There's something magical about biting into a warm, Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe that makes any morning feel special. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, and sweet banana creates a flavor explosion that rivals anything from your favorite bakery. I've been making this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.
What makes this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe so incredible is how simple it is to prepare. You don't need fancy baking skills or hours in the kitchen; just three main ingredients and about 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're rushing through a busy weekday breakfast or hosting a relaxed weekend brunch, this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time.
Why This Breakfast Pastry Will Become Your New Obsession
This chocolate banana breakfast treat has taken social media by storm, and for good reason. The French-inspired croissant combined with the universally loved pairing of Nutella and banana creates a pastry that feels both elegant and comforting. It's the perfect solution when you want something special but don't have time for complicated recipes.
The beauty of this homemade Nutella croissant lies in its versatility. Serve it as a quick breakfast idea for school mornings, pack it as a special lunch treat, or warm it up as an after-dinner dessert. The flaky layers of pastry hold the melted Nutella and soft banana perfectly, creating pockets of sweetness in every bite. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, making it suitable for any time of day.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Store-bought croissants
- Nutella
- Ripe bananas
Optional Add-Ins
- Powdered sugar
- Mini chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Vanilla extract
Egg Wash (Optional)
- Milk
- Egg
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Croissants
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each croissant horizontally, creating a top and bottom half; don't cut all the way through; leave one edge connected like a book.
- Gently open the croissants and lay them flat on your prepared baking sheet.
- If your croissants are extra large, you might want to slice them completely in half for easier filling.
Add the Filling
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of Nutella on the bottom half of each croissant; use the back of a spoon for even coverage.
- Slice your bananas into ¼-inch rounds and arrange 6-8 pieces on top of the Nutella layer.
- If using chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts, sprinkle them over the banana slices now.
- Gently press the top half of the croissant back down; don't press too hard or the filling will squeeze out.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Brush the tops of your croissants with egg wash if you want that professional bakery shine.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Watch carefully; you want the croissants heated through with the Nutella melted and the edges slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven when the tops turn golden brown and you can smell the chocolate.
Serve and Enjoy
- Pair with your favorite morning beverage and enjoy your homemade breakfast croissant masterpiece.
- Let the croissants cool for 2-3 minutes; the filling will be extremely hot right out of the oven.
- Dust with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant presentation.
- Serve immediately while the chocolate banana croissant is still warm and the Nutella is gooey.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Croissants
Always pick croissants that feel light and airy when you hold them. Heavy, dense croissants won't give you that signature flaky texture. Bakery-fresh croissants work best, but day-old ones actually work great too since they're sturdier and less likely to fall apart when you slice them. - Perfect Your Nutella Application
Warm the Nutella jar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before spreading. This simple trick makes it easier to spread evenly without tearing the delicate croissant layers. Don't skip this step; it makes a huge difference in achieving smooth, even coverage. - Banana Selection Matters
Use bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas become mushy when heated and can make your pastry soggy. The ideal banana should have a few brown spots but still hold its shape when sliced. - Temperature Control
Room temperature ingredients work better than cold ones. Take your croissants and bananas out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before starting. This helps everything heat evenly and prevents the centers from staying cold while the edges get too crispy. - Don't Overfill
It's tempting to pile on the Nutella and banana, but restraint is key. Too much filling will ooze out during baking and create a mess. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results. - Watch Your Oven
Every oven heats differently. Start checking your sweet banana Nutella pastry at the 7-minute mark. You want them golden and warm, not dark brown or burnt. - Slice Carefully
Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion when cutting your croissants. Pressing down with a regular knife will crush those beautiful flaky layers.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan Version
Replace regular croissants with vegan puff pastry sheets cut into triangles. Use dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread instead of traditional Nutella. Skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk brush for shine. - Gluten-Free Option
Look for gluten-free croissants at specialty bakeries or health food stores. Alternatively, use gluten-free puff pastry and shape it into croissant forms before adding your Nutella banana filling. - Lower Sugar Version
Choose sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread and use less ripe bananas. Skip the powdered sugar topping or use a sugar-free alternative for dusting.
Flavor Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist
Swap half the Nutella for creamy peanut butter to create a peanut butter banana croissant. The combination is absolutely divine and adds protein to your breakfast. - Berry Blast
Add fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside the banana slices. The tartness of berries balances the sweetness perfectly in this easy chocolate banana pastry. - Caramel Drizzle
After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over your finished croissants. This addition takes the dessert level up several notches. - Cream Cheese Addition
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese before adding the Nutella. This creates a cheesecake-like element that's incredibly rich and satisfying. - Nutty Crunch
Mix chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts with the Nutella before spreading. This adds texture and makes the pastry more filling.
Equipment Recommendations
- Baking sheet with parchment paper; prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless; essential for any pastry with banana and Nutella
- Serrated bread knife; cuts through flaky layers without crushing them; makes slicing croissants much easier
- Pastry brush; applies egg wash evenly for that professional golden finish
- Fine-mesh sieve; creates a beautiful powdered sugar dusting; gives bakery-quality presentation
- Offset spatula; spreads Nutella smoothly and evenly; prevents tearing delicate pastry
- Kitchen timer; ensures you don't overbake your warm chocolate croissant; precision matters with quick recipes
- Wire cooling rack; lets air circulate around hot pastries; prevents soggy bottoms
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
H3: Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The croissants will lose some crispness but remain delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze unbaked assembled croissants for up to 1 month. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Reheating Guidelines
- Reheat refrigerated croissants in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. For frozen croissants, bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through and the Nutella is melted again.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the croissants up to the baking step the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop them in the oven while you make coffee. This saves precious time on busy mornings.
The Game-Changing Secret My Grandmother Taught Me
Here's the trick that transformed my flaky Nutella croissant idea from good to absolutely unforgettable: freeze your banana slices for 15 minutes before assembling. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking and helps them hold their shape perfectly. The cold banana slices also keep the Nutella from melting too quickly and running out of the pastry.
The second secret involves the croissant itself. Before adding any filling, lightly toast the inside of your croissant under the broiler for just 30 seconds. This creates a slight barrier that prevents the Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe from getting soggy while still allowing the filling to warm through beautifully. These two simple steps make all the difference between a decent pastry and one that tastes like it came from a Paris bakery.
FAQ
Does Tim Hortons still have the Nutella croissant?
Tim Hortons has offered Nutella-filled items as limited-time offerings in certain regions. Availability varies by location and season. The best way to enjoy a Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe is to make it at home where you control the quality and freshness of ingredients.
Is banana with Nutella healthy?
Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sugars while Nutella offers some hazelnuts and cocoa. While this combination isn't a health food, it's a better breakfast choice than many processed options. Enjoy your homemade Nutella croissant as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit for balanced nutrition.
Are Nutella croissants good?
Absolutely! Nutella croissants combine buttery, flaky pastry with rich chocolate hazelnut spread for an irresistible treat. The warm chocolate melts into the layers while maintaining the croissant's signature texture. Making your Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe at home ensures freshness and lets you customize the filling amount.
Do banana and Nutella taste good?
Banana and Nutella create one of the most beloved flavor combinations worldwide. The creamy sweetness of banana perfectly complements Nutella's chocolate hazelnut richness. This pairing works in everything from toast to crepes, and it's especially magical in a Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe where the warm pastry enhances both flavors.
Time to Create Your Own Bakery Magic
Now you have everything you need to create this incredible Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell like a French patisserie. The simplicity of this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe means you can whip it up any morning without stress, yet the results taste absolutely gourmet. Whether you follow the classic Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe or try one of the delicious variations, every flaky, chocolatey bite will remind you why this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe has become a breakfast favorite around the world. Share it with friends, make it for brunch, or enjoy it fresh from the oven with coffee — because nothing beats the warm, buttery comfort of a homemade Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe.
Don't keep this quick chocolate breakfast idea to yourself! Share it with friends and family, try the related Lemon Croissant Recipe for a citrusy twist, or explore the Raspberry Croissant Recipe for a berry-filled alternative. Each variation brings something special to your breakfast table while maintaining that same effortless elegance. Save this Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe, rate it after you try it, and leave a comment telling me which variation became your favorite!
With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson 🥐🍫
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe
Nutella Banana Croissant Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet Line with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- 1 Serrated bread knife Helps slice croissants without crushing layers
- 1 Pastry brush For applying egg wash evenly
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve To dust powdered sugar on top
- 1 Offset spatula For spreading Nutella smoothly
- 1 Kitchen timer Ensures perfect baking time
- 1 Wire cooling rack Keeps croissants crisp after baking
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Croissants Fresh or day-old both work
- 0.5 cup Nutella Can substitute with any hazelnut spread
- 2 medium Bananas Ripe with brown spots, firm enough to slice
- 1 Egg Optional, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon Milk For the optional egg wash
- 0.25 cup Mini chocolate chips Optional, adds extra chocolate flavor
- 2 tablespoon Chopped hazelnuts Optional, for crunch and flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional, adds warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional, enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar Optional, for dusting on top after baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice croissants horizontally, leaving one edge connected like a book.
- Spread 2 tablespoon Nutella on each croissant bottom half.
- Add banana slices (6–8 rounds per croissant).
- Sprinkle optional chocolate chips or hazelnuts.
- Close croissants gently, avoiding overflow.
- Brush tops with egg wash for shine (optional).
- Bake 8–10 minutes until golden brown and warm.
- Cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave a Reply