Grilled Nutella Banana Delight

This grilled Nutella banana sandwich is pure comfort food at its finest. With crispy, golden bread on the outside and warm, melty Nutella and banana inside, it offers a quick and indulgent treat that feels like a cozy hug in sandwich form. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a casual lunch, this recipe delivers a rich hazelnutchocolate flavor combined with natural sweetness and satisfying textures, all made vegan and butterfree using coconut oil for that perfect crust.

I first whipped up this sandwich when craving a quick, comforting snack and was amazed at how the combination of warm bananas and homemade vegan Nutella created something irresistibly delicious. Now it’s a go to whenever I want a fast, satisfying treat that feels a little special.

Ingredients

• Bread: sturdy slices work best to hold the filling without getting soggy whole grain or sourdough add lovely flavor and texture
• Ripe banana: choose a banana with some brown spots for natural sweetness and softness that melts when grilled
• Homemade vegan Nutella: this gives the sandwich a rich, chocolaty, and hazelnut flavor opting for your own batch lets you control sweetness and avoid dairy
• Coconut oil: used for grilling instead of butter for a crispy, golden crust and subtle coconut aroma make sure to use virgin coconut oil for the best flavor

Instructions

Slicing the Bread and Banana:

Slice your bread into even, not too thick slices to ensure an easy grill and a good ratio of bread to filling. Peel and slice the banana into thin rounds about onequarter inch thick so they soften quickly and melt right into the Nutella.

Spreading the Vegan Nutella:

Generously spread your homemade vegan Nutella on one side of each bread slice. The creamy and slightly sweet Nutella will become irresistibly gooey as it warms.

Layering the Banana:

Arrange the banana slices evenly on top of the Nutella spread on one bread slice. This will help the banana meld with the chocolate and provide natural sweetness and moisture to the sandwich.

Assembling the Sandwich:

Place the other slice of bread over the bananas, Nutella side down if you want extra gooeyness inside. Press gently to keep everything together.

Heating the Skillet:

Heat a cast iron or non stick skillet over mediumlow heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil and let it melt fully to coat the pan evenly before adding your sandwich.

Grilling the Sandwich:

Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook without pressing for about three to four minutes. Check frequently to get a deep golden crust without burning.

Flipping and Cooking the Other Side:

Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and add more coconut oil if needed. Grill this side for another three to four minutes, again aiming for a crispy, golden brown finish.

Serving Warm:

Remove the sandwich from heat and let it cool for a minute. This resting helps the gooey filling settle but keeps it warm and melty inside. Cut in halves or quarters for easy sharing.

One of my favorite things about this sandwich is the creamy vegan Nutella. It’s not only rich and smooth but also customizable to your preferred sweetness or nuttiness level. I'll never forget the first time I made this recipe and served it to my family the way the chocolate and banana flavors melted together made it quickly disappear, and everyone asked for seconds immediately.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature but best eaten within a few hours for crispness. If you refrigerate, the bread will become softer and the filling less melty. To refresh, pop the sandwich back into a hot skillet for a couple of minutes to revive the crust and warm the inside before eating again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot make homemade vegan Nutella, you can substitute with a store bought vegan chocolate hazelnut spread though watch for added sugars or oils. Other types of fruit like sliced strawberries or pears can be used instead of banana for fun variations. Try using almond or sunflower seed butter mixed with cocoa powder as a Nutella alternative for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Pair with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. Add a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts on top for added crunch and enhanced nutty flavor.

Enjoy this quick vegan grilled Nutella banana sandwich warm for the best gooey texture. It’s perfect as a snack or simple dessert.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What bread works best for grilling?

A sturdy yet soft bread like sourdough or whole wheat holds up well when grilled, providing a crispy exterior and soft interior.

→ Can I make the hazelnut spread at home?

Yes, a simple homemade vegan hazelnut spread can be made using toasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener.

→ How do I get the sandwich crispy without butter?

Using coconut oil instead of butter creates a golden, crispy crust while keeping it vegan and flavorful.

→ Is this suitable for a quick snack?

Absolutely. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and grill, making it ideal for a fast, satisfying snack.

→ Can I substitute the banana with other fruits?

While banana works best for its creamy texture and sweetness, you may experiment with thin slices of pear or apple.

→ How should I serve the sandwich?

Serve warm, right off the grill, to enjoy the melty filling and crispy crust at its best.