There’s something irresistible about the combination of bananas and Nutella, isn’t there? That delectable blend of sweet, creamy banana with rich, chocolaty Nutella is a match made in dessert heaven. Today, this recipe from Food 52 is bringing a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Nutella Swirl Banana Bread. This recipe, inspired by the 3-2-1 method, is a simple yet sensational treat that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Ingredients for Nutella Swirl Banana Bread:
- 2 large eggs
- 3 very ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup Nutella
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350ºF and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease and flour it.
- Mash and Mix: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until only small pieces remain. Add eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla, whisking until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Create Nutella Mixture: Transfer ½ cup of the batter into a small bowl and mix it with Nutella until evenly combined.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the Nutella mixture over it. Add the remaining plain batter and top with the remaining Nutella mixture. Use a knife to swirl the batters together.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the Nutella Swirl Banana Bread for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Serve and Enjoy
Now that your kitchen is filled with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked banana bread, it’s time to indulge. Serve slices of this Nutella-swirled delight alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair it with a side of fresh strawberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce?
The 3-2-1 Method: A Baking Revelation
We’re diving into the world of baking ratios with the 3-2-1 method. It’s as easy as it sounds: 3 parts flour, 2 parts sugar, and 1 part fat. What’s brilliant about this approach is its simplicity. No need for intricate measurements or complex calculations. Just grab your trusty ½-cup measuring cup, and you’re ready to go. With this method, you can whip up a batch of delicious banana bread whenever the craving strikes, no recipe needed.
The Fat Factor: Butter vs. Oil
In this Nutella Swirl Banana Bread, we’ve opted for melted butter instead of oil. Why the switch? Well, it all comes down to texture and flavor. Butter, with its solid consistency at room temperature, lends a denser, richer flavor to the bread. On the other hand, oil, remaining liquid at room temperature, results in a lighter, moister crumb, akin to a delicate cake. But don’t stop there – get creative with your fats. Try experimenting with browned butter or even olive oil for a unique twist on this classic treat.
With its irresistible blend of sweet bananas and creamy Nutella, this Nutella Swirl Banana Bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up with your coffee or as a decadent dessert after dinner, this recipe is bound to impress. So go ahead, grab those overripe bananas and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!
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