When You Need a Sweet Fix: Banana Cake with Nutella Swirl

There are moments when a simple slice of cake feels like a warm hug. That’s exactly what this banana cake with Nutella swirl delivers. It’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary afternoon into something a bit more special without any fuss.

The last time I made this, I remember juggling a few things in the kitchen—trying not to spill the Nutella while warming it just right. I ended up with a bit of smear on the counter, which somehow made the whole baking process feel more lived-in and less perfect. When the cake finally came out of the oven, the smell of banana and chocolate mixed beautifully, making it hard to wait until it cooled down. The first bite was a little messy—Nutella oozing out and banana cake so moist it stuck just a touch to my fingers. I think I ate more than my fair share before anyone else even got a slice.

Why You’ll Love It:

• The texture is wonderfully moist, with ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and softness.
• The Nutella swirl isn’t just for looks—it brings a creamy, chocolaty contrast that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
• It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just a satisfying treat you can pull together quickly.
• It stores well for a couple of days, though it’s really best fresh when the flavors are lively.

Just a heads-up: the swirl can get a little messy if you’re not careful, but that’s part of the charm. It never looks exactly the same twice, and that imperfect marbling makes each slice unique.

Banana Cake with Nutella Swirl

Print Recipe

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

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

Ingredients

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1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk
1/2 cup (150 grams) Nutella

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 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. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the mashed bananas and buttermilk until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour half of the banana cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make it easier to swirl.
Drop spoonfuls of Nutella evenly over the batter in the pan.
Pour the remaining banana cake batter over the Nutella layer and spread evenly.
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the Nutella through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven 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 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to bake this—just a decent round pan and a bit of patience while the cake cools. I usually enjoy it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, but it also pairs surprisingly well with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra. If you want to mix it up, you might try a pinch of cinnamon in the batter or a handful of chopped nuts stirred in, though I haven’t tested these variations extensively. Sometimes I even add a few chocolate chips alongside the Nutella swirl to double down on the chocolate vibe.

FAQ

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but the texture might be a bit less tender. Adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk can mimic buttermilk if you have it on hand.

How ripe should the bananas be? The riper, the better—brown spots and all. That’s when they’re sweetest and give the best flavor.

Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely. Just wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s great for making ahead.

Give this banana cake with Nutella swirl a try when you want something comforting but not complicated. Once you’ve had a slice, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it on those days when only a little sweetness will do.