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Some days just call for something sweet and a little different. Banana Nutella Grilled Cheese started as a copycat of a restaurant treat, and it’s become the sandwich my family asks for whenever they want dessert without turning on the oven. One bite of that melted marshmallow fluff and Nutella and you’ll see why it disappears fast.
About ten years ago, we were on vacation in Orlando and had dinner at Wahlburgers. Dessert wasn’t even on our radar until the table next to us ordered a grilled banana sandwich stuffed with peanut butter and Nutella – “Grilled Banana Fluffa Nutta”. One look at it coming out of the kitchen and we knew we had to order one too. It did not disappoint.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that sandwich once we got home, so I started making my own version in my kitchen. I swapped the peanut butter for whipped cream cheese and added marshmallow fluff, because in my house, if there’s a way to make something a little sweeter and a little gooier, I’m taking it. A decade later, it’s still the sandwich my family asks for, and it comes together faster than you’d think.
Why you’ll love this Dessert Grilled Cheese
This isn’t your average grilled cheese, and that’s exactly the point. Here’s why it’s become a regular request in my house.
❥ It’s ready in minutes. No oven, no waiting around, just one skillet and about 10 minutes between you and dessert.
❥ The filling is unapologetically gooey. Marshmallow fluff, Nutella, and whipped cream cheese melt together into something rich and sweet, with banana adding just the right amount of freshness to balance it out. This takes a fluffernutter to the next level!
❥ It works with whatever bread you have. Regular thick white bread is how it was served at the restaurant that inspired it, but sourdough and brioche both work beautifully, too.
❥ It’s easy to make gluten free. Swap in a good gluten free sandwich bread and this sweet grilled cheese sandwich comes together just as easily, with the same gooey results.
NikkiIngredients
- Bread: Texas Toast is my go-to here since the thicker cut holds up well to all that gooey filling. A thicker white bread is how the sandwich was originally served at the restaurant that inspired it, and sourdough or brioche both work beautifully too if you want something with a little more crunch.
- Banana: Slice it lengthwise so it lays flat and spreads evenly across the sandwich instead of falling out with every bite.
- Nutella: This is what gives the sandwich its rich, chocolate hazelnut base, and it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the banana.
- Whipped cream cheese: My twist on the original. It adds a little tang that keeps the sandwich from tasting one-note sweet.
- Marshmallow fluff: This is what makes the inside so gooey once it hits the warm pan. A little goes a long way.
- Butter: Use enough to coat the pan and both sides of the bread. This is what gets you that golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Banana Nutella Grilled Cheese
Step 1 | Mix the Nutella and Cream Cheese
Stir together the whipped cream cheese and Nutella in a small bowl until fully combined.
Step 2 | Assemble the Sandwich
Butter one side of each slice of Texas Toast. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread that Nutella and cream cheese mixture. On the other slice, spread the marshmallow fluff nice and thick. Layer the banana slices on top of one side and get ready for the magic.
Step 3 | Heat the Pan
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it get bubbly before the bread ever touches the pan. This little bit of patience is what gives you that golden, crispy outside.
Step 4 | Grill the Sandwich
Place one side of the sandwich in the pan, buttered side down, then top with the other slice, buttered side up. Grill until both sides are golden brown and everything inside is melted and gooey. That’s your cue it’s ready.
Variations and Substitutions
- Peanut butter or cookie butter: Swap either in for the Nutella if you want a different kind of sweet, both pair beautifully with banana and marshmallow fluff.
- Mascarpone cheese: Use this in place of the whipped cream cheese for a richer, slightly sweeter filling.
- A pinch of salt: Sprinkle a little over the banana before closing the sandwich if you want something to cut through all that sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Dust the finished sandwich with a little powdered sugar for a pretty, bakery style finish.
- Hawaiian roll sliders: Turn this into slider-sized bites using Hawaiian rolls instead of bread. I haven’t tested exact amounts for this version yet, so start light with your fillings and adjust as you go.
Gluten free: Swap in a good gluten free sandwich bread, like BFree Foods Gluten Free Homestyle Sandwich White Sourdough, and this comes together just as gooey and golden. Always check labels carefully, since ingredients and shared equipment can vary by brand, and this matters most for anyone with celiac disease.
Expert Tips
- Get the pan hot before the bread goes in. Let your butter melt and get bubbling a little before adding the sandwich. This is what gives you that golden, crispy outside instead of soggy bread.
- Skip the thin sliced bread. Thin bread can’t hold up to all that gooey filling. Texas Toast is my go to, and sourdough or brioche both work great too if you want something with a little more bite.
- Don’t overfill it. A little marshmallow fluff and Nutella go a long way. Piling on too much makes the sandwich hard to flip and messy to eat.
What to Serve With Banana Nutella Grilled Cheese
A tall glass of cold milk is the classic pairing here, and honestly, it’s hard to beat. The cold and creamy balances out all that warm, gooey sweetness perfectly.
If you want to round it out a little more, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this into a full on dessert, or keep it simple with a cup of coffee if you’re having it as an afternoon treat. Either way, this one’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Storage: This one’s really best fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich and keep it in the fridge for a day. It won’t be quite as crispy reheated, but a quick warm up in a skillet or the air fryer helps bring some of that texture back.
Make Ahead: Mix your Nutella and cream cheese together and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, so all you have to do is assemble and grill when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though the fluff is what gives it that classic gooey texture. If you skip it, you’ll still get a delicious sandwich, just slightly less melty inside.
Slice your banana lengthwise so it lays flat, and don’t overfill the sandwich. Medium heat also helps everything melt evenly without the filling escaping before the bread browns.
Yes, a panini press works well here too. Just keep an eye on it since press cook times can run faster than a skillet. Also, this filling is gooey, so I recommend a light press or holding the lid a little losser.
Texas Toast is my favorite white bread for its thickness. You can use sourdough or brioche too, they hold up well, just go for a thicker cut if possible.
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Banana Fluffa Nutella Grilled Cheese
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Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 banana - sliced thinly lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon Nutella
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons marshmallow fluff
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Mix Nutella and whipped cream cheese together until combined.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread On opposite side of one slice of bread spread Nutella and cream cheese mixture. On other slice of bread spread on marshmallow fluff. Add bananas to one side.
- Heat a nonstick skillet to medium to medium high heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in bottom of pan.
- Place one side of sandwich in the pan butter side down and top with other side butter side up. Grill until each side is golden brown.
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Sounds like it has everything you could ever want in sandwich form!
Thank you! Yes it is packed full of yumminess! A splurge but worth it!
I almost went this route, but knew the hubs would think I’m off my rocker if I did. I did try one with almond butter I’ll be sharing next week. This looks amazing! Maybe after seeing it he’ll think twice?
Thank you! One bite and he won’t think you are crazy 🙂 Yum Almond butter would be delicious too!
I’d call it rich, sinful, divine AND delicious!!!
Thank you Liz! Okay I will go with what you said 😉