There’s a specific kind of craving that only Nutella can cure.
You know the one, it creeps in slowly around 9PM, when your spoon accidentally dips into the jar, and somehow doesn’t come out until you’ve hit the bottom.
That’s exactly how these Nutella Brownies were born, out of pure, unfiltered chocolate desperation.
I didn’t want anything fancy. I wanted something rich, fudgy, wildly indulgent, and ridiculously easy to make.
These brownies are everything you love about a traditional fudgy brownie, but with a twist. Nutella brings a whole new layer of smooth, chocolatey, hazelnut goodness that you can’t quite get anywhere else.
Why These Nutella Brownies Will Steal Your Heart
Fudgy perfection – Some brownies are too cakey, others are too dense. These? They hit the sweet spot between gooey and fudgy, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that every brownie lover dreams of.
Impress without stress – Quick to make, yet they look and taste like a masterpiece. You’ll be the baking star.
Ideal for gatherings – These brownies suit every occasion, big or small. They’ll disappear fast either way!
Kids love them – This is the recipe to get the little ones excited about baking. They’ll love mixing and, of course, eating these Nutella-packed brownies.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter – It gives the brownies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s a must for that fudgy center!
- Dark Chocolate – The hero of the recipe! It brings a deep, luscious chocolate flavor that makes these brownies extra special.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a little molasses kick and keeps the brownies moist and chewy. Sweet perfection!
- Eggs – They hold everything together and give the brownies that soft, gooey texture we all crave.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a dash makes everything taste better. It enhances the chocolate and Nutella for that extra yum.
- Flour – The backbone! It gives the brownies structure and helps keep that perfect tender crumb.
- Cocoa Powder – Boosts the chocolate flavor and makes these brownies extra rich. The more chocolate, the better!
- Salt – Just a hint of salt cuts through the sugar, unveiling the luxurious richness of the chocolate and Nutella.
- Nutella – The magic ingredient! It adds that creamy, dreamy hazelnut-chocolate layer that makes these brownies unforgettable.
How to Make Nutella Brownies
Prep Your Pan
First things first, grab your 8×8-inch pan. Give it a quick greasing with butter, then line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on the sides.
This little trick will save you when it’s time to lift the goodness, trust me, it’s worth it!
Freeze the Nutella
Now, let’s talk about Nutella! Transfer the luscious nutella into the pan and spread it out evenly to form a flawless layer. Tuck it into the freezer for an hour, or until it’s frozen through and perfectly set.
This step is what’ll give your brownies that dreamy Nutella center that’s oh-so irresistible. Then take it off and put it on a plate, then pop it back in the freezer (we need that pan).
Make the Brownie Batter
While that Nutella is freezing, let’s get the brownie batter going! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your pan with parchment again, so we’re ready for the batter.
Add your butter and dark chocolate to a heat-safe bowl, setting the stage for a rich, molten blend.
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it’s almost melted. Then, stir until it becomes completely smooth and shiny. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before moving on.
Whisk in the Wet Ingredients
Once that chocolate-butter mixture is cool enough to handle, whisk in the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This step is everything. You want the mixture to be smooth and glossy, this is the base for your rich, fudgy brownies.
Sift in the Dry Ingredients
At this stage, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and a hint of salt into the bowl, folding gently for a smooth blend. Whisk until it all comes together, don’t stress over a couple of lumps. We’re aiming for thick and fudgy, not perfectly smooth.
Assemble the Layers
Time to assemble your masterpiece! Pour half of that thick, luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, take your frozen Nutella slab (it should be solid and ready to go) and carefully lift it out. Place it gently on top of the batter, making sure it rests evenly. It’ll be a bit slippery, but you’ve got this!
Spread the rest of the brownie batter gently over the Nutella layer, sealing in all that gooey goodness. Spread it out gently, making sure the Nutella is fully covered. You want all that Nutella goodness sealed inside.
Bake to Brownie Heaven
Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for around 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just right. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set, but the center is still a bit soft. Place a skewer into the middle; if it pulls out with just a trace of Nutella and mostly clean crumbs, you’re good to go.
Cool and Let It Set
After baking, allow the brownies to rest in the pan for around 20 minutes, then simply lift them out using the parchment for an easy release. Allow them to cool for another 20 minutes or so before slicing. Trust me, this step is key to getting the perfect, fudgy slices.
Slice and Enjoy the Magic
Now that they’ve cooled, cut them into squares. The Nutella center will be perfectly gooey, and you’ll be the hero of the kitchen. Go ahead, take a bite, and let the fudgy magic happen!
My Tips for Perfect Nutella Brownies
Use good-quality chocolate – It significantly boosts the flavor profile Go for 60% cocoa dark chocolate for a rich taste.
Room temperature ingredients – Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
Don’t skip the parchment paper – It makes removing the brownies from the pan a breeze, and no one likes a sticky mess!
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Nutella Brownies
Mistake #1: Not Freezing the Nutella Long Enough
It’s easy to think you can skip the freezing step, but trust me, it’s essential for that gooey Nutella center. If you don’t freeze it long enough, it can melt into the batter while baking, leaving you with a less defined Nutella layer. Make sure to give it a full hour in the freezer to firm up before you assemble the brownies.
Mistake #2: Overmixing the Batter
When it comes to brownie batter, less is more! Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, cakey brownies instead of that fudgy, rich texture we’re going for. Stir the dry ingredients gently, just until they’re fully incorporated.
Mistake #3: Not Paying Attention to the Bake Time, Trust Your Oven
Every oven is a little different, so the bake time might need a little adjustment. If you go by the clock alone, you might end up with brownies that are either too gooey or too dry. Stay alert and test with a skewer when the timer hits 30 minutes.
Best Way to Store Your Nutella Brownies
Refrigerator: For up to 5 days, you can store them in the fridge. The Nutella center might firm up a bit, but it’ll still be deliciously gooey once you let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Freezer: You can freeze these brownies with ease, and they’ll stay delicious for as long as 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
FAQs
Can I replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you like your brownies on the sweeter side, go ahead and swap in milk chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit milder and less intense than if you used dark chocolate.
Can I use a different pan size?
You can, but the baking time will change! If you use a larger pan, your brownies will be thinner, and they’ll bake faster. If you go smaller, they’ll be thicker and might need more time in the oven.
Can I use store-bought Nutella alternatives?
Sure! While Nutella is amazing, there are plenty of store-bought hazelnut spreads you can use if you’re looking for a different brand or even a healthier option. Ensure the spread has a texture similar to Nutella for optimal results!
Other Brownies to Make
Quick & Easy Nutella Brownies Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chopped or chips
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 13 oz Nutella
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Start by prepping your 8×8-inch pan. Lightly grease it with butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- Spoon the Nutella into the pan and spread it evenly. let it freeze for about an hour, until it’s nice and firm. Once solid, lift it out and place it on a plate, then pop it back into the freezer so it stays chilled while you prep the batter.
- While that’s freezing, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Re-line the same pan with a new sheet of parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring in between. Once smooth and glossy, let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- Mix in the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla, then sift the flour, cocoa, and salt. Blend until everything is incorporated, even if a few lumps remain.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into your pan and smooth it out. Place the frozen Nutella slab carefully on top, then layer the rest of the batter over it and gently spread to cover.
- Bake for around 35 minutes. Once the skewer comes out with a touch of Nutella and some damp crumbs, they’re done.
- Cool the brownies in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer them out to finish cooling completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure your melted butter and chocolate aren’t too hot when adding the eggs, or you’ll scramble them.
- Be patient with layering, if the Nutella slab cracks a bit, gently press it back together.
