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There is something utterly magical about the Nutella Brownies Recipe that combines the rich, velvety taste of beloved Nutella with the fudgy, tender crumb of a classic brownie. This recipe is simple yet decadent—a perfect treat for when you crave something chocolatey but crave a little extra something special. Imagine biting into a brownie where layers of creamy hazelnut goodness melt alongside soft, perfectly baked chocolate, swirled to perfection. Trust me, once you try this Nutella Brownies Recipe, it will become one of your treasured go-to desserts for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role to bring out the texture, flavor, and richness of this Nutella Brownies Recipe. From the butter’s creamy base to the pinch of salt that balances the sweetness, every element works in harmony for that iconic fudgy bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup or 71g, softened): Ensures a smooth, tender brownie texture and rich flavor without added salt.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100g, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note which complements the Nutella beautifully.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the brownies and give them that irresistible soft structure.
- Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with deep vanilla warmth.
- Nutella (1 and 1/4 cups or 370g, divided): The star ingredient, providing luscious hazelnut chocolate flavor both in the batter and as a swirl on top.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolatey notes.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup or 94g, spooned & leveled): Gives the brownies structure without making them cakey—just right for fudgy texture.
- Optional – Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup or 135g): Add an extra dimension of gooey chocolate pockets.
- Optional – Sprinkle of sea salt: Adds a stylish finish that enhances every bite’s flavor complexity.
How to Make Nutella Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on all sides. This little trick makes lifting the brownies out for cutting a breeze and helps them bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand or handheld mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high until it’s smooth and creamy—about a minute. Then add the packed light brown sugar and keep beating for another 1 to 2 minutes. This creaming step is essential because it traps air, making your brownies luxuriously tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutella
Lower your mixer speed to low and slowly add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste. Once combined, pour in 1 cup of Nutella along with the salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until everything is smooth, fluffy, and fully incorporated. Remember to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom to ensure an even mix!
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Optional Chocolate Chips
Switch the mixer back to low and gently mix in the flour until just combined—overmixing can make the brownies tough. If you’re feeling a little extra chocolate indulgence, gently fold in your semi-sweet chocolate chips now for melty pockets of delight.
Step 5: Swirl and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Dollop the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella on top in teaspoons, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns. Finish by sprinkling sea salt on top if you like a salty-sweet contrast.
Bake for 32 to 36 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it emerges with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, your brownies are perfectly baked. Cooking time can vary slightly based on your oven and pan size, so trust your instincts here.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling is crucial—it lets the brownies firm up for clean cutting. Once cooled, use the foil or parchment overhang to lift the slab out, then slice into 12 generous squares ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Nutella Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These Nutella brownies are utterly delicious on their own, but to elevate their appearance and flavor, try garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few toasted hazelnuts for crunch and extra nuttiness. A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce takes them to decadent new heights.
Side Dishes
When serving Nutella Brownies Recipe for a celebration or a special treat, pairing them with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely contrast between hot and cold, creamy and fudgy. Fresh berries or a hot espresso can also balance the richness with a refreshing brightness or a caffeine kick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, layer brownie squares in clear dessert glasses with alternating layers of mascarpone or chocolate mousse, fresh berries, and crushed hazelnuts—imagine individual Nutella brownie parfaits! Or serve bite-sized brownie bites on a dessert board alongside assorted chocolates, nuts, and fruit for a show-stopping platter everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Nutella brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist and maintain that perfect fudgy texture. If refrigerated, just bring them to room temperature before enjoying to get that melt-in-your-mouth softness back.
Freezing
Nutella Brownies Recipe freezes beautifully! Slice the brownies into individual squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them together in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or leave at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To warm your brownies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes. Reheating enhances their gooey, just-baked feel and revives that irresistible Nutella richness.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella for any other ingredient?
While Nutella is the hero in this recipe, you can try other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even creamy chocolate peanut butter, but the flavor and texture will differ. Nutella’s unique balance of hazelnut and cocoa is what makes these brownies so special.
Why should I use room temperature eggs and butter?
Using room temperature eggs and butter helps them mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smooth, homogenous texture that results in fudgy, tender brownies without any lumps.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan works. Keep in mind that using a larger pan means thinner brownies that bake faster; a smaller pan yields thicker brownies that need a bit more time. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch them closely.
Do I have to add the chocolate chips?
Nope! Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for extra bursts of melted chocolate in every bite. If you don’t have any on hand, your brownies will still be deliciously Nutella-rich without them.
What’s the best way to get clean brownie cuts?
After cooling completely, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra clean edges, warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water, then dry before slicing. This minimizes crumbly edges for pretty brownie squares.
Final Thoughts
Making this Nutella Brownies Recipe is not just about baking; it’s creating a memory of indulgence and joy. The simplicity of ingredients combined with the lusciousness of Nutella makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or savoring solo, these brownies bring a cozy, happy feeling that you’ll want to revisit again and again. So grab your ingredients and dive into the magic of Nutella brownies—you won’t regret it!
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Nutella Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These decadent Nutella Brownies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolaty with a luscious Nutella swirl topping. Perfectly soft and chewy, they combine the creamy hazelnut spread with classic brownie flavors for an indulgent treat that’s easy to make and ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/3 cup (5 Tablespoons; 71g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup (296g) Nutella
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- optional: 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/4 cup (74g) Nutella
- sprinkle of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring the lining covers the bottom and sides with an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later. Set aside.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and continue beating on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well creamed. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs and vanilla bean paste; then increase to medium-high speed to combine thoroughly. Add 1 cup Nutella and salt, mixing until the batter is smooth and fluffy. Scrape the bowl again. Finally, add the flour on low speed and mix just until combined without overmixing. If using, gently fold in chocolate chips now.
- Swirl the Nutella: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Drop teaspoonfuls of the remaining 1/4 cup Nutella on top of the batter. Using a knife, swirl the Nutella into the batter to create a marbled effect. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the top to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 36 minutes. Begin checking doneness around 32 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with only a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the foil or parchment overhang. Cut into 12 squares. Optionally, top with additional sea salt. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For a more pronounced Nutella flavor, do not skip the swirling step on top of the batter.
- Using room temperature eggs and butter ensures better mixing and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet brownie, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- The optional sea salt topping enhances the chocolate and hazelnut flavors but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Using an 8-inch pan will result in thicker brownies and might require slightly longer baking time; a 9-inch pan will bake the brownies a bit faster.