Delicious Banana Nutella Muffins Recipe

Banana Nutella muffins marry the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with the irresistible richness of chocolate hazelnut spread.

These moist, fluffy muffins feature a luscious Nutella center that melts with every bite, complemented by a subtle vanilla and cinnamon-spiced batter.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a sweet snack, these muffins are surprisingly easy to bake with pantry staples and a few expert tips.

Follow this comprehensive guide to create bakery-quality muffins with gooey Nutella swirls, a soft crumb, and a lightly crisp finish.

Ingredients Checklist

Gather these ingredients to create moist banana muffins with a luscious Nutella filling and aromatic spice notes:

For the Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour — forms the muffin structure

• 1 teaspoon baking powder — helps muffins rise

• ½ teaspoon baking soda — reacts with banana acidity for tenderness

• ¼ teaspoon salt — balances sweetness

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon — adds warm spice

• 1 ripe banana, mashed — provides natural sweetness and moisture

• ½ cup granulated sugar — sweetens without overpowering

• 2 large eggs — bind and enrich batter

• ¼ cup buttermilk — tenderizes crumb and activates leavening

• ¼ cup sour cream — adds moisture and richness

• ¼ cup melted butter — adds flavor and moist texture

• 2 tablespoons canola oil — ensures tenderness and prevents dryness

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances all flavors

For the Filling and Topping:

• Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread — about 2 tablespoons per muffin for filling

• Optional banana slices — for topping

• Optional cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon) — for finishing dip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these precise steps to bake perfect Banana Nutella Muffins with a gooey center:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.

2. Prepare Banana and Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth with a few small lumps for texture. Add sugar, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, melted butter, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Mix Wet and Dry:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.

5. Portion Batter and Add Nutella:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Nutella in the center of each cup. Top Nutella with remaining batter, covering the filling completely.

6. Bake in Two Steps:
Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes to set the muffin tops and encourage rise. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 11–13 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge (avoiding Nutella center) comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Finish:
Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. For extra flavor, dip muffin tops in melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture.

Tips for Perfect Results

Master these key tips for beautifully risen muffins with oozy Nutella centers:

• Banana ripeness matters: Use bananas heavily speckled with brown for sweetness and moisture.

• Balance your fats: Combination of butter and oil yields moist yet flavorful muffins.

• Avoid overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep crumb tender, preventing toughness.

• Nutella placement: Spoon Nutella carefully and cover completely with batter to avoid sinking.

• Temperature trick: Initial high heat jump-starts rise; lowering temperature prevents overbrowning and ensures doneness.

• Check doneness away from Nutella: Toothpick near edge, since chocolate can cause false positives.

• Customize spices: Add nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of salt for complexity.

• Try glazing: Vanilla or chocolate glaze pairs beautifully with these muffins for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Banana Nutella Muffins warm or at room temperature with:

• Fresh banana slices or berries for freshness.

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for indulgence.

• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to amplify decadence.

• A warm cup of coffee, chai, or milk for a comforting pairing.

• Present muffins on a decorative platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Nutella Muffins perfectly combine moist banana flavor with a rich, gooey chocolate hazelnut center for a truly indulgent treat.

The recipe’s smart baking technique ensures tender crumb and beautiful rise, while the cinnamon-spiced batter adds warmth and depth.

With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and thoughtful tips, you can consistently bake bakery-quality muffins at home.

Customize toppings and spices to suit your taste, and store muffins properly to keep freshness intact. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.