Best Homemade Nutella Brownies Recipe

Transform your dessert game with these incredibly fudgy, rich Nutella brownies that combine the perfect chocolate base with stunning hazelnut swirls. This recipe delivers bakery-quality brownies right from your home kitchen, featuring a perfectly crackly top and an irresistibly moist center.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these exceptional brownies lies in the careful balance of ingredients and technique. By melting the chocolate slowly and incorporating air into the eggs and sugar, we prepare that coveted crackly top while maintaining a fudgy interior. The Nutella swirl not only adds visual appeal but brings a rich hazelnut flavor that elevates these brownies beyond the ordinary.

Key Ingredients for Success

For the Brownie Base

• 2 cups (350g) premium dark chocolate chips (60-70% cocoa)
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cubed
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon alcohol free pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup (50g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped hazelnuts (optional)

For the Nutella Swirl

• 1 cup (300g) chocolate hazelnut spread
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Essential Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Wire whisk
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Offset spatula
• Sharp knife for swirling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (30 minutes)

1. Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
3. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter
4. Organize all ingredients on your counter, measured and ready

Creating the Perfect Brownie Base (20 minutes)

1. Chocolate Melting Technique
   • Fill bottom of double boiler with 2 inches of water
   • Heat water until just simmering
   • Add chocolate and butter to top bowl
   • Stir occasionally until completely melted and glossy
   • Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes
2. Egg Mixture Preparation
   • In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla
   • Beat on medium-high speed for 7-8 minutes
   • Mixture should be pale yellow and form ribbons when lifted
3. Combining Wet Ingredients
   • Pour cooled chocolate mixture into egg mixture
   • Fold gently with a rubber spatula
   • Maintain air bubbles for crackly top
4. Dry Ingredient Integration
   • Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt
   • Add to wet ingredients in three portions
   • Fold until just combined
   • If using hazelnuts, fold in now

Nutella Swirl Creation (10 minutes)

1. Prepare Nutella Mixture
   • Warm chocolate hazelnut spread and cream in the microwave (30 seconds).
   • Stir until smooth and slightly runny (but not too thin). If the Nutella becomes overly warm and too liquidy, let it cool slightly before proceeding.
   • Add salt and mix well.
2. Assembly Process
   • Pour 3/4 of brownie batter into the prepared pan.
   • Dollop Nutella mixture across the surface, ensuring even spacing.
   • Add the remaining brownie batter between Nutella dollops.
   • Use a knife to create swirl patterns:
     • Draw long lines lengthwise, then perpendicular lines to create a marble effect.
     • Avoid over-swirling to maintain distinct patterns and prevent the batter from blending completely.
     • Keep the knife or skewer near the surface; avoid pressing too deeply into the batter. This ensures the swirl remains prominent on the top layer.

Baking Process (32-35 minutes)

1. Initial Bake
   • Bake for 20 minutes
   • Rotate pan 180 degrees
   • Continue baking 12-15 minutes
2. Testing Doneness
   • Insert toothpick 2 inches from edge
   • Should have moist crumbs
   • Center should be set but slightly jiggly

Cooling and Cutting (2 hours)

1. Cooling Process
   • Cool in pan for 1 hour
   • Lift out using parchment overhang
   • Cool completely on wire rack
2. Cutting Technique
   • Use large sharp knife
   • Heat knife under hot water
   • Wipe dry between cuts
   • Cut into 16 equal squares

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Temperature Control

• All refrigerated ingredients must be at room temperature
• Chocolate should never exceed 115°F (46°C)
• Oven temperature accuracy is crucial

Texture Optimization

• Don’t overmix after adding flour
• Tap pan gently to remove air bubbles
• Achieve fudgy texture by not overbaking

Storage Guidelines

• Room Temperature: 5 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
• Freezer: Up to 3 months when properly wrapped

Serving Suggestions

Classic Accompaniments

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh raspberries
• Whipped cream
• Toasted hazelnuts

Plating Ideas

• Dust with cocoa powder
• Drizzle with warm Nutella
• Add fresh mint leaves
• Serve slightly warm (10 seconds in microwave)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Brownies Are Too Cakey

• Reduce flour by 2 tablespoons next time
• Check oven temperature accuracy
• Don’t overmix batter

If Swirls Aren’t Distinct

• Ensure Nutella mixture isn’t too warm
• Use deeper cuts when swirling
• Maintain some unswirled areas

If Top Isn’t Crackly

• Beat egg mixture longer
• Don’t skip the cooling step for chocolate
• Maintain correct oven temperature

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 16 squares)

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 5g

These Nutella brownies represent the perfect marriage of classic chocolate brownies and creamy hazelnut spread. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a signature dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or satisfy those intense chocolate cravings at home.