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There’s a particular joy that comes from the aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a Sunday morning or just an ordinary afternoon, the intoxicating scent of soft, moist Banana Nutella Muffins can instantly lift my spirits. Picture this: a fluffy muffin cradling a warm, gooey Nutella center that oozes out with every bite. It’s a delightful surprise that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for ways to utilize overripe bananas—my kitchen counter always seems to be a fruit graveyard! These muffins are not only incredibly simple to whip up, but they also deliver bakery-style decadence without the need for any fancy equipment. If you’ve ever found yourself bored with store-bought snacks or craving something homemade, these muffins are the answer. Trust me, once you experience that first bite, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to make them again and again!

Why are Banana Nutella Muffins a Must-Try?

Irresistible Aroma: The warm, inviting scent permeates your kitchen as these muffins bake, instantly bringing joy and comfort.
Bakery-Style Delight: Achieve that soft, moist texture you crave without leaving home.
Simple Steps: Whip them up easily, perfect for beginner bakers and busy cooks alike.
Gooey Surprise: The hidden Nutella center creates a delightful explosion of flavor with each bite.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, snack time, or as a sweet dessert.
For more tips on making the most of your baked goods, check out my baking essentials guide.

Banana Nutella Muffin Ingredients

• Ensure you have everything ready for these delicious muffins!

For the Muffin Batter
• Nutella – Adds sweetness and chocolate flavor. Substitution: None suggested, but you could use any chocolate spread.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the muffins. Note: Measure properly using the spoon-level method to avoid excess flour.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for rise. Check freshness for best results.
• Baking Soda – Enhances browning and works with the acidity of sour cream.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Buttermilk – Contributes moisture and tang; ensures a tender crumb. Substitution: Use plain Greek yogurt if buttermilk is unavailable.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture.
• Large Eggs – Binds ingredients together and adds richness. Ensure they are room temperature for better incorporation.
• Mashed Ripe Banana – Provides natural sweetness and moisture. Notes: Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor.
• Salted European Butter – Adds richness and flavor. Substitution: Unsalted butter can be used; adjust salt content accordingly.
• Sour Cream – Increases moisture and enhances tenderness. Substitution: Greek yogurt can be used.
• Canola Oil – Adds moisture without overpowering flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Introduces warmth and depth to flavor.

For the Topping
• Nutella – A spoonful is swirled on top for added chocolatey goodness before baking. Warming it slightly makes it easier to swirl into the batter.

Now that you have all the ingredients, you’re on your way to baking these fantastic Banana Nutella Muffins!

How to Make Banana Nutella Muffins

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to create the perfect environment for your muffins. The initial heat helps give them a wonderful rise.
Prepare Nutella: Scoop generous dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and pop it in the freezer. This will create a delightful center for your muffins that stays gooey when baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This foundational step creates a nice blend that will help your muffins rise beautifully.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, mashed banana, sugar, eggs, sour cream, canola oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix; some lumps are totally fine! This trick keeps your muffins light and fluffy.
Fill Muffin Liners: Spoon the batter into the muffin liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Gently press in the frozen Nutella and top with more batter until they’re slightly overfilled.
Add Swirl: Warm up a little more Nutella until it’s spreadable and spoon it on top of the muffin batter. Use a toothpick to swirl it gently for that enticing marbled effect.
Bake: Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 8 minutes at 425°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 12-14 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Optional: Serve these warm for an extra gooey experience!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Banana Nutella Muffins?

Pairing these warm, indulgent muffins with the right sides can create a delightful breakfast experience or a cozy afternoon snack.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of colorful fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins, brightening the meal with vibrant flavors.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with berries and granola for a satisfying crunch and a cooling complement to the warm muffins.
Coffee or Latte: The bold, rich flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the muffins, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Cold Glass of Milk: A classic combination, the creamy texture of milk enhances the gooey chocolate center and balances sweetness.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Consider drizzling warm caramel sauce over the muffins for an extravagant treat that elevates their bakery-style vibe.
Nutella Toast: Spread some Nutella on toasted bread for a double-chocolate thrill, embracing the same flavors in a different format.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on top of the muffin can create an irresistible, dessert-like experience.
Chai Tea: The spices from the tea provide a warm comfort, working harmoniously with the chocolatey richness of these muffins.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream transforms the muffins into a decadent dessert, perfect for any sweet tooth.

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Nutella Muffins are perfect for busy home cooks who love the idea of meal prep! You can prepare the muffin batter up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Furthermore, you can freeze the Nutella dollops on a parchment-lined tray for up to 3 months; simply pop them out and keep them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, fill the muffin liners as instructed, press in the frozen Nutella, and swirl the warmed Nutella on top. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, bakery-style muffins with minimal effort any day of the week!

Banana Nutella Muffin Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delicious muffins with my tasty suggestions!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe and equally tasty treat.
Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a delightful flavor contrast to the soft muffins.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap in dark chocolate chunks for an extra indulgent chocolate experience in every bite.
Banana-Free Option: Replace mashed banana with applesauce for a different yet moist muffin that still delights.
Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet muffin, perfect if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm kick that complements the banana beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk, with dairy-free yogurt to maintain that creamy texture.

These variations promise to keep your muffin game exciting, ensuring you’ll never get bored!

Expert Tips for Banana Nutella Muffins

Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are key; consider using a kitchen scale to avoid dry or dense muffins which can occur from excess flour.
Avoid Overmixing: Mixing just until combined keeps your muffins fluffy. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly okay!
Chill the Nutella: Freezing the Nutella ensures it doesn’t melt away during baking, creating that delightful gooey center in your Banana Nutella Muffins.
Perfect Baking Time: Make sure to watch the muffins closely as baking times can vary; look for a springy top to ensure they’re cooked through.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to incorporate nuts or different chocolate spreads for added texture and fun variations!

Storage Tips for Banana Nutella Muffins

Room Temperature: Keep muffins in a covered airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their soft, moist texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just be aware that they may lose some of their moistness.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick, warm treat!
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore that freshly baked goodness in your Banana Nutella Muffins.

Banana Nutella Muffins Recipe FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas. The peels should be brown and the bananas soft to the touch, indicating they’re naturally sweet and perfect for baking.

How should I store leftover muffins?
Store your Banana Nutella Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—just be aware they may lose a bit of moisture.

Can I freeze Banana Nutella Muffins?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds for that freshly baked taste!

Why is my muffin batter too thick or dry?
Very often, this happens due to excess flour. To avoid this, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour: spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. If your batter is too thick, you can add a splash of buttermilk to loosen it up.

What can I do if the muffins are too dense?
If your muffins turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Mix gently—just enough to combine—in order to maintain a light texture. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can also hinder rise.

Are there any dietary considerations for allergies?
Yes! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, make sure to check for gluten if you’re using all-purpose flour. Substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour can work well. Also, watch for nut allergies if you decide to add nuts, and consider using alternatives to buttermilk and sour cream for dairy-free options, such as almond milk and dairy-free yogurt.