Irresistible Fudgy Nutella Brownies: Your New Favorite Dessert

If there’s one indulgence almost impossible to resist, it’s the luscious combination of chocolate and hazelnut found in Nutella. And when that creamy, dreamy spread is incorporated into a rich, fudgy brownie, the result is nothing short of magical. This recipe for Nutella brownies delivers an unparalleled experience: brownies that are intensely moist, perfectly chewy, and bursting with deep chocolate hazelnut flavor. Not only is the brownie batter infused with Nutella, but each square is also adorned with alluring swirls of even more Nutella, creating pockets of pure delight in every bite.

Imagine biting into a thick, gooey brownie with a tender crumb, where the classic chocolate notes are beautifully complemented by the nutty, sweet undertones of hazelnut. These aren’t just any brownies; they are a celebration of Nutella, crafted to be both incredibly easy to make and utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this one-bowl wonder promises a straightforward process and spectacular results. Get ready to impress your taste buds and everyone lucky enough to share these decadent treats!

**This post was updated February 28, 2024, with new photos and a slightly refined recipe for an even fudgier texture, ensuring maximum deliciousness.**

Why These Nutella Swirl Brownies Are the Best

What sets these Nutella brownies apart from other recipes? It’s a combination of thoughtfully selected ingredients and precise techniques that guarantee a superior result. We’ve honed this recipe to maximize that desirable fudgy, gooey texture while ensuring a profound chocolate hazelnut flavor that truly sings. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these:

• Unmatched Fudginess: Through the perfect balance of melted butter and chocolate, along with the strategic inclusion of an extra egg yolk and the absence of leavening agents, these brownies achieve an incredibly dense, fudgy, and moist consistency that is the hallmark of a truly great brownie.
• Intense Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor: Nutella isn’t just an afterthought here; it’s a foundational ingredient. Used generously both in the batter and swirled on top, it ensures every bite is packed with its signature creamy chocolate and toasted hazelnut notes. Dark chocolate is used to provide a rich cocoa base that perfectly complements the sweetness of Nutella.
• Effortlessly Easy, One-Bowl Method: Who wants a mountain of dishes after baking? This recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to create these gourmet brownies with minimal cleanup. The one-bowl approach makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Visually Stunning Swirls: The additional Nutella swirled into the top of the batter not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautiful, marbled effect. These elegant swirls make the brownies look as good as they taste, perfect for any occasion.

Every element in this recipe is designed to contribute to an unforgettable chocolate hazelnut experience. They are thick, wonderfully chewy, delightfully gooey in the center, and perfectly rich without being overly sweet.

The Ultimate Guide to Baking Nutella Swirl Brownies

Crafting these delectable Nutella brownies is a straightforward and rewarding process. We’ll walk you through each step, explaining the purpose behind every action to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly fudgy and flavorful. Follow these detailed instructions and tips for baking success:

Key Ingredients for Nutella Brownie Perfection

Understanding the role of each ingredient is crucial for achieving the desired fudgy texture and rich flavor:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Melting it with chocolate creates a smooth base.
• Dark Chocolate (50-70% Cocoa): Essential for a deep chocolate flavor that balances Nutella’s sweetness. Finely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips work well. Using melted chocolate contributes significantly to the brownies’ fudgy texture. If you prefer a slightly sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor, semi-sweet chocolate can be used.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies, but in a lesser amount than typical recipes, as Nutella itself is sweet.
• Nutella: The star ingredient! Used in the batter for foundational flavor and swirled on top for extra indulgence and visual appeal. Warming the Nutella slightly before mixing ensures it incorporates smoothly.
• Large Eggs + 1 Extra Egg Yolk: Eggs provide structure and moisture. The additional egg yolk is a secret weapon for super tender, extra fudgy brownies, contributing to a chewier and denser consistency without making them cakey.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing both chocolate and hazelnut.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. The minimal amount used in this recipe, combined with the lack of leavening agents, helps maintain that dense, fudgy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Achieve Fudgy Bliss

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 325°F (170°C) if using a convection oven. Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on all sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for clean slicing. An 8×8 inch pan yields thicker, more substantial brownies, as seen in the photos. If you prefer thinner brownies, a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) pan can also be used, though baking times will vary.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/2 cup (112 grams) of unsalted butter and 3 oz (85 grams) of dark chocolate. To melt them slowly and evenly, microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This gentle melting prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, luscious mixture. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler over low heat for a more controlled melting process. Allow this rich chocolate mixture to cool slightly before proceeding. This cooling step is important to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
3. Whisk in Sugar and Nutella: Once the butter and chocolate mixture has cooled a bit, whisk in the 2/3 cup (133 grams) of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of Nutella. For the smoothest possible incorporation of Nutella, I highly recommend warming it slightly in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (remember to remove the foil seal first!). Warm Nutella blends seamlessly into the batter, ensuring even flavor distribution. You’ll notice this recipe uses less sugar than many brownie recipes; this is because Nutella itself is quite sweet.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk together the 2 large eggs and the 1 additional large egg yolk. The extra egg yolk is key to creating that super tender, melt-in-your-mouth fudginess. Once combined, whisk the egg mixture and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the chocolate-Nutella batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
5. Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients: Add 1 cup (125 grams) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until you no longer see streaks of flour. It’s crucial not to overmix the flour, as this can develop the gluten and lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of fudgy ones. You’ll notice there’s no baking powder or baking soda in this recipe; this is intentional, as we want dense, rich brownies, not light and airy cakes.
6. Assemble and Swirl: Pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan and use the spatula to smooth the top evenly. Now for the fun part: the Nutella swirls! Take the remaining 1/2 cup of Nutella and drop small spoonfuls (about 1-2 teaspoons per dollop) evenly across the top of the brownie batter. A good pattern is 4 rows of 4 spoonfuls. Then, take a toothpick or a wooden skewer and gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns. Don’t overdo the swirling; a few graceful passes are enough to create an appealing design without fully integrating the Nutella.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the middle of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes if using an 8×8 inch pan, or about 22-27 minutes if using a 9×9 inch pan. Baking times can vary significantly between ovens, so keep a close eye. For truly gooey brownies, aim for the shorter end of the baking time. The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the Nutella swirls) comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
8. Crucial Cooling and Slicing: This step is non-negotiable for perfectly structured brownies. As tempting as it is, you must let your Nutella brownies cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Warm brownies will be messy and fall apart. Once the pan is no longer warm to the touch (this can take 2-3 hours), use the parchment paper/foil overhang to lift the fully cooled slab of brownies onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice them into desired portions, wiping the knife clean with a damp cloth after each cut for perfectly neat squares.

Expert Tips for Flawless Nutella Brownies

• Chocolate Choice: While 50-70% dark chocolate is recommended for a balanced flavor, you can certainly use semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter brownie. Ensure your chocolate is of good quality for the best taste.
• Nutella Quality: For consistent and optimal results, it’s best to use commercially prepared Nutella or a similar chocolate hazelnut spread. Homemade versions can sometimes have a different consistency and may separate when baked, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the flour will develop gluten, resulting in tougher, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother emulsion and a better texture in the final product.
• Patience is a Virtue: The cooling step is critical. Resist the urge to cut into warm brownies! Proper cooling allows them to set, firm up, and become perfectly fudgy and easy to slice.
• Storage: Store your baked and completely cooled Nutella brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and fudgy texture. They can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Fudgy, chewy, rich with chocolate and hazelnut, and adorned with beautiful Nutella swirls – these Nutella brownies are truly the perfect indulgence for any Nutella enthusiast. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful treat to share (or keep all to yourself!).

More Delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Treats & Brownie Recipes

If you find yourself with leftover Nutella, or simply can’t get enough of that glorious chocolate hazelnut flavor, explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Nutella Chocolate Cookies
• Nutella Cupcakes – moist cupcakes generously stuffed with Nutella and topped with a creamy Nutella frosting.
• Nutella Cheesecake – a decadent and creamy dessert for special occasions.
• Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies – a delightful surprise hidden inside classic cookies.

And for those who love brownies in all their glorious forms, here are some other beloved recipes to try:

• Classic Homemade Fudgy Brownies
• Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies – a tangy twist on the classic.
• Peanut Butter Brownies – the ultimate flavor combination.
• White Chocolate Blondies – a lighter, equally delicious alternative.

Like this recipe? We’d love for you to rate it and share your thoughts in the comments below!