Decadent Swirls: The Ultimate Banana Nutella Loaf Recipe for a Sweet Treat
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from transforming overripe bananas into something truly extraordinary. Just recently, I found myself with a familiar sight on my kitchen counter: a cluster of perfectly ripened bananas, speckled with brown. It sparked a funny memory from a Christmas party I hosted, where these very bananas became a lively topic of conversation. Some guests, preferring their bananas firm and green, couldn’t quite fathom why I’d keep such “gross-looking” fruit. But for bakers, those brown spots are a sign of pure gold – an indicator of intense sweetness and incredible moisture, perfect for creating the most delightful baked goods.
While I respect everyone’s preference, green bananas simply don’t offer the same rich flavor and soft texture ideal for baking. To me, they’re a bit too starchy and lack the natural sugars that make baked banana treats so irresistible. But as they say, to each their own! My ripe bananas, however, were destined for greatness. They became the star of this incredibly delicious Banana Nutella Loaf. I can confidently say this is probably the most decadent loaf I’ve ever crafted, a true indulgence that is absolutely worth every bite. While each slice comes in at 6 Smart Points (or 4 Personal Points, for those tracking), it’s a delightful treat that perfectly balances health-conscious choices with an undeniable burst of flavor.
This recipe isn’t just about using up ripe fruit; it’s about creating a moment of pure comfort. Imagine the rich, sweet aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, and then sinking your teeth into a moist, tender slice swirled with creamy, dreamy Nutella. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert. Let’s dive into how you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Banana Nutella Loaf
Drizzle
10
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
Ingredients
-
2
cups
all-purpose flour -
1
tsp
baking soda -
1/4
cup
granulated sugar -
2
Tbsp
reduced calorie margarine,
softened to room temperature -
2
Tbsp
unsweetened apple sauce -
1
large egg -
2
Tbsp
liquid egg whites -
2
very ripe mashed bananas -
1
tsp
vanilla extract -
1/3
cup
almond milk,
unsweetened original recommended -
1/4
cup
Nutella
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Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard size loaf pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray or greasing and flouring it to ensure easy release.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour and baking soda until they are thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the batter.
-
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the granulated sugar, softened reduced-calorie margarine, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, incorporate the large egg, liquid egg whites, mashed ripe bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat these wet ingredients for a few minutes until everything is well combined and slightly aerated.
-
Gently pour your banana mixture from the separate bowl into the large bowl containing your dry flour mixture. Stir thoroughly but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, so stop once the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain.
-
To prepare the Nutella for swirling, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 60 seconds in 20-second intervals. Stir the Nutella gently after each interval until it is smooth and runny, making it much easier to drizzle.
-
Pour half of your prepared banana loaf batter into the greased loaf pan. Carefully drizzle half of the melted Nutella over this layer. Then, gently spoon the remaining batter over the Nutella layer, spreading it evenly. Finish by drizzling the rest of the melted Nutella on top. For an appealing swirl, you can use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
-
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your loaf is ready.
-
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the loaf from becoming soggy. Slice into 10 generous portions. Each slice is approximately 6 Smart Points or 4 Personal Points. For optimal freshness and texture, this delightful loaf is best stored in the refrigerator.
-
For your convenience, here is the nutritional information per slice (not including the bananas, as their size and ripeness can vary): Calories 173, Fat 4.4g, Saturated fat 1.2g, Carbs 28.4g, Fiber 1.2g, Sugars 10.7g, Protein 3.8g.
Additional Info
Baking, Dessert, Snack
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The Irresistible Charm of Ripe Bananas in Baking
For many home bakers, ripe bananas are a treasure. Their natural sugars become more concentrated as they mature, lending a deep, caramel-like sweetness to baked goods that simply can’t be achieved with greener fruit. This increased sweetness means you can often reduce the amount of added sugar in your recipes, making for a slightly healthier treat without sacrificing flavor. Beyond sweetness, ripe bananas also offer exceptional moisture. Their softer texture mashes easily, integrating seamlessly into batter and contributing to a wonderfully tender, moist crumb in your loaf. This is why when you see those bananas turning brown on your counter, don’t discard them – celebrate them! They’re perfectly poised to become the foundation of your next delicious baking project.
Why Nutella is the Perfect Partner for Banana Loaf
While banana bread is a classic on its own, adding Nutella elevates it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. The rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread introduces a luxurious depth of flavor that complements the sweet banana beautifully. When swirled into the batter, Nutella creates stunning marbled patterns and pockets of melted chocolatey goodness that make each bite an exciting surprise. It transforms a simple loaf into a decadent dessert or a truly special breakfast treat. The combination of sweet banana and the iconic, nutty chocolate flavor of Nutella is a match made in culinary heaven, promising to delight anyone who tries a slice of this magnificent loaf.
Tips for a Perfect Banana Nutella Loaf Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough and chewy loaf rather than a tender one. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg, margarine, and even bananas are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Melt Nutella Gradually: Melting the Nutella in short intervals prevents it from seizing or burning, ensuring it’s smooth and easy to swirl into the batter.
- The Toothpick Test: A classic method for checking doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your loaf is done.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack is important. This prevents it from collapsing and helps it retain its shape and moisture.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Banana Nutella Loaf is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm from the oven for an ultimate comforting experience, or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more decadent dessert, warm a slice slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The melted Nutella pockets become even more luscious when heated!
To keep your loaf fresh, it’s best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5-7 days. If you’ve baked a large batch or want to save some for later, this loaf freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Understanding the Nutritional Information and Smart Points
We understand that many of our readers track their food intake, which is why we’ve included the Smart Points (SP) and Personal Points (PP) information for this recipe. At 6 Smart Points or 4 Personal Points per slice (based on 10 slices), this Banana Nutella Loaf is indeed a treat. It’s designed to be a delightful indulgence that fits into a balanced eating plan when enjoyed mindfully. The use of reduced-calorie margarine, unsweetened applesauce, and liquid egg whites helps manage some of the fat and calorie content without compromising the delicious flavor and moist texture you expect from a homemade loaf. Remember that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients. Enjoy this delicious creation as a well-deserved reward!
Making this Banana Nutella Loaf is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and an enticing aroma. The result is a beautifully moist, flavorful loaf that truly celebrates the magic of ripe bananas and the irresistible charm of Nutella. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor it yourself, each slice is a testament to the joy of homemade baking. So next time you have those “gross” looking bananas on your counter, remember the potential they hold for something wonderfully decadent. Happy baking!
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