Rich Nutella Brownies with Extra Chocolate Drizzle
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One rainy afternoon, I found myself craving something decadent. I had a jar of Nutella sitting in my pantry, just begging to be used. That’s when I decided to create Nutella brownies, a rich treat that would satisfy my sweet tooth. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but smile at how perfectly the chocolate melted into the batter.
What sets these brownies apart is the extra chocolate drizzle that adds a tempting layer of richness. Trust me, this recipe delivers a fudgy texture that will have you dreaming of chocolatey bliss long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love It
Ingredient Notes
What You'll Need
- 1 cup Nutellathe highlight; choose the creamiest version for the best texture
- 1 cup granulated sugaradds sweetness and helps create that fudgy texture; don’t skip this!
- 1 cup all-purpose flourspooned and leveled for accuracy; this gives structure to your brownies
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powdersifted for a smoother batter; look for high-quality cocoa for rich flavor
- 1/2 tsp saltenhances the sweetness and balances flavors; don’t omit!
- 1 tsp baking powderhelps the brownies rise slightly; it’s key for texture
- 2 large eggsat room temperature for better mixing; they provide moisture and richness
- 1/2 cup unsalted buttermelted and slightly cooled to prevent cooking the eggs; adds richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extractadds a lovely depth of flavor; use pure extract for the best taste
- 1/2 cup chocolate chipsoptional, but I highly recommend them for an extra chocolatey kick!
When shopping for ingredients for these Nutella brownies, opt for a high-quality Nutella for the richest flavor. Fresh eggs and unsalted butter are essential for a balanced taste. Make sure your cocoa powder is sifted; it helps to avoid clumps and creates a smoother batter.
Easy Substitutions
- Dairy-free: swap unsalted butter for coconut oil — this will give your brownies a slight coconut flavor and keep them moist.
- Gluten-free: swap all-purpose flour for almond flour — your brownies will be denser and have a nutty flavor, but they will still be delicious.
- Egg-free: swap each egg for 1/4 cup applesauce — this keeps them moist and adds a hint of sweetness, but the texture may be a bit cakier.
- Lower calorie: swap granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like erythritol — the sweetness remains, but the texture might be less fudgy.
How to Make This Recipe
Prep & Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. This ensures that your brownies will release easily once baked.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, Nutella, and granulated sugar, stirring until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and homogenous, which means you’re on the right track.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-Nutella mixture, whisking until fully incorporated. This step adds richness and flavor, so you want it well-blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, giving you the perfect texture in your brownies.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You want to see a few flour streaks; overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
Fold in chocolate chips, if desired. This adds pockets of melted chocolate that create a pleasureful contrast in texture.
Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. The top should look smooth and glossy, which is a good sign.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps them set, making slicing easier.
Drizzle additional Nutella on top before slicing into squares. This finishing touch makes them even more rich and visually appealing.
Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat. The rich aroma will have everyone eagerly waiting for a bite!
Pro Tips
Not all hazelnut spreads are created equal! I’ve tried several brands, and the richness of Nutella really shines through in these brownies. Trust me, it’s worth splurging a bit for the best flavor and texture.
Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. I usually mix until just combined, and then I let the flour streaks guide me. The result? A fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that you’ll crave again and again.
Chilling your brownie batter for about 30 minutes can intensify the flavors. I often pop it in the fridge while preheating the oven. It also helps achieve that perfect crinkle top that everyone loves!
This simple trick makes for easy removal. I usually let the parchment hang over the edges, which gives me handles to lift the brownies out after baking. It’s a great choice for presentation!
Want to enhance your brownies? Try adding a pinch of espresso powder or swirling in some peanut butter. I’ve tested various combinations, and they add a pleasureful depth of flavor that keeps things interesting!
Variations & Customizations
Flavor Twists
Peanut Butter Swirl
Fold in ½ cup creamy peanut butter before pouring the batter into the baking pan. Use a knife to gently swirl it through the brownie mix. The result is a smooth brownie with rich, nutty ribbons throughout, adding a pleasureful contrast to the sweetness of the Nutella.
Mint Chocolate
Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top the brownies with ½ cup crushed peppermint candies before baking. This variation brings a refreshing, cool flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate, creating a festive, wintery treat that’s simply tempting.
Unexpected Creative Twist
Espresso Infusion
Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder with the dry ingredients. This addition enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it a sophisticated depth. The brownies will have a slightly darker color and a rich, coffee aroma that offers a pleasureful surprise with each bite.
Storage & Meal Prep
How to Store
Room Temperature
Nutella brownies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep that delightful fudgy texture intact.
Refrigerator
If you want to prolong their life, refrigerate for up to a week. Make sure they cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezer
You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. For best results, flash freeze them on a sheet pan first, then wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Be cautious! They'll get soggy on the bottom if you stack them while still warm.
Meal Prep
I recommend doubling the recipe to have plenty on hand. Prepare them the night before or on the weekend for easy snacking during the week. Store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness.
Equipment You'll Need
Essential
8x8-inch baking pan: This size is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy brownie texture. Too small, and your brownies will overflow; too large, and they might dry out. I always opt for a metal pan for even baking, but glass works too if you adjust the baking time slightly.
Whisk: A good whisk helps incorporate air into the batter, making your brownies lighter and fluffier. I prefer a sturdy, balloon whisk for this recipe because it really gets into those corners and ensures everything is well-mixed.
Nice to Have
Rubber spatula: This is great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and ensuring no batter is left behind. You’ll be surprised how much extra brownie you can get with a good spatula!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! You can substitute Nutella with almond butter or peanut butter for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Why did my Nutella brownies come out too dry?
Overbaking is often the culprit for dry brownies. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can easily make gluten-free Nutella brownies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What can I serve with Nutella brownies?
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a pleasureful contrast. Drizzling some chocolate sauce or adding fresh berries also enhances the presentation and flavor.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Nutella brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and fudgy.
These Nutella brownies are my go-to treat when I want to impress friends and indulge myself with something truly decadent. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolatey goodness. I can't wait to hear how yours turn out, so drop a comment or share your creations on Pinterest!
Nutella Brownies
by fantasticrecipe
Indulge in these rich Nutella brownies drizzled with extra chocolate for an irresistible treat.
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Ingredients
Makes 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, Nutella, and granulated sugar.
- 3
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- 6
Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- 7
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- 9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes.
- 10
Drizzle additional Nutella on top before slicing into squares.
Nutrition (per serving)
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