Banana Nutella Toast Recipe: The 5-Minute Breakfast That Tastes Like Dessert

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a treat but comes together in minutes, this Banana Nutella Toast recipe is about to become your new morning obsession! Picture this: perfectly golden, crispy toast slathered with creamy, chocolatey Nutella, topped with sweet banana slices, and finished with your favorite toppings. It’s the ultimate combination of indulgent flavor and simple preparation that’ll make you excited to wake up in the morning.

This easy Nutella toast recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s perfect for rushed weekday mornings when you need something quick but satisfying, lazy weekend brunches when you want to treat yourself, after-school snacks that kids go crazy for, or even a late-night sweet tooth fix that won’t leave you feeling guilty. The best part? It takes just 5 minutes from start to finish, requires zero cooking skills, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, treating yourself to a special breakfast, or looking for a fun cooking activity with little ones, this Banana Nutella Toast delivers on taste, convenience, and pure happiness in every bite.

History / Background

The combination of chocolate spread and bananas has been a beloved pairing for generations, rooted in both European and American food cultures. While Nutella toast itself is a relatively modern phenomenon, its origins trace back to the creation of Nutella in post-World War II Italy.

Nutella was invented in 1946 by Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker from Piedmont, Italy, during a time when cocoa was in extremely short supply due to wartime rationing. Ferrero created a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar, and just a small amount of the precious cocoa. Originally sold as a solid block called “Giandujot,” it was reformulated into the creamy spread we know today in 1964 and named “Nutella.” The name combines “nut” with the Italian suffix “-ella” to create a friendly, appealing brand.

The tradition of spreading Nutella on bread quickly became a staple breakfast throughout Italy and Europe, where bread with sweet spreads has long been a morning tradition. Italian children have grown up with “merenda”—afternoon snacks of bread and Nutella—for decades. This simple pleasure crossed the Atlantic and gained massive popularity in the United States starting in the 1980s and 1990s.

Adding bananas to Nutella toast is a more recent American innovation that draws inspiration from several culinary traditions. The pairing echoes the classic combination found in chocolate-covered bananas, banana splits, and the famous Elvis Presley sandwich (though his version used peanut butter). The addition of banana not only adds natural sweetness and nutritional value but also creates a more substantial, satisfying breakfast.

What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something that feels truly indulgent. It bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and adult sophistication—it’s the breakfast that tastes like dessert but provides enough energy to power through your morning. The viral nature of Nutella banana toast on social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok has introduced this combination to a whole new generation, with creative cooks adding their own twists with various toppings, drizzles, and presentations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Nutella Toast recipe is pure magic in the most delicious way possible, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a Pinterest sensation. It’s the rare recipe that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special while actually being incredibly practical for everyday life.

Here’s why this recipe will change your breakfast game:

• Ready in 5 minutes flat – Literally faster than waiting in a drive-through line
• Kid-approved and parent-loved – Finally, a breakfast the whole family agrees on
• Tastes like dessert for breakfast – Chocolatey, sweet, and completely satisfying
• Only 4 basic ingredients – Bread, Nutella, banana, and your creativity
• No cooking skills required – If you can spread and slice, you can make this
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
• Naturally energy-boosting – Bananas provide potassium and quick energy
• Endlessly customizable – Add peanut butter, berries, nuts, or get creative
• Perfect for meal prep – Slice bananas ahead and keep Nutella ready to go
• Instagram-worthy presentation – Looks as gorgeous as it tastes
• Great for picky eaters – The sweet flavor appeals to even the fussiest kids
• Portable breakfast option – Make it as a sandwich for on-the-go mornings

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this Banana Nutella Toast lies in its simplicity. You need just a handful of ingredients, but choosing the right ones makes all the difference between good and absolutely spectacular.

Bread: The foundation of any great toast is quality bread, and this recipe is no exception. Choose thick-cut bread that can support generous Nutella and toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart. Brioche is absolutely divine here—its buttery, slightly sweet flavor complements the Nutella beautifully and creates an almost French-toast-like experience. Classic white sandwich bread works perfectly fine for a soft, nostalgic feel. Whole wheat or multigrain bread adds nutty flavor and extra fiber, making it feel slightly healthier. Sourdough creates an interesting sweet-tangy contrast that sophisticated palates will appreciate. For gluten-free needs, choose a sturdy gluten-free bread like Canyon Bakehouse. Whatever you choose, avoid thin, flimsy bread that can’t stand up to generous toppings.

Nutella: This is your star ingredient! Original Nutella hazelnut spread provides that signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor that made this recipe famous. You’ll want to use authentic Nutella for the best results, though store-brand chocolate hazelnut spreads can work in a pinch (they’re often slightly less expensive). For those with nut allergies, sun butter combined with cocoa powder creates a nut-free alternative, though the flavor will be different. If you’re feeling adventurous, other chocolate spreads like cookie butter mixed with cocoa, or even dark chocolate almond butter can create interesting variations. Keep your Nutella at room temperature for easier spreading—cold Nutella from the fridge is harder to spread and can tear your toast.

Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas for the best results. You want bananas that are yellow with just a few brown spots—these are sweet and flavorful but still hold their shape when sliced. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots will be too mushy and might make your toast soggy, though they work great if you’re mashing the banana into the Nutella. Underripe green bananas lack sweetness and have a starchy texture that doesn’t pair as well. For the prettiest presentation, slice your bananas into consistent rounds about ¼-inch thick. If bananas aren’t available or you want variety, strawberries make an excellent substitute—they’re the second most popular fruit pairing with Nutella.

Butter (Optional): A light spread of butter on your bread before toasting adds richness, helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color, and creates an extra layer of flavor. Salted butter adds a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the entire dish. However, this step is completely optional—your toast will still be delicious without it. Alternatively, you could brush the bread with a tiny bit of honey before toasting for extra sweetness.

Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended): This is where you can really make the recipe your own! Chopped hazelnuts add crunch and complement the Nutella perfectly. Sliced strawberries provide tartness and color. A drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and gorgeous visual appeal. Mini chocolate chips create even more chocolate intensity. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances all the flavors. Shredded coconut adds tropical vibes. Crushed graham crackers create a s’mores-like experience. Whipped cream makes it feel extra special. The possibilities are truly endless!

Equipment Needed

One of the best things about this easy Nutella banana toast is that it requires absolutely minimal equipment—most of which you definitely already have in your kitchen.

• Toaster or Toaster Oven – For achieving perfectly golden, crispy toast
• Butter Knife or Offset Spatula – For spreading Nutella smoothly and evenly
• Cutting Board – For safely slicing bananas
• Sharp Knife – For cutting banana into uniform slices
• Plate or Serving Board – For presenting your beautiful creation
• Small Spoon – For drizzling honey or other liquid toppings (optional)
• Measuring Spoons – If you want to be precise with Nutella amounts (optional)

That’s it! No mixers, no complicated appliances, no special tools. This is truly a recipe that anyone can make with the most basic kitchen setup.

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Tips & Variations

The versatility of Banana Nutella Toast is truly endless! Here are creative ways to customize this recipe to match your taste preferences, dietary needs, and what you have on hand:

Sweet Variations:

• Elvis-Inspired: Add peanut butter layer under the Nutella, banana, and crumbled bacon for a sweet-savory combo
• S’mores Style: Top with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers, then broil for 30 seconds
• Berry Blast: Add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries alongside the banana
• Tropical Paradise: Use coconut oil instead of butter, top with shredded coconut and sliced pineapple
• Cookie Butter Twist: Mix Nutella with Biscoff cookie butter for extra indulgence
• Caramel Dream: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the buttered bread before toasting

Healthier Modifications:

• Protein Power: Add a layer of Greek yogurt under the Nutella, or spread peanut butter first
• Whole Grain: Use sprouted grain bread or Dave’s Killer Bread for extra nutrients
• Lighter Spread: Use only 1 tablespoon Nutella per slice and fill in with sliced banana
• Natural Sweetness: Top with fresh berries and skip additional honey or chocolate chips
• Nut Butter Base: Mix 1 tablespoon Nutella with 1 tablespoon almond butter for added protein

Creative Twists:

• Stuffed French Toast: Make a Nutella-banana sandwich, dip in egg mixture, and pan-fry for next-level indulgence
• Grilled Version: Butter the outside of a Nutella-banana sandwich and grill like grilled cheese
• Breakfast Bruschetta: Use toasted baguette slices instead of regular bread for elegant brunch presentation
• Ice Cream Sundae Toast: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert
• Waffle Style: Use toasted waffles instead of bread for extra texture and syrup-catching pockets

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free bread
• Vegan: Choose vegan bread and check that your chocolate spread is dairy-free (many are!)
• Nut-Free: Use seed butter with cocoa powder, or nut-free chocolate spread brands like “No Nuts!”
• Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate spread and less-ripe bananas

Pro Chef Tips

These professional insights will take your Banana Nutella Toast from delicious to absolutely restaurant-quality:

1. Toast Temperature Matters: The secret to perfect toast is achieving a deep golden-brown color without burning. Set your toaster to medium-high heat and watch carefully during the last 30 seconds. The toast should be crispy throughout, not just on the surface. This ensures it won’t get soggy when you add toppings and provides that satisfying crunch in every bite.

2. Warm the Nutella Slightly: For the smoothest, most luxurious spread, microwave your Nutella for just 10-15 seconds before applying. This creates a glossy, almost ganache-like consistency that spreads like butter and looks stunning. It also allows the Nutella to seep slightly into the toast for extra flavor in every bite. Don’t overdo it—you want it warm and pourable, not hot.

3. Score Your Banana Slices: For professional presentation, use a paring knife to make tiny decorative scores or cross-hatch patterns on each banana slice before arranging them on the toast. This adds visual interest and makes your breakfast look like it came from a café.

4. Layer for Best Results: Apply ingredients in the correct order for optimal flavor: butter the toast (optional), add Nutella while toast is warm, arrange bananas, then add crunchy toppings last. This layering ensures each component maintains its best texture and the flavors build properly.

5. Salt is the Secret Weapon: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the finished toast transforms it from good to extraordinary. Salt enhances sweetness, brings out the chocolate flavor in Nutella, and adds a sophisticated edge that makes every bite more interesting. Use Maldon or another flaky finishing salt for the best results.

6. Angle Your Knife for Prettier Slices: When slicing bananas, hold your knife at a 45-degree angle instead of straight down. This creates elegant oval slices that look more sophisticated and provide more surface area to absorb Nutella. Your toast will look immediately more Pinterest-worthy with this simple technique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few common pitfalls can prevent you from achieving Banana Nutella Toast perfection:

1. Using Overripe or Underripe Bananas: Overripe bananas (completely brown and spotted) become mushy and can make your toast soggy, while underripe green bananas lack sweetness and have an unpleasant starchy texture. The sweet spot is yellow bananas with just a few brown spots—they’re perfectly sweet, hold their shape beautifully, and slice cleanly without falling apart.

2. Spreading Cold Nutella on Cold Toast: This is a recipe for torn, messy toast and frustration. Cold Nutella is stiff and difficult to spread, often ripping holes in your bread. Always spread Nutella on warm, freshly-made toast, and consider warming the Nutella slightly for even easier spreading. The warmth makes everything smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Under-Toasting the Bread: Lightly toasted bread might seem softer and more pleasant, but it becomes soggy within minutes when topped with Nutella and banana. Toast your bread until it’s genuinely crispy and golden brown—it should make a crunchy sound when you tap it. This provides the structural integrity needed to support wet toppings and creates essential texture contrast.

4. Making It Too Far in Advance: The magic of this breakfast is the contrast between warm, crispy toast and cool, creamy toppings. Assembling more than 5 minutes before eating results in disappointing, soggy toast. Prep your bananas ahead if needed, but always assemble at the last minute for the best experience.

5. Being Too Stingy with Nutella: This is a treat breakfast, not a time to be conservative! Using too little Nutella means you’ll have dry spots on your toast and an unbalanced flavor profile. You want a generous, even layer that reaches all the edges—about 1½ to 2 tablespoons per slice ensures every bite is chocolatey and delicious.

Storage & Meal Prep

While Banana Nutella Toast is definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead to make busy mornings smoother:

Bread Storage: Keep your bread in a cool, dry place in its original bag, or freeze extra slices for longer storage. Frozen bread can be toasted directly from the freezer—no thawing needed. This ensures you always have fresh-tasting bread ready for your breakfast.

Pre-Slicing Bananas: Banana slices can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead if you toss them with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, for best flavor and texture, slicing right before assembly is ideal. If you notice your pre-sliced bananas starting to brown, they’re still perfectly safe to eat—the flavor won’t be affected, only the appearance.

Nutella Storage: Store Nutella at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, unopened Nutella lasts up to 12 months, while opened jars stay fresh for about one month (though let’s be honest—it rarely lasts that long!). Never refrigerate Nutella as this makes it rock-hard and impossible to spread.

Assembled Toast Storage: Unfortunately, assembled Banana Nutella Toast doesn’t store well at all. The moisture from the Nutella and banana will make the toast soft and unappetizing within 30-60 minutes. This is truly a “make and eat immediately” situation. However, you can make it as a closed sandwich (toast, Nutella, banana, more toast) and wrap tightly for a lunchbox treat that holds up slightly better for 2-3 hours.

Topping Prep: Chop nuts, wash berries, and portion out other toppings into small containers at the beginning of the week. Having a “Nutella toast station” in your fridge makes assembly lightning-fast on busy mornings.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Make-Ahead Strategy: While you can’t fully assemble this breakfast ahead of time, you can create a “Nutella Toast Kit” that makes morning prep nearly instant. On Sunday, slice several bananas and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pre-portion bread slices in the freezer. Measure Nutella into small containers. In the morning, toast frozen bread, spread with Nutella, and top with frozen banana slices—they’ll thaw in minutes and taste fresh.

Freezing Components:

• Bread: Freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Separate slices with parchment paper for easy removal of individual pieces.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas freeze well for up to 2 months. They’ll darken slightly but still taste great. Perfect for smoothies too if you don’t use them all for toast.
• Nutella: Don’t freeze Nutella—it changes the texture and becomes grainy and difficult to work with after thawing.

Banana Bread Alternative: If you find yourself with too many ripe bananas, make banana bread and use slices of that as your toast base! Top with Nutella and fresh banana for a double-banana delight that’s absolutely phenomenal.

Batch Toasting: If feeding a crowd for brunch, toast all your bread slices ahead and keep warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet. Set out Nutella, sliced bananas, and various toppings, and let everyone assemble their own—it becomes a fun, interactive breakfast bar that kids especially love.

Best Reheating Method: If your toast has cooled and lost its crispness, pop it back in the toaster or toaster oven for 30-60 seconds before adding toppings. Never microwave toast—it becomes rubbery and unpleasant.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Nutella Toast is substantial enough to enjoy on its own for a quick breakfast, but pairing it with complementary sides creates a more balanced, complete meal:

For Breakfast or Brunch:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries, melon, and citrus balances the richness and adds vitamins
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Provides extra protein and probiotics to make the meal more filling
• Scrambled Eggs: Adds savory protein that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toast
• Turkey Bacon or Chicken Sausage: A savory, protein-rich side that rounds out the meal
• Orange Juice or Fresh-Squeezed Citrus: The acidity cuts through the rich chocolate flavor
• Smoothie Bowl: Double down on fruit and make it a tropical breakfast feast

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness perfectly complements the sweet chocolate-banana combination
• Milk (Regular or Plant-Based): Classic pairing that works for kids and adults alike
• Hot Chocolate: For when you want to go full dessert-for-breakfast mode
• Chai Latte: The warm spices enhance the chocolate and banana flavors beautifully
• Fresh-Brewed Tea: English breakfast or earl grey provide sophisticated contrast
• Iced Matcha Latte: For a trendy, energizing beverage pairing

For Snack Time:

• Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Adds crunch and protein
• String Cheese: Simple protein boost that kids love
• Trail Mix: Provides healthy fats and keeps energy levels steady
• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: If you want to balance all that sweetness with something savory

Make It a Dessert: Transform your Banana Nutella Toast into an elegant dessert by cutting it into triangles or squares, arranging on a pretty plate, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzling with chocolate sauce, and garnishing with fresh mint. Suddenly you have a restaurant-worthy dish perfect for dinner parties!

FAQs Section

Q: Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
A: Absolutely! Any chocolate hazelnut spread will work beautifully in this recipe. Store brands are often less expensive and taste very similar. You can also try different variations like dark chocolate almond butter, cookie butter mixed with cocoa powder, or even chocolate peanut butter for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that different spreads have different consistencies, so adjust the amount as needed for easy spreading.

Q: What if I don’t have bananas? What’s the best substitute?
A: Strawberries are the most popular banana substitute—slice them thinly and arrange on the Nutella just like you would with bananas. Other excellent options include sliced fresh peaches, raspberries, blackberries, sliced pears, or even thinly sliced apples. Dried fruit like figs or dates can work too, though the texture will be chewier. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Q: Is Banana Nutella Toast healthy or just a dessert disguised as breakfast?
A: It’s actually somewhere in between! While this isn’t the healthiest breakfast option due to the sugar content in Nutella, it does provide real nutritional value. Bananas offer potassium, fiber, and natural sugars for quick energy. The bread provides carbohydrates for fuel. To make it healthier, use whole grain bread, reduce the Nutella to 1 tablespoon per slice, add a protein source like peanut butter or Greek yogurt, and include extra fruit. Think of it as an occasional treat breakfast rather than an everyday choice—perfect for weekends or special mornings.

Q: How can I make this recipe nut-free for allergies?
A: Since Nutella contains hazelnuts, you’ll need a substitute for nut-free needs. Mix sun butter (sunflower seed butter) with unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of honey to create a chocolate spread that’s completely nut-free. Several brands also make nut-free chocolate spreads specifically designed for allergies—look for “No Nuts!” or “Wow Butter” brands. Some people also use chocolate cream cheese or chocolate hummus as creative alternatives.

Q: Can I make Banana Nutella Toast ahead for my kids’ lunchboxes?
A: While it’s not ideal, you can make this work with a few tricks. Make it as a closed sandwich (bread, Nutella, banana, more bread) so the outside stays somewhat crispy and the Nutella is protected. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Pack it with an ice pack to keep it cool, which slows down the sogginess factor. It’s best eaten within 2-3 hours. For best results, send the components separately (toast in one container, banana slices in another, Nutella in a small container) and let kids assemble at lunchtime.

Q: Why does my toast get soggy so fast?
A: Soggy toast happens when moisture from the Nutella and banana seeps into inadequately toasted bread. The solution is threefold: First, toast your bread until it’s deeply golden and very crispy—more than you might think necessary. Second, spread Nutella on warm toast so it creates a slight barrier that seals the bread. Third, eat immediately after assembly rather than letting it sit. If you must wait, keep components separate until right before eating.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a toaster?
A: Definitely! You can toast bread in several ways without a toaster. Use a skillet or griddle over medium heat—butter both sides of the bread and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. You can also use your oven broiler—place bread on a baking sheet and broil 6 inches from heat for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully. A panini press works great too. Even an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes creates perfect toast.

Conclusion

And there you have it—everything you need to know about making the most incredible Banana Nutella Toast that’s been taking Pinterest by storm! This simple yet sensational breakfast proves that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that require minimal effort but deliver maximum happiness. With just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can create a breakfast that tastes like a decadent dessert but provides real energy to power through your morning.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a breakfast your kids will actually eat, a college student needing quick fuel between classes, or someone who simply believes that breakfast should taste amazing, this recipe delivers every single time. The beauty lies in its versatility—make it exactly as written, or experiment with the endless variations and toppings to create your own signature version.

The combination of crispy toast, creamy chocolate, sweet banana, and whatever creative toppings your heart desires creates pure breakfast magic in every bite. It’s comfort food that happens to be quick enough for weekdays and special enough for leisurely weekend mornings.

I’d absolutely love to hear about your Banana Nutella Toast adventures! Drop a comment below telling me your favorite topping combination, and don’t forget to pin this recipe to your breakfast board on Pinterest so you can find it easily whenever that craving hits. If you make this recipe, snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Pinterest—seeing your beautiful creations always makes my day!

Now grab that jar of Nutella, slice up a banana, and get ready to experience the breakfast that everyone’s talking about. Trust me, once you try this, your morning routine will never be the same!

Happy toasting, and here’s to starting every day with a little bit of chocolate-covered joy! 🍌