Bananas are the only fruit I actively hope will go bad. As soon as brown speckles start appearing I get excited knowing that the larger they get, the sooner I will get to bake. When the peel becomes almost entirely black the protective skins effortlessly split open revealing sweet and mushy banana, I get out a fork and begin to mash. Normally, I make a soft loaf of banana bread, but it’s always nice to try something new. One simple rule about Nutella is this: Put it on everything. I cannot think of one treat that is not enhanced by Nutella and these muffins were no different. I made banana muffins and then placed a dollop of the chocolate-hazelnut spread on top and used a skewer to swirl it. The swirl took some practice but I found my technique eventually. On top of that, I placed two thin slices of a semi-ripe banana for aesthetic appeal. I liked that the Nutella was only on top because only certain bites contained it and it was a nice surprise when you got one. Try out these easy muffins for yourself next time your speckles start to show up on your bananas!

Banana Nutella Muffins
Adapted From: Sweet Pea’s Kitchen 

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
3 very ripe bananas, soft, darkly speckled, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup Nutella
1  semi-ripe banana for decorative slices

-Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 6-cup muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
-In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; set aside
-In a medium bowl mix mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla
-Lightly fold banana mixture into dry ingredients with rubber spatula until just combined. Do not over-mix!
-Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.
-Place 1 teaspoon of Nutella on top of each muffin. Swirl with a skewer or toothpick. Technique: start from center and drag Nutella outward, picking up skewer or toothpick between each stroke. Also, wipe tool clean between swirling each muffin.
-Place two thin banana slices on top of each muffin
-Bake until golden and toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean, about 20 to 24 minutes.
-Do not let cool completely – eat while still warm! mmm (Makes 12 muffins)

Photos: Zac Wolf