds, or until it’s thawed and warm through. For a crispier exterior, you can also place frozen muffins in a preheated 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until 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 Muffin Recipes to Bake Up
If you’ve enjoyed these Banana Nutella Muffins, you’ll be happy to know there’s a whole world of delicious muffins waiting to be baked! Whether you prefer something wholesome or a truly decadent treat, there’s a muffin for every craving:
- For a healthier start to your day or a guilt-free snack, these blackberry oatmeal muffins are a surefire winner, packed with fruity goodness and hearty oats.
- If your sweet tooth is calling for something a bit more indulgent, these rich and vibrant red velvet muffins will satisfy any craving with their classic cocoa flavor and beautiful hue.
- Craving the comforting taste of banana bread but in a convenient portion? These banana bread muffins offer the perfect combination of your favorite quick bread and a portable muffin.
Finally, if you make this banana Nutella muffins recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment below! I genuinely love to hear when you all try my recipes, and I make it a point to respond to every single comment. Your feedback is invaluable!
Feel free to drop any questions you have in the comments section too – 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 truly my favorite thing, and I love looking through all your wonderful photos. It really means the world to me!
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Banana Nutella 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 your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside, preparing for easy baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until they are just combined and smooth. Next, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix gently until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet, being careful not to overmix (a few lumps are fine!). Finally, fold in the chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spoon approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the muffin batter into the bottom of each paper-lined cup in your muffin tin, creating a base layer. Then, place 1 heaping teaspoon of Nutella directly in the center of the batter in each cup. Finish by topping each with another 1 1/2 tablespoons of batter, ensuring the Nutella is completely covered.
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Bake the muffins for 20 to 23 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (away from the Nutella center) comes out clean of wet batter. (There will be some melted Nutella and chocolate on it, which is normal!) Serve these delightful muffins immediately while warm, or store them at room temperature for up to 3 days for later enjoyment.
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Notes
Freeze: To freeze, allow muffins to cool entirely. Wrap each muffin individually in a layer of plastic wrap, then place them into a large, resealable freezer-friendly bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: From room temperature, muffins can be enjoyed as is, or warmed in the microwave for 15 seconds to make the Nutella center deliciously gooey again.
To reheat from frozen, thaw muffins overnight at room temperature, then warm in the microwave if desired. For a quicker reheat, place a frozen muffin in the microwave for approximately 30-45 seconds, or warm them in a 350˚F (175˚C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.