If you’re a chocolate lover or a Nutella enthusiast, this Nutella Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These fudgy, rich brownies are packed with gooey Nutella that melts into every bite, creating an irresistibly creamy texture combined with just the right hint of saltiness. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or something to impress at your next gathering, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you; each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these brownies spectacular. From buttery richness and silky Nutella to perfectly balanced sweetness and just enough salt to highlight the chocolate flavors, every addition matters.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup; 71g): Softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a rich, tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup; 100g): Adds sweetness with a slight molasses flavor that deepens the brownies’ complexity.
- Large eggs (2): At room temperature for better incorporation and structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate and Nutella notes with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Nutella (1 and 1/4 cups; 370g): The star ingredient providing that signature hazelnut-chocolate goodness and luscious texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens the chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup; 94g): Spoon and leveled for the right structure without making it cakey.
- Optional semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup; 135g): For extra gooey pockets of chocolate within each brownie.
- Optional sprinkle of sea salt: Adds delightful crunchy bursts and flavor contrast on top.
How to Make Nutella Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
To get perfectly shaped brownies with no mess, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring you have overhang on the sides—this makes lifting out your brownies after baking a breeze. Remember, the 9-inch pan bakes a little faster, so keep an eye on your brownies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter until it’s silky smooth and creamy—about one minute. Add the light brown sugar and continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly. This step is key for a light, tender brownie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutella
Drop your mixer to low speed and slowly add the eggs and vanilla extract. Then, with the mixer on medium-high, beat everything together until fully combined. Next, mix in 1 cup of Nutella plus the salt to achieve a rich, fluffy batter. Scraping down the bowl ensures your batter stays smooth and even.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Chocolate Chips
On low speed, gently blend in the flour just until you no longer see dry spots—avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. If you’re adding chocolate chips for extra melty goodness, fold them in carefully by hand so they don’t sink to the bottom.
Step 5: Swirl on More Nutella and Bake
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and drop teaspoonfuls of the reserved 1/4 cup Nutella over the top. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella gently through the batter, creating those beautiful marbled patterns. If you like, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top. Bake for 32-36 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Oven times vary, so trust your instincts!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely. Use the foil or parchment overhang to lift the block of brownies out before slicing into squares. For an extra finishing touch, a pinch more sea salt on each brownie can brighten the flavors delightfully.
How to Serve Nutella Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries can elevate these brownies beautifully for a pretty presentation. A drizzle of warm chocolate or extra Nutella adds decadence for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nutella brownies with classic vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a scoop of coffee gelato to balance the richness with some cool creaminess. Fresh raspberries or strawberries also bring a fresh contrast to these indulgent treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these brownies as a base in a dessert parfait, layered with cream and fruit, or cut into small squares and served on a dessert platter with assorted nuts and chocolate pieces. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The foil lifting method makes them easy to store whole or in pieces.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy Nutella goodness anytime.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warm. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the Nutella swirl melt slightly, making every bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella’s unique hazelnut flavor is signature here, any creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a plain chocolate spread can work. Just keep in mind the taste profile will change slightly.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute it?
You can swap light brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but the texture and richness might be a little different since brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging but not wet batter, the brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready to come out.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used cup-for-cup. This way, you won’t lose the texture and flavor of your Nutella brownies.
Should I refrigerate or serve these brownies at room temperature?
These brownies are best served at room temperature to enjoy their fudgy texture fully. However, you can refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm, just bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Brownies Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a simple dessert that feels luxurious and full of flavor. It’s an effortless way to impress friends, delight your family, or just treat yourself to something divine. Trust me, once you make these brownies, they’ll quickly become your go-to for all your chocolate cravings. Go ahead, bake a batch today and watch them disappear fast!
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Nutella Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent Nutella Brownies with a perfectly fudgy texture, swirled with extra Nutella and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for a balanced sweetness and a hint of richness. These brownies combine the creamy hazelnut spread with classic baking ingredients to create an indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection.
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 pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups (370g) Nutella, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
Optional
- 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- A sprinkle of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal of brownies after baking. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and continue beating on high for 1-2 minutes until well combined and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Reduce mixer speed to low, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate Nutella and salt: Beat in 1 cup of Nutella and the salt until the batter is smooth and fluffy. Scrape the bowl again to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add flour and optional chocolate chips: On low speed, mix in the all-purpose flour just until combined. Do not overmix to avoid tough brownies. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
- Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Drop teaspoonfuls of the remaining 1/4 cup Nutella on top of the batter. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella into the batter for a marbled effect. Sprinkle the top with sea salt if desired.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32-36 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Adjust time as needed depending on your oven.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift the brownies out using the foil or parchment overhang, then cut into squares. Optionally, sprinkle more sea salt on top before serving.
- Storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- To ensure fudgy brownies, avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
- Using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs helps achieve a smoother batter.
- Swirling the Nutella on top adds a beautiful marbled effect and extra richness.
- A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- For a quicker bake, use an 8-inch pan; a 9-inch pan will reduce baking time slightly.
- Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Can be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
