Banana Nutella croissants have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share this simple recipe with you!
They’re perfect for a special breakfast, a sweet brunch treat, or even a quick dessert.
What makes them so irresistible? It’s the combination of flaky, buttery croissants filled with creamy Nutella and sweet slices of banana.
Recipe Overview: Banana Nutella Croissant
These delightful treats are essentially a simplified version of a classic pain au chocolat, but with an added twist.
We’re taking store-bought croissants and transforming them into something truly special with just a few extra ingredients.
The magic is in the combination of textures and flavors: the crisp, golden layers of the croissant, the smooth, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and the soft, naturally sweet banana.
They’re delicious served warm, straight from the oven, when the Nutella is perfectly melted and gooey. You can enjoy them as is, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Consider pairing them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Detailed Ingredients for the Banana Nutella Croissant Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these:
- 4 large croissants: I recommend using store-bought croissants to keep things super easy. Look for ones that are already baked and ready to go.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: This is our star ingredient! The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread is what makes these croissants so decadent.
- If you aren’t a fan of Nutella or don’t have it, you could sub with another chocolate spread, peanut butter or even a cookie butter.
- 2 medium bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. You want them to hold their shape when sliced.
- Overripe bananas will be too mushy, and underripe ones won’t be sweet enough.
- Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting: This adds a final touch of sweetness and makes them look extra pretty.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Banana Nutella Croissants
Let’s get baking! These are surprisingly easy to make:
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Slice the Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, like you’re making a sandwich. Be gentle so you don’t tear them. You want to create a pocket for the filling.
- Spread the Nutella: Open up each croissant and spread a generous layer of Nutella on the bottom half. I usually use about 2 tablespoons per croissant, but you can adjust to your liking.
- Add the Banana Slices: Peel and slice your bananas into about ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange the banana slices on top of the Nutella, fitting as many as you can in a single layer.
- Close and Bake: Gently close the top half of the croissant over the filling. Place the filled croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the croissants are heated through and the Nutella is warm and melted. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want the croissants to burn. The edges should be a nice golden brown.
- Cool and finish: Remove the croissants using oven mitts.
Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar. - Serve and Enjoy! Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations & Tips for the Best Banana Nutella Croissants
- Add some Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts (like hazelnuts or walnuts) over the Nutella before adding the banana slices for extra texture.
- Make them Ahead: You can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.
- Storage: Leftover croissants are best enjoyed the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Key Details
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 13-15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, parchment paper, knife
Banana Nutella Croissant
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 2 medium bananas
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, almost all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Open up each croissant and spread a generous layer of Nutella on the bottom half.
- Peel and slice bananas into about ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange banana slices on top of the Nutella in a single layer.
- Gently close the top half of the croissant over the filling. Place filled croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until croissants are heated through and Nutella is warm and melted. Edges should be golden brown.
- Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!