When Afternoon Cravings Hit: Banana Cake with Nutella Swirl to the Rescue

Some days, the afternoon slump isn’t just about tired eyes or a slow mind—it’s about needing something that feels like a tiny celebration. That’s when this banana cake with Nutella swirl comes into play. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but makes you pause and enjoy the moment a bit more.

I remember the last time I made this cake; the kitchen smelled like a warm hug—bananas, sweet butter, and that unmistakable hint of Nutella melting gently into the batter. I was juggling emails and a half-finished cup of tea, so my attention was a little scattered. I think I even dropped a spoon on the floor somewhere between swirling the Nutella and smoothing the batter. But that’s the charm—this cake doesn’t demand perfection. It’s forgiving, almost homey, and the marbled Nutella ribbons feel like little surprises in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It:

• The moist banana base is tender and naturally sweet, bringing comfort without feeling heavy.
• Nutella swirls add a rich, slightly nutty chocolate flavor that turns a simple cake into something special.
• It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just good ingredients doing their thing.
• Great for any time you want a treat that feels homemade but looks impressive.

If you’re worried about it being too rich, the banana’s mellow sweetness keeps everything balanced, so it’s never overwhelming. Also, the texture is forgiving—you don’t have to worry about overmixing or messing up the swirls perfectly.

Banana Cake with Nutella Swirl

Print Recipe

A moist and flavorful banana cake swirled with rich Nutella, perfect for dessert or a special snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Nutella

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
Drop half of the Nutella in spoonfuls over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the swirled layer and spread evenly.
Drop the remaining Nutella in spoonfuls on top and swirl gently again.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually bake this in a regular cake pan, nothing fancy needed. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, especially if you’re having it as an afternoon pick-me-up. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch, but I haven’t tested all that many variations yet. You could also try swapping Nutella for another chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter, though it’ll change the flavor profile a bit. For a lighter twist, a dollop of whipped cream on the side works well, too.

FAQ:

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it stores well at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge if you want it to last longer.

Is the Nutella swirl hard to do? Not at all. You just drop spoonfuls on the batter and gently swirl with a knife—imperfection is part of its charm.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Wrap tightly, freeze up to two months, and thaw in the fridge overnight.

If you’re ready for a cake that feels like a small celebration in every slice, this banana cake with Nutella swirl is waiting. Scroll down, save it for later, and maybe, just maybe, give yourself that sweet break you deserve.