Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup Nutella spread
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the Nutella spread, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter comes together. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
4. If using chopped hazelnuts, fold them into the batter, reserving a few for sprinkling on top of the muffins.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the reserved hazelnuts on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Tips and Suggestions:

• For an even more pronounced Nutella flavor, swirl a teaspoon of Nutella onto the top of each muffin batter before baking.
• Experiment with adding other mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or shredded coconut, to enhance the flavor profile of these muffins.
• To keep the muffins moist for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen and reheated later for an indulgent breakfast or snack.

Conclusion:

There is a certain allure in the combination of ripe bananas and smooth Nutella spread that effortlessly melts into the depths of a freshly baked muffin. These Banana Nutella Muffins transcend traditional notions of flavor, bringing together childhood nostalgia and sophisticated indulgence in one delectable treat. So, the next time you find yourself longing for that perfect balance of sweet and nutty, give my recipe a try and soak in the blissful decadence that awaits you. Bon appétit!