Prepare to embark on a delectable journey with these extraordinary Nutella brownies. Far from ordinary, these aren’t just brownies with a hint of chocolate hazelnut; they are a celebration of that iconic flavor, baked into a perfectly fudgy, irresistible dessert. Imagine rich chocolate brownies, incredibly moist and dense, infused with the creamy, nutty essence of Nutella not once, but twice – generously mixed into the batter and artfully swirled on top for an extra burst of flavor and a stunning visual appeal. This harmonious blend ensures a strong, yet beautifully balanced, chocolate hazelnut experience that will captivate both chocolate aficionados and Nutella devotees alike. Simple to prepare, these homemade Nutella brownies are destined to become your go-to recipe for an unforgettable treat.
What sets these apart as the best Nutella brownies you’ll ever taste is their impeccable balance of flavor and an unparalleled fudgy texture. While classic from-scratch brownies are a delight, elevating them with the luscious, creamy notes of chocolate hazelnut spread transforms them into something truly special. This easy Nutella brownie recipe is tailor-made for anyone who adores the deep richness of chocolate complemented by the unique sweetness and nuttiness of Nutella. Forget dry, cakey brownies – prepare for a deeply satisfying, chewy, and moist indulgence that hits all the right notes.
If you’re as enchanted by Nutella as we are, explore more delightful recipes that feature this beloved spread: Nutella Muffins, Nutella Swirl Rolls, and Nutella Ice Cream.
Why These Fudgy Nutella Brownies Are a Must-Try
Discover the secrets behind these extraordinary Nutella brownies, making them an absolute sensation for any occasion. Each element of this recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect bake every time, guaranteeing you fudgy, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make brownies.
- Unforgettable Nutella Flavor: The star of the show, Nutella, takes center stage in this recipe, delivering an authentic and robust chocolate hazelnut taste. By incorporating it into both the brownie batter and swirling it on top, we achieve a profound depth of flavor. This dual application ensures the Nutella flavor is prominent and satisfying without overpowering the rich chocolate base, creating a harmonious and addictive profile that true Nutella fans will adore. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy hazelnut and intense cocoa.
- Superior Fudgy Texture: Achieve that coveted, classic fudgy brownie texture every single time with this recipe. Unlike cakey brownies that can feel dry and crumbly, these chewy brownies boast a moist, dense, and melt-in-your-mouth consistency. This desirable texture is a result of specific ingredient ratios and expert techniques that prevent over-baking and promote a rich, gooey interior, ensuring each bite is a pure delight.
- Effortlessly Easy Brownie Recipe: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you; this homemade Nutella brownie recipe is incredibly simple to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these decadent treats with minimal fuss. From mixing the batter to creating the signature Nutella swirl, the process is designed for ease and enjoyment, proving that exceptional desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Nutella Brownies
Understanding the role of each ingredient and following these specific tips will significantly elevate your Nutella brownie baking experience. For a comprehensive list of quantities, refer to the full recipe details further below.
- Large Eggs: The temperature of your eggs plays a crucial role in the final texture of your brownies. Always pull large eggs from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before you plan to bake. Room temperature eggs emulsify much better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and contributing to the desired fudgy consistency. Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize and lead to a less cohesive mixture.
- Oil (Canola or Vegetable): The choice of oil contributes significantly to the moistness of these fudgy brownies. Canola or vegetable oil are ideal as they are neutral in flavor, allowing the rich chocolate and hazelnut notes to shine through. These oils also contribute to a tender crumb, ensuring your brownies remain moist and soft for days after baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. It’s essential to melt the butter before you begin mixing and then allow it ample time to cool slightly. Adding hot butter to the egg and sugar mixture can cook the eggs, leading to a scrambled texture. Lukewarm melted butter integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a smooth and consistent base.
- Powdered Sugar: While granulated sugar provides structure, powdered sugar contributes to the intensely fudgy, chewy texture that defines these brownies. For the best results and to prevent any grainy mouthfeel, always sift your powdered sugar. This removes any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth batter and a perfectly uniform brownie.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a truly deep, dark, and rich chocolate flavor, we highly recommend using Dutch-process cocoa powder. Unlike natural cocoa, Dutch-process cocoa is alkalized, which mellows its acidity and produces a darker color and a smoother, less bitter chocolate taste. This enhances the overall chocolate experience and beautifully complements the Nutella. This is the premium Dutch-process cocoa powder we use for exceptional results.
- Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread): Naturally, Nutella is indispensable for these brownies. Its creamy texture and distinctive chocolate hazelnut flavor are what make this recipe special. If you opt for another brand of chocolate hazelnut spread, ensure it has a similar consistency to Nutella. A spread that is too thick or too thin might alter the texture and mixing process of the batter.
Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Considerations
We believe everyone should be able to enjoy these delicious Nutella brownies. Here are some potential substitutions to adapt the recipe to various dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free Options: To make these brownies dairy-free, you can easily substitute the unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter (stick form works best for baking). Additionally, ensure that your chocolate hazelnut spread is certified dairy-free, as some brands may contain milk products.
- Gluten-Free Exploration: While this recipe has not been extensively tested with gluten-free flour, it may be possible to adapt it. We suggest using a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. Please note that texture and bake time may vary, and experimentation might be required. If you successfully try a gluten-free version, we’d love to hear about your results!
- Nut-Free Alternative: For those with nut allergies, you can substitute Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread, such as a sunflower seed butter-based chocolate spread. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden nuts are present.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fudgy Nutella Brownies
Follow these detailed instructions to create the most incredible fudgy Nutella brownies, complete with that signature swirl and perfect texture.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, promoting an even bake. Next, take a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan and generously spray it with a nonstick baking spray. To prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the brownies, line the bottom and two opposite sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as “handles.” Give the parchment-lined pan another light spray of nonstick baking spray. This meticulous preparation guarantees your beautiful brownies won’t stick.
STEP 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting is a crucial step that removes any lumps, aerates the dry ingredients, and ensures they are evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of unmixed ingredients and contributes to a smooth, uniform brownie texture. Set this bowl aside for later use.
STEP 3: Whip Eggs and Sugars. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the white granulated sugar, powdered sugar, large eggs, and the extra egg yolk. Beat this mixture on high speed for a full 5 minutes. This prolonged whipping process is essential for creating a light, airy, and voluminous base. It incorporates air, which contributes to the characteristic shiny, crackly top of fudgy brownies and helps achieve that incredibly chewy, dense texture.
STEP 4: Integrate Wet Ingredients and Dry Mixture. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the cooled melted butter, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract to the whipped egg and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until these wet ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage. Then, slowly add the previously prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Continue mixing on low speed, only until the flour streaks have disappeared and everything is just incorporated. Overmixing flour can develop too much gluten, leading to tougher, more cakey brownies, which we want to avoid for that perfect fudgy consistency.
STEP 5: Fold in Nutella. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Using a rubber spatula, gently scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. This manual mixing also helps prevent overworking the gluten. Now, add the specified amount of Nutella to the brownie batter. Carefully fold it in with the rubber spatula until it’s just evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want to see the beautiful marbling, not a fully homogenous mixture.
STEP 6: Pour Batter and Create the Signature Swirl. Evenly spread and smooth the brownie batter into the prepared 9×9-inch pan using your offset spatula or the back of a spoon. For the elegant Nutella swirl, place the remaining Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until it becomes slightly more fluid and easily scoopable. Using a 1 tsp measuring spoon, carefully dollop small mounds of the warmed Nutella randomly over the surface of the brownie batter. Then, take a butter knife or a thin skewer and gently swirl the Nutella lumps into the brownie batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct streaks of Nutella.
STEP 7: Bake to Perfection. Carefully transfer the prepared brownie pan to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. Brownie bake times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s crucial to monitor them. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. The brownies are perfectly baked when the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, your brownies might be over-baked and less fudgy. If it’s still wet, continue baking for a few more minutes. The edges should look set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle.
STEP 8: Cool Completely. This step is just as important as baking! Once baked, remove the brownie pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to cut into them while they are warm. As the brownies cool, they continue to set and firm up, developing their ultimate fudgy texture and making them much easier to cut into neat squares. Patience will be rewarded with perfect Nutella brownies.
Expert Baking Tips for Flawlessly Fudgy Brownies
Achieving the perfect fudgy brownie is an art, and these expert tips will guide you to success, ensuring your Nutella brownies are consistently rich, moist, and chewy.
- Enhancing Fudginess with Egg Yolk and Cornstarch: For truly fudgy brownie recipes, the secret lies in the fat-to-flour ratio and gluten control. Incorporating an extra egg yolk introduces more fat into the batter, which contributes significantly to that moist, dense, and soft texture we crave in a brownie. Unlike egg whites, yolks add richness and tenderness. The addition of cornstarch also plays a vital role by helping to break down the gluten strands that form from the flour. Less gluten development results in a less cakey, more fudgy, and intensely chewy brownie. This combination is key to avoiding tough or dry brownies.
- Mastering the Toothpick Test: The toothpick test is your best friend when baking brownies, but it’s crucial to interpret the results correctly. When you insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies, it should come out with moist crumbs attached, but absolutely no wet batter. If you see liquid batter, they need more time in the oven. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, your brownies are likely overbaked, which can lead to a dry, cakey texture. Aim for those delightful moist crumbs for optimal fudginess.
- The Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients: Just like with the eggs, ensuring all dairy ingredients (like butter) are at room temperature is vital. This allows them to combine seamlessly, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that holds air better and bakes more evenly, contributing to the overall texture and rise of your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding your dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dry, and cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy, chewy ones. A gentle hand and minimal mixing are best.
- Cooling is Non-Negotiable: Resist the temptation to cut into warm brownies. Brownies continue to set as they cool, allowing their structure to firm up and their fudgy texture to fully develop. Cutting them warm can result in crumbling and a less defined shape. Patience truly makes perfect in this case.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, fresh eggs, and good quality Nutella will undoubtedly make a difference in the flavor profile of your brownies. Investing in better ingredients will yield a richer, more satisfying end product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Brownies
If your brownies have sunk, it typically means they were underbaked. The center did not have enough time to set properly, causing it to collapse as it cooled. You will likely have extremely fudgy (perhaps too gooey) brownies. To remedy this in the future, ensure you’re baking them for the full recommended time and look for those moist crumbs on the toothpick test, not just a clean stick. If you catch them early, you can often bake them for another 5-10 minutes to finish cooking.
Hard or dry brownies are a classic sign of overbaking. Brownies cook quickly, and even a few minutes too long can drastically change their texture from fudgy to crumbly or hard. Remember, the center should be slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they continue to cook while cooling. Always aim for moist brownie crumbs on your toothpick test, not a completely dry toothpick.
Yes, you absolutely can! Using an 8×8-inch pan will result in thicker Nutella brownies, which many people prefer for an even more substantial, fudgy bite. However, because the brownies will be thicker, they will require a longer bake time than if baked in a larger, shallower pan. You will need to adjust your baking time by an additional 5-15 minutes, so keep a close eye on them and perform the toothpick test frequently after the initial baking period.
The key to a gorgeous crackly top on your fudgy brownies lies in the initial whipping of the eggs and sugars. Beating them on high speed for 5 minutes creates a stable emulsion and incorporates enough air to form a meringue-like top layer that sets and crackles during baking. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal whipping.
Absolutely! These Nutella brownies serve as a fantastic base for customization. Consider folding in chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), chopped nuts (like hazelnuts or walnuts for extra crunch), or even a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the flavors. Just be mindful not to overmix when adding these ingredients.
Recipe Variations to Explore
While these Nutella brownies are perfect as is, you can always experiment with exciting variations to suit your taste or create a new dessert experience:
- Extra Nutella Drizzle: For an ultimate Nutella indulgence, once the brownies have cooled, gently warm a bit more Nutella until pourable and drizzle it generously over the top. You can also create a simple Nutella icing by mixing melted Nutella with a touch of powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream.
- Add a Touch of Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top of the brownie batter before baking can beautifully enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a sophisticated contrast.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in a half cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans into the batter along with the Nutella for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Boost: Enhance the chocolate factor by stirring in half a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter before spreading it into the pan.
- Coffee Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Special Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable, leading to perfectly baked Nutella brownies every time.
- 9×9 Inch Baking Pan: We highly recommend using metal square pans for baking brownies. Metal conducts heat more efficiently and evenly than glass, which can often lead to a more consistently baked brownie with crispier edges and a fudgier center. Glass pans tend to bake slower and can sometimes result in chewier edges and a softer center.
- Parchment Paper: Using premade sheets of parchment paper is a game-changer for easy cleanup and hassle-free removal of your brownies. These pre-cut sheets lay flat and cover the pan perfectly, making the entire baking process significantly easier compared to struggling with a roll of parchment paper.
- Baking Spray with Flour: To ensure absolute nonstick perfection, we use a nonstick spray that contains flour. This combination creates a superior barrier against sticking, guaranteeing your brownies release cleanly from the pan without any effort, preserving their perfect edges.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is an incredibly useful tool for evenly spreading thick batters like brownie mix or swirling toppings. Its angled blade provides better control and keeps your knuckles clear of the batter, making smoothing and spreading a breeze.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While not strictly essential, a good quality stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a powerful hand mixer will make the initial whipping of eggs and sugar much easier and more effective, contributing to that desired crackly top and fudgy texture.
- Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding in ingredients without overmixing.
Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Nutella Brownies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Nutella brownies fresh, moist, and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:
Storage
Store these fudgy Nutella brownies in an airtight container, such as a cake carrier or a large plastic food container, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Nutella brownies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a single treat whenever a craving strikes. Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut them into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped brownies in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 30 days. To thaw, simply take out the desired number of slices and let them come to room temperature on the counter for a few hours, or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
Other Brownie Recipes To Try
If you loved these Nutella brownies, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful brownie creations from our collection, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Indulge in More Nutella Recipes
Can’t get enough of Nutella? Neither can we! Here are more fantastic recipes featuring the beloved chocolate hazelnut spread:
- Nutella Swirl Rolls
- Nutella Muffins
- Nutella Cupcakes
- Nutella Cheesecake
- Nutella Cookies
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Nutella Brownies
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Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups White granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
- 3 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup Oil, canola or vegetable
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup Nutella, mixed into the batter
- 1/3 cup Nutella, melted for the swirl on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Spray a 9×9-inch square baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Spray the parchment-lined pan again.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the white granulated sugar, powdered sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk together on high speed for 5 minutes until light and airy.
- Reduce speed to low. Add the cooled melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and mix on low speed until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add 1/3 cup Nutella to the batter and gently fold it in until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Heat the remaining 1/3 cup Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until slightly fluid. Use a 1 tsp scoop to place dollops of the melted Nutella over the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Place the baking pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
High Altitude Baking: If baking at high altitudes, consider adding an extra 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to help with structure.
Room Temperature Dairy: Always pull out eggs and butter (or other dairy ingredients) 2 hours before baking to ensure they reach room temperature. This aids in better emulsion and a smoother batter.
Carbohydrates: 40g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 14g,
Saturated Fat: 8g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0.2g,
Cholesterol: 27mg,
Sodium: 153mg,
Potassium: 143mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 29g,
Vitamin A: 194IU,
Calcium: 25mg,
Iron: 2mg
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