Decadent Nutella Swirl Brownies

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey to create the most incredible chocolate-hazelnut indulgence? These aren’t just any brownies; these are the **Ultimate Fudgy Nutella Brownies**, a delightful fusion where the intense richness of chocolate meets the creamy, dreamy hazelnut goodness of Nutella. Prepare to be enchanted by their irresistible fudgy texture and a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Who could possibly resist such a perfectly gooey, deeply satisfying chocolate treat?

If you’re as obsessed with Nutella as we are, you’re in for a real treat! Beyond these spectacular brownies, we’ve explored the magic of Nutella in countless ways. Don’t miss out on other fantastic creations like our Nutella Cream Pie, the amazing Nutella & Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, our chewy Thick & Chewy Chocolate Nutella M&M Cookies, and the truly decadent Ultimate Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting! These recipes showcase the versatility of Nutella, proving it’s not just for toast.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Ultimate Nutella Brownies

These **homemade Nutella brownies** are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to for chocolate hazelnut perfection:

Irresistibly Rich & Decadent: Prepare for a flavor explosion! These brownies are deeply chocolatey, featuring that signature fudgy, gooey texture everyone craves. But what truly sets them apart is the infusion of heavenly hazelnut from Nutella, creating a complex and utterly satisfying taste profile. It’s a treat designed to conquer any sweet tooth, leaving you craving just one more bite.
Effortlessly Simple to Bake: Forget complex baking techniques! You absolutely don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up these delectable treats. With straightforward instructions and common kitchen equipment like a mixer, you can achieve bakery-quality brownies right in your own kitchen. It’s an easy brownie recipe that delivers impressive results every time.
Intense Chocolate Flavor Boost: We take our chocolate seriously! To ensure an unparalleled chocolate burst, we employ a clever technique: blooming the unsweetened cocoa powder with warm oil. This simple step magnifies the cocoa’s flavor, resulting in brownies that are profoundly rich and aromatic, far exceeding what traditional recipes offer.
Made with Everyday Pantry Staples: No exotic ingredients required here! This recipe calls for basic kitchen essentials you likely already have on hand, such as all-purpose flour, brown sugar, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, oil, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder. And, of course, the star of the show – a generous amount of Nutella! These easy Nutella brownies prove that extraordinary flavor can come from humble beginnings.
Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re aiming to impress friends and family, need a show-stopping dessert for a potluck or holiday gathering, or simply want to satisfy a sudden chocolate craving, these brownies are your ultimate solution. Their beautiful shiny, crinkly tops and perfectly fudgy interiors make them a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s always a hit.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Nutella Brownies

Crafting the perfect **chocolate hazelnut brownie** starts with the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted fudgy texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Nutella Brownie Recipe Components:

2/3 cup canola oil (you can also use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile and texture)
2/3 cup natural cocoa powder (ensure it’s unsweetened for the best deep chocolate flavor)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (measure correctly to avoid dry brownies)
1/2 teaspoon fine salt (enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder (provides a subtle lift for that perfect chewy edge)
3 large eggs (at room temperature, they incorporate better into the batter)
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar (contributes to the fudgy texture and shiny crackle top)
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar (adds moisture, chewiness, and a deeper molasses note)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a must for enhancing all the sweet flavors)
1 cup Nutella (the star ingredient, bringing creamy hazelnut bliss!)

Using quality ingredients will significantly impact the final taste and texture of your **decadent Nutella brownies**. So, gather your supplies, and let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Ultimate Chocolate Nutella Brownies

Get ready to create the most **fudgy Nutella brownies** following these easy and precise steps. Every detail is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy, gooey center and shiny, crackled top.

Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by positioning a rack in the middle of your oven, then preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line either an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to create “handles” for easy removal. Finish by lightly spraying the parchment paper with cooking spray. For thicker brownies, opt for the 8-inch pan and be prepared to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. A 9-inch pan will yield slightly thinner, yet equally delicious, brownies.
Bloom the Cocoa Powder: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, measure your canola oil. Heat it in short bursts of 5 seconds (typically 4 to 6 bursts) until it’s warm to the touch, but not hot or smoking. Immediately add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the warm oil and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. Let this mixture sit for 4 to 5 minutes. This crucial step, known as “blooming,” helps to deepen the cocoa’s flavor, yielding intensely rich **chocolate hazelnut brownies**. While it blooms, you can start preparing your other ingredients.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, fine salt, and baking powder. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agents or salt in your finished brownies. Set this bowl aside.
Whip the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the large eggs, powdered sugar, and packed dark brown sugar. Beat these on medium-high speed for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes visibly fluffy, light in color, and has significantly increased in volume. This aeration is key to achieving that desirable shiny, crackled top on your brownies. Gently beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Incorporate the First Half of Cocoa Mixture: Add approximately half of your bloomed cocoa-oil mixture to the egg and sugar mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for about 4-5 minutes. During this time, the batter will transform, becoming wonderfully shiny and fully emulsified. This step helps integrate the fat and chocolate flavor smoothly.
Fold in Dry & Remaining Cocoa: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher brownies. Immediately add the remaining cocoa mixture and continue beating on medium-high speed for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the batter is once again shiny and uniformly combined. Transfer the luscious batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Adding The Nutella Swirl for Extra Bliss

Now for the fun part that makes these the ultimate **Nutella swirl brownies**!

Prepare and Swirl the Nutella: Before adding the Nutella, ensure it’s smooth and drippy enough to swirl. If your Nutella is too stiff, give it a good stir, or microwave it in a separate, microwave-safe bowl for 15-20 seconds until it reaches a wonderfully gooey, pourable consistency. Dollop spoonfuls of the warmed Nutella on top of the brownie batter in the pan. Then, using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter to create beautiful marbling patterns. Swirl as much or as little as you like to achieve your desired Nutella distribution.
Bake to Fudgy Perfection: Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake the brownies for 20 to 30 minutes for a 9-inch baking pan, or slightly longer (up to 35-40 minutes) if you’re using an 8-inch pan or a glass or ceramic pan (which typically requires more baking time). The brownies are done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the center appears mostly set but may still have a slight jiggle. A cake tester or knife inserted into the middle might not come out perfectly clean, showing moist crumbs, which is exactly what you want for fudgy brownies—don’t overbake!
Cool and Cut: This step is critical for fudginess! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling allows them to fully set and become intensely fudgy. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Carefully remove the parchment paper and cut the slab into 9-16 squares, depending on your preferred serving size.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Fudgy Nutella Brownies

To ensure your **homemade Nutella brownies** turn out perfectly fudgy and incredibly delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Avoid Overbaking: This is perhaps the most important rule for fudgy brownies. Brownies continue to cook slightly after they come out of the oven. Look for edges that are set and pulling away from the pan, but a center that still looks slightly moist and a little wobbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter, and definitely not perfectly clean.
Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue when it comes to brownies! Resist the urge to cut into them while they are warm. Brownies firm up and become perfectly fudgy as they cool. Cutting them warm can result in a crumbly, messy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. They incorporate more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more emulsified mixture that contributes to the shiny crackle top.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour (spoon and level, don’t scoop directly from the bag). Accurate measurements are key to the perfect brownie consistency.
Quality Matters: Use good quality cocoa powder and, of course, fresh Nutella for the best flavor. The subtle differences in ingredient quality can significantly impact the final taste of your **decadent brownies**.

Storing Your Delicious Nutella Brownies

Once baked, you’ll want to keep your **fudgy Nutella brownies** fresh and delightful for as long as possible:

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. This helps maintain their moist, fudgy texture.
For extended freshness, you can store them in the fridge for 5-7 days. Simply bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best experience.
Brownies also freeze beautifully! Wrap individual brownies or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Creative Ways to Elevate Your Nutella Brownies

While these **Ultimate Nutella Brownies** are perfect as is, there are endless ways to customize and elevate them to new heights of deliciousness:

Add Texture and Crunch: Fold in a handful of chocolate chunks (milk, dark, or white), chopped roasted hazelnuts for an extra nutty crunch, or even some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. For a salty-sweet contrast, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking works wonders.
Swirl in More Flavors: Beyond the Nutella, consider adding additional swirls of creamy peanut butter for a chocolate-hazelnut-peanut butter trifecta, or a dollop of caramel for a gooey caramel-Nutella swirl.
Boost the Chocolate Intensity: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder into your cocoa powder when blooming it. Espresso doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee; it simply deepens and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Drizzle and Garnish: Once cooled, drizzle additional melted Nutella, a simple chocolate ganache, or a caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with more chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Serve Warm with Companions: For the ultimate dessert experience, warm a brownie slice slightly in the microwave and serve it with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. A final drizzle of extra chocolate hazelnut spread or a dollop of whipped cream will make it an irresistible masterpiece. Can you feel the love?

In conclusion, these **Ultimate Nutella Brownies** are more than just a delicious dessert; they are a celebration of flavor, a testament to the joy of baking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their deeply fudgy texture, intense chocolate notes, and the rich, creamy essence of hazelnut, they bring a special kind of sweetness to any moment.

Remember, the secret to creating these ridiculously good **chocolate Nutella brownies** lies in balancing the exquisite chocolate and hazelnut flavors, along with using high-quality ingredients and following these simple steps. Don’t hesitate to infuse them with your own personal touch, whether it’s a dash of sea salt for contrast or an additional swirl of peanut butter for extra indulgence. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and delight in every single bite of these magnificent homemade treats!

Share this delightful recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to spread the chocolate-hazelnut love!

Discover More Irresistible Nutella Recipes!

If you can’t get enough of that delectable chocolate-hazelnut spread, explore our other fantastic Nutella creations:

Nutella & Coconut Cheesecake Brownies
Mini Nutella Brownie Bites
Nutella Marbled Chocolate Chip Cookies
‘Awesome’ Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins!
Nutella Stuffed Churro Donut Poppers
No-Bake Nutella Mousse Cheesecakes
Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Nutella Brownie Bites

Ultimate Nutella Brownies

By Kim Lange

Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut brownie experience? These fudgy Nutella brownies are infused with the rich and creamy goodness of Nutella, creating an irresistible treat. Who can resist these dreamy chocolate delights?

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 25-30 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 9 Large Servings

Keyword: brownies, chocolate, hazelnut, Nutella, fudgy brownies, easy brownie recipe

Ingredients

Ultimate Nutella Brownies

⅔ cup canola oil (or vegetable/coconut oil)
⅔ cup natural cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon fine salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs
1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Nutella

Instructions

How to Make the Nutella Brownies

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 325°F. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. (Use an 8-inch pan for thicker brownies, adding extra baking time.)
Place oil into a microwave-safe medium bowl and heat in 4 to 6 (5-second) bursts until warm but not hot. Add unsweetened cocoa powder and whisk until completely smooth. Let sit for 4-5 minutes to bloom the cocoa.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine eggs, powdered sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and lighter in color, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined.
Add 1/2 of the bloomed cocoa mixture to the egg mixture and beat on medium-high speed until shiny and fully combined, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until fully combined. Add the remaining cocoa mixture and continue to beat on medium-high speed until shiny and fully combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the baking pan and spread into an even layer.

Adding The Nutella

Ensure Nutella is drippy; stir well or microwave for 15-20 seconds to make it easier to swirl. Spoon Nutella on top of the brownie batter and swirl it in with a knife or skewer as much as desired.
Bake brownies until the center is set, 20 to 30 minutes for a 9-inch pan. If using a glass or ceramic pan, or an 8-inch pan, it may take longer. Edges will pull away, but a cake tester inserted in the middle may not come out perfectly clean (moist crumbs are good).
Let cool completely in the pan. Lift the brownie slab out using the parchment paper handles and place on a cutting board. Remove foil/paper and cut into 9-16 squares.

Recipe slightly adapted from The Kitchn – Pantry Cocoa Brownies