Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins

There’s something magical about the combination of bananas and Nutella. When you infuse that magic into fluffy, wholesome muffins, you end up with a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins are not only delicious but also come packed with nutrients from whole wheat flour and bananas. Plus, who can resist that gooey, chocolatey swirl of Nutella? Let’s dive into the world of baking these scrumptious muffins!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins are a perfect blend of health and indulgence. The use of whole wheat flour adds fiber to your diet, making these muffins a more wholesome choice compared to regular muffins. The naturally sweet bananas complement the rich, creamy Nutella, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making these muffins irresistibly good. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for a quick breakfast option or a student in need of a snack, these muffins will not disappoint.

Shopping List

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2-3 ripe bananas)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup Nutella, divided (or Hershey’s kiss)
• For the crumb topping:
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Muffin tin: Choose a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
• Spatula: For folding in ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.
• Cooling rack: To cool your muffins evenly after baking.

Cooking Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins: The Process

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise nicely.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with oil. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, avocado oil, brown sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Add Nutella

Gently fold in two-thirds of the Nutella into the batter. This will give your muffins delicious chocolatey swirls.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. For an extra treat, add a dollop of the remaining Nutella on top of each muffin.

Step 8: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of each muffin.

Step 9: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins warm or at room temperature!

Smart Substitutions

• Oil: If you don’t have avocado oil, you can substitute with canola or melted coconut oil.
• Buttermilk: You can make homemade buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Nutella: For a healthier option, you can use almond butter or peanut butter instead.
• Bananas: If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use applesauce in a 1:1 ratio for a different flavor.

Learn from These Mistakes

• Overmixing: Be cautious not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined.
• Not using ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be. Choose bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help ensure you’re baking at the right temperature.
• Skipping the crumb topping: The crumb topping adds texture and sweetness, so don’t skip it!

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you’re planning to make these Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my muffins dense?

Dense muffins can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined.

How can I make my muffins sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the amount of brown sugar by 1/4 cup or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

What if I don’t have enough bananas?

If you’re short on bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or use a combination of banana and applesauce to maintain moisture.

Can I use a different flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour, but the texture and nutritional value will change. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.

Weekend Projects

• Sally’s Baking Addiction – Banana Bread
• Pinch of Yum – Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Minimalist Baker – Vegan Pancakes
• Bigger Bolder Baking – Easy Muffins

Bring It to the Table

These Whole Wheat Banana Nutella Muffins are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, these muffins will surely impress your guests. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, and you’ve got a winning combination. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious muffins with those you love!