Nutella Muffin

There’s something magical about the scent of warm muffins filling your kitchen, and when Nutella gets involved, it’s next-level comfort. These Nutella Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with chocolate-hazelnut swirls in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon treat, or a sweet addition to your brunch table, these muffins bring joy with every swirl and crumble.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a lazy Sunday morning when I had some overripe bananas on the counter and a nearly full jar of Nutella calling my name. It was one of those spontaneous kitchen experiments that turned into a weekly must-bake. The batter came together quickly, and the moment I pulled them out of the oven, their golden tops and marbled swirls made it clear I had struck gold. These muffins became an instant family favorite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Nutella, the iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread, was created in Italy during the 1940s as a clever response to cocoa shortages. Originally developed by Pietro Ferrero, it evolved into the creamy spread we know and love today. Muffins, on the other hand, have roots in 18th-century England and gained popularity in America thanks to their quick prep and portable nature. Marrying the two? A delicious example of culinary cross-culture at its best.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Muffin

Warm, fluffy, and rich in flavor, these muffins check all the boxes for a go-to sweet snack or breakfast delight.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and pairs beautifully with coffee or milk.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and just a few spoonfuls of Nutella for a luxurious touch.
Quick and Easy: The batter comes together in under 15 minutes with no fancy equipment.
Customizable: You can add chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, or swirl in peanut butter too.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will fall for the Nutella swirls and moist crumb.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch, store them, and warm one up whenever the craving hits.
Great for Leftovers: They stay moist for days and are freezer-friendly too.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you’re chasing that bakery-style perfection, here are some small tips that make a big difference.

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and yogurt come to room temp before mixing for a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
3. Nutella Swirl Technique: Warm the Nutella slightly so it’s easier to swirl beautifully into the batter.
4. Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For even-sized muffins that bake uniformly every time.
5. Cool Before Removing: Let them rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes to avoid breakage.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to pull these together, just the essentials.

Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.
Whisk and Spatula: To mix and fold the batter gently.
Ice Cream Scoop: Helps with portioning evenly into the muffin tin.
12-Cup Muffin Tin: Standard size works best for this recipe.
Toothpick: For testing doneness and swirling Nutella.

Ingredients in Nutella Muffin

These ingredients work in harmony to create a moist, fluffy muffin with a rich Nutella swirl.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cups – Forms the structure of the muffins.
2. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Gives the muffins their rise and fluffiness.
3. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
4. Ripe Bananas: 3 medium – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
5. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup – Sweetens the base without overpowering.
6. Brown Sugar: ¼ cup – Adds a caramel-like depth and extra softness.
7. Plain Yogurt: ½ cup – Keeps the crumb moist and tender.
8. Egg: 1 large – Binds everything together for structure.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a warm, comforting aroma.
10. Vegetable Oil: ⅓ cup – Gives the muffins richness and moisture.
11. Nutella: ½ cup – Swirled in for that luscious hazelnut-chocolate goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to switch it up if you need to.

Yogurt: Sour cream or mashed avocado.
Vegetable Oil: Melted coconut oil or canola oil.
Nutella: Any chocolate hazelnut spread or almond butter for a twist.
Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or all granulated sugar.
Bananas: Applesauce or pumpkin puree in the same quantity.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: A rich hazelnut spread with smooth, chocolaty sweetness that melts beautifully into muffin batter.
Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. They provide natural sweetness and keep the muffins extra moist.

Instructions for Making Nutella Muffin

Making these muffins is just as fun as eating them. Here’s how you’ll do it step-by-step.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another, mash bananas and mix with both sugars, yogurt, egg, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Warm the Nutella slightly, then drop a teaspoon on top of each muffin and swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (avoid hitting Nutella pockets).
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these muffins irresistible is the balance of textures and the depth of flavor. The crumb is moist and fluffy thanks to the bananas and yogurt. Each bite surprises you with a swirl of creamy Nutella, slightly caramelized on top and gooey inside. The bananas bring a mellow sweetness while the Nutella adds richness and nutty complexity.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These quick tips will make your baking process even smoother:

• Always mash bananas thoroughly for even distribution in the batter.
• Warming Nutella for 10–15 seconds makes it easier to swirl.
• Don’t overbake or the muffins will lose their moisture.
• You can sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top for crunch.

What to Avoid

Here are a few common pitfalls and how to dodge them:

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense, rubbery muffins. Stir gently.
• Cold Nutella: Makes it hard to swirl and won’t melt properly.
• Underbaking: You want moist crumbs, not raw batter.
• Overfilling muffin cups: Stick to ¾ full to avoid overflow.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 muffins
Calories per serving: 225

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These muffins are great for prepping ahead. You can bake a batch and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. To freeze, wrap each muffin individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a just-baked experience.

How to Serve Nutella Muffin

Serve these muffins warm with a drizzle of extra Nutella on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, pair with Greek yogurt and a side of fresh berries. They also make adorable additions to brunch spreads or lunchboxes.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftover muffins into something new and delicious:

• Nutella Muffin Bread Pudding: Chop and bake with a custard base.
• Muffin Trifle: Layer with whipped cream and berries in a glass.
• Muffin French Toast Cups: Dip in egg and bake in muffin tins for a breakfast twist.

Additional Tips

Want even more flavor and freshness?

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix.
• Top with coarse sugar before baking for a bakery-style finish.
• Let the muffins rest 1 day before eating to let the flavors deepen.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Serve these muffins on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar. Swirl a little extra Nutella on top of each for that glossy, indulgent finish. Use parchment muffin liners for a homemade feel that still looks polished.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try these twists:

• Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins: Swap Nutella with creamy peanut butter.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
• Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
• Vegan Nutella Muffins: Use flax egg and dairy-free yogurt.
• Double Chocolate Muffins: Add cocoa powder to the batter for extra chocolate depth.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely, just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

3. How do I store these muffins?

In an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge up to 5 days.

4. Can I use cupcake liners?

Yes, they work perfectly and make cleanup easier.

5. What if I don’t have yogurt?

Use sour cream or buttermilk for similar results.

6. Can I make these without sugar?

You can reduce sugar or use natural alternatives like honey, but flavor and texture may change.

7. How do I know when they’re done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

8. Can I freeze Nutella Muffins?

Yes! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

9. Are these muffins kid-friendly?

Kids love them. They’re sweet, soft, and full of chocolatey goodness.

10. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Definitely. Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts add a great crunch.

Conclusion

These Nutella Muffins are everything you want in a sweet treat. They’re soft, moist, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for your family, a weekend brunch, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

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