Banana Nutella Muffins (Easy One-Bowl Bake)

Warm, moist, and bursting with flavor—these Banana Nutella Muffins are the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re craving a midday treat or prepping snacks for the week, these one-bowl muffins deliver the perfect balance of ripe bananas and rich Nutella. Best part? They’re done in just 30 minutes.

The idea for this recipe came on a lazy Sunday when I had overripe bananas and half a jar of Nutella sitting in the pantry. I wanted something simple—no mixers, no complicated steps. Just real ingredients, mixed in one bowl, and ready to bake.

These muffins are fluffy and moist thanks to the bananas and oil, with pockets of gooey Nutella swirled through the middle and top. Each bite is a delightful mix of soft banana base and rich, chocolate-hazelnut decadence. They’re family-approved, freezer-friendly, and ideal for everything from lunchboxes to dessert tables.

If you’re looking for a banana muffin recipe with a twist, this is it. And since they use pantry staples and take just 10 minutes to prep, there’s no excuse not to make them today.

What Makes These Banana Nutella Muffins Special?

One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Just mix everything in one bowl—perfect for busy days.
Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to bake, these muffins are quick and efficient.
Nutella Swirl Magic: Rich, creamy Nutella adds a gooey surprise in every bite.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, snack later. They hold up beautifully in the freezer.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and perfect for sharing (or not!).

These muffins are beginner-friendly and come out perfect even if you’re not an experienced baker. Plus, the Nutella swirl makes them look as good as they taste!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down what makes these muffins so good:

Bananas (3 medium, mashed)
Ripe bananas are essential—they add natural sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better. Substitute with unsweetened applesauce if needed (¾ cup for 3 bananas).
Light Brown Sugar (⅓ cup)
Adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps keep the muffins moist. You can use coconut sugar or dark brown sugar instead.
Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup)
Balances sweetness and structure. You can reduce it slightly if your bananas are extra sweet.
Eggs (2 large, room temp)
Help bind the batter and create a light, airy texture. Make sure they’re at room temp for best results.
Vegetable Oil (¼ cup)
Keeps the muffins soft and tender. You can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil.
Milk (⅓ cup, room temp)
Adds richness and improves texture. Any milk works—dairy or non-dairy (almond, oat, etc.).
All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups)
The foundation of the batter. Be sure to spoon and level, not scoop, to avoid dense muffins.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda (1 tsp each)
The combo gives a perfect rise—fluffy, not flat!
Cinnamon (1 tsp)
Adds warmth and depth. Optional, but recommended.
Salt (½ tsp)
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Nutella (1¼ cups, divided)
The star of the show. Warm slightly for easier swirling.

How To Make Banana Nutella Muffins

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Mashed bananas
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Milk

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Add in:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt

Whisk gently until just combined—don’t overmix. A few lumps are fine!

4. Fill the Muffin Liners

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter into each liner.

5. Add Nutella Centers

Add 1 tablespoon of Nutella into the center of each muffin.

6. Top With More Batter

Fill each muffin cup almost to the top with the remaining batter.

7. Swirl the Tops

Add about ½ tablespoon of warmed Nutella on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it into the top layer.

8. Bake

Bake for 16–18 minutes. Muffins are ready when:

Tops are domed and golden
They spring back when gently touched
A toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter)

9. Cool and Serve

Let them cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Storage Options

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate: Not necessary, but they’ll last up to 7 days in the fridge.
Freeze: Wrap individually in cling wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Variations and Substitutions

Peanut Butter Swirl: Swap Nutella with peanut butter for a different nutty vibe.
Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan and reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and Nutella alternatives.
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips instead of Nutella for a simpler twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Top: Skip the Nutella swirl and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Make and freeze them, then thaw at room temp or microwave before eating.

2. Why are my muffins dry?
Most likely due to overmixing or overbaking. Mix only until dry ingredients disappear and check doneness at 16 minutes.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a slightly denser but still moist muffin.

4. What if I don’t have muffin liners?
Grease the muffin pan with non-stick spray or butter. The muffins should release easily once cooled.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in two muffin trays, or batch bake.

6. Can I use other spreads instead of Nutella?
Yes! Try almond butter, Biscoff spread, or chocolate peanut butter.

Conclusion

These Banana Nutella Muffins are a sweet, simple way to upgrade your classic banana bread routine. They’re quick, reliable, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking with kids, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is a winner.

If you give them a try, don’t forget to share a photo or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how they turned out!

Banana Nutella Muffins (Easy One-Bowl Bake)

What Makes These Banana Nutella Muffins Special?

Ingredient Notes