Decadent Nutella Fudge Brownies

If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence, look no further than these incredible Nutella Brownies. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie infused with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate goodness of Nutella, then discovering delightful swirls of that beloved spread woven throughout each square. This isn’t just a brownie; it’s an experience that elevates the classic chocolate treat to a truly gourmet level, all while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.

For years, I’ve been refining easy brownie recipes, always striving for that perfect ooey-gooey texture that makes every bite heavenly. With kids who adore Nutella, it was only a matter of time before I experimented with infusing it into our favorite brownie batter. The result? These Nutella Brownies, which have quickly become a household legend. The addition of Nutella doesn’t just add flavor; it contributes to an exceptionally moist and tender crumb, making these brownies next-level delicious. And if you’re a Nutella fanatic like us, you might also love my Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe for another fantastic treat.

You won’t even need to use an entire jar of Nutella for this recipe, leaving you with plenty to whip up other delicious hazelnut-chocolate creations. Consider making Nutella Cookies – another incredibly easy and beloved recipe that perfectly highlights our favorite hazelnut spread. For those who enjoy variety in their baking, I also highly recommend trying my Easy Blondie Recipe, the delightfully sweet and gooey S’mores Brownies Recipe, and the delightful fusion that is my Brownie Cookies Recipe. Plus, for a simple hack to elevate any store-bought mix, learn How to Make Box Brownies Better.

Why You’ll Adore These Nutella Brownies

There are countless reasons why these Nutella brownies stand out as a must-try dessert. First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply unmatched. The rich, deep chocolate notes of the brownie batter perfectly complement the creamy, sweet, and nutty essence of Nutella. This isn’t just a chocolate brownie with a hint of hazelnut; it’s a harmonious blend where each flavor enhances the other, creating a truly irresistible experience.

Beyond the taste, the texture is pure perfection. We’re talking about incredibly fudgy brownies with a delicate chewiness that melts in your mouth. The Nutella swirl not only adds another layer of flavor but also contributes to that luscious, gooey interior. It’s a decadence that feels gourmet, yet it’s incredibly straightforward to achieve in your home kitchen. You won’t believe how easy it is to create something so spectacularly delicious.

This recipe is also a fantastic crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning dessert connoisseurs. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal effort, and the payoff is an absolutely divine treat that will have everyone asking for more. You truly won’t be disappointed.

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Nutella Brownies

Crafting the perfect Nutella brownie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that signature fudgy, hazelnut-chocolate delight:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your recipe, which is crucial for balancing the sweetness. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter texture and ensuring a smooth batter.
• Brown Sugar: Packed tightly when measured. Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the rich, caramel-like flavor and the wonderfully moist and chewy texture of the brownies. Its molasses content makes these brownies extra fudgy. You can explore The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes if you’re ever in a pinch.
• Large Eggs: They need to be at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify more effectively with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and contributing to the brownies’ fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always best for superior flavor. It enhances the chocolate and hazelnut notes, adding depth and warmth to the overall taste profile of the brownies.
• Nutella: While I prefer the classic Nutella brand for its consistent flavor and texture, you can certainly use other high-quality hazelnut spreads. The creamy consistency and distinct hazelnut-chocolate blend are key to this recipe’s success.
• All-Purpose Flour: It’s important to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge for the most accurate measurement. Over-measuring flour can lead to dry, cakey brownies, so precision here is key for that perfect fudgy consistency.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use good quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and melt. They add pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies, intensifying the chocolate experience. High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is vital to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors, making the chocolate and hazelnut truly shine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Nutella Swirl Brownies

Creating these irresistible Nutella brownies is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully will ensure a perfectly fudgy and flavorful result every time.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Then, line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on all sides; this will create “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan later for clean cutting. Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, typically for 2-3 minutes. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. Add the two large, room temperature eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating briefly after each addition until just combined. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and evenly incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add Nutella and Salt. Measure out 1 cup of Nutella (reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for the swirl) and add it to the wet ingredients. Also, add the salt at this stage. Mix on low speed until the Nutella is fully blended into the batter, creating a uniform, chocolatey base. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the batter. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the flour in by hand until it’s just combined and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing the flour can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough or cakey brownies. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Spread Batter into Pan. Pour the prepared brownie batter into the parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish. Use your spatula to spread the batter evenly into a single, uniform layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.

Step 7: Add the Nutella Swirl. Take the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella. If it’s too stiff to drizzle or swirl easily, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it’s slightly more fluid. Carefully drop spoonfuls or dollops of this reserved Nutella over the top of the brownie batter, spacing them out randomly for an appealing swirl pattern.

Step 8: Swirl the Nutella. Using a butter knife, a plastic knife, or a skewer, gently swirl the Nutella into the brownie batter. Make S-shaped motions or draw lines through the Nutella dollops to create a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as you want distinct swirls rather than a fully blended mixture.

Step 9: Bake and Cool. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Crucially, avoid inserting the toothpick directly into a visible Nutella swirl, as it will always appear wet. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry brownies. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack in the pan. This cooling time is essential for the brownies to set and become perfectly fudgy. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Cut into desired squares and enjoy!

Storing Your Delicious Nutella Brownies

Proper storage is key to keeping your Nutella brownies fresh, fudgy, and delicious for as long as possible. Once they have completely cooled to room temperature, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container. They can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their wonderful texture and flavor. For an extra touch of freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the brownies; it helps absorb moisture and keeps them soft.

If you wish to store them longer, Nutella brownies freeze exceptionally well. After cooling completely, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the brownies at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel.

Pro Tips for Brownie Perfection

Achieving bakery-quality brownies at home is easier than you think with a few expert tricks up your sleeve. These pro tips will help ensure your Nutella brownies turn out perfectly fudgy and flavorful every time:

• Know Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary significantly. What one oven considers 350°F, another might heat to 325°F or 375°F. It’s highly recommended to use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy. This ensures consistent baking results and prevents under or overcooking. Always watch your brownies closely, as baking times can differ.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for brownies. Once you add the flour, mix until just combined – meaning no dry streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tougher, more cake-like texture instead of the desired fudgy and chewy brownie.
• Gently Fold in Chocolate Chips: When adding chocolate chips or any other mix-ins, do so by hand with a spatula. Avoid using an electric mixer for this step. Gentle folding prevents overworking the batter and ensures the chips are evenly distributed without being crushed.
• Always Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper with an overhang is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for greasing and flouring, and most importantly, it allows you to easily lift the entire slab of cooled brownies out of the pan. This makes cutting them into neat, perfect squares incredibly simple and mess-free.
• Achieve Perfect Slices: For super clean, professional-looking brownie slices, here’s a trick: allow the brownies to cool completely (even chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help). Then, use a sharp, non-serrated knife. Wipe the knife clean with a damp paper towel after each cut. This prevents crumbs and melted chocolate from sticking and ensures every slice is picture-perfect.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that traps air more effectively, leading to a tender and consistent crumb.
• Don’t Overbake: When testing for doneness, look for moist crumbs on the toothpick, not wet batter. A completely clean toothpick means your brownies are likely overbaked and will be dry. Remember, brownies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after they’re removed from the oven.

Nutella Brownie Variations & Customizations

While these classic Nutella brownies are truly outstanding on their own, they also serve as a fantastic base for creativity! Here are some ideas to customize your batch and make them uniquely yours:

• Add a Nutty Crunch: Enhance the hazelnut theme by folding in chopped toasted hazelnuts (filberts) along with the chocolate chips. Walnuts or pecans would also provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Experiment with Chocolate: Instead of just semi-sweet chocolate chips, try a mix of dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor, milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or even white chocolate chips for a visual and taste variation.
• Layered Decadence: For an extra special treat, consider adding a layer of marshmallow fluff or caramel sauce before the final Nutella swirl. The possibilities for luxurious layers are endless!
• Sea Salt Finish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top of the brownies just before baking can beautifully enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a sophisticated touch that cuts through the sweetness.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick!) can add an unexpected layer of warmth and complexity to the chocolate.
• Coffee Lover’s Dream: Stir a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee into your dry ingredients. Coffee acts as a flavor enhancer for chocolate, making the brownies taste even richer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Brownies

Got questions about making the best fudgy Nutella brownies? Here are some common queries and their answers to help you achieve perfection:

• Can I use a different size baking pan? Yes, you can. A 9×9 inch pan will yield slightly thinner brownies, so reduce the baking time by about 5-8 minutes. For a 9×13 inch pan, you’ll need to double the recipe and bake for a longer duration, typically 35-40 minutes, adjusting as needed for doneness. Always keep an eye on them!
• How do I ensure my brownies are truly fudgy and not cakey? The key to fudgy brownies lies in several factors: using brown sugar for moisture, not overmixing the batter (especially after adding flour), and most importantly, not overbaking. A slightly underbaked brownie will be fudgier than an overbaked one. Look for moist crumbs on the toothpick, not raw batter.
• Can I substitute Nutella with another spread? While Nutella’s hazelnut-chocolate flavor is unique, you could experiment with other nut butter spreads like peanut butter or almond butter for different flavor profiles. Keep in mind that the consistency and sweetness might vary, so adjust accordingly.
• Why are my brownies hard on the edges? This is often a sign of overbaking, especially if your oven has hot spots around the edges. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and try rotating the pan halfway through baking. Lining the pan properly with parchment paper can also help create a barrier.
• How can I make these brownies gluten-free? To make them gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but will still be delicious.
• Do these brownies need to be refrigerated? No, they do not. Nutella brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Refrigerating them can actually make them slightly firmer and less fudgy, though they will still be tasty.

Give this delightful Nutella brownie recipe a try for a truly unforgettable treat. Your taste buds (and your family!) will thank you. Then, be sure to come back and leave a star recipe rating and a comment to share your experience!