Decadent Nutella Brownies Recipe

If you are a chocolate lover and a Nutella fanatic, these Decadent Nutella Brownies are going to become your new obsession. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies infused with the irresistible hazelnut-cocoa flavor of Nutella, perfectly balanced by a touch of flaky sea salt on top. This recipe is simple, yet produces a moist, indulgent dessert that feels so special every time you bite into it. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, these Decadent Nutella Brownies shine with effortless elegance and incredible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role, from the richness of the Nutella to the perfect texture provided by the flour and eggs. Together, they create a brownie that’s both luscious and satisfyingly tender.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb you love in a brownie.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Ensure they’re not cold so they blend smoothly for a silky batter.
• Nutella (do not substitute): The star ingredient that infuses every bite with deep hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall richness and complexity of the brownies.
• Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds moisture and a luscious texture without overpowering the Nutella.
• All-purpose flour (no gluten-free substitutes): Gives structure to the brownies while keeping them soft and chewy.
• Baking powder: Just enough to give a slight lift, preventing the brownies from being too dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Flaky sea salt (for topping): A finishing touch that intensifies the chocolate and Nutella notes with a subtle crunch.

How to Make Decadent Nutella Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 metal baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and come out cleanly, making them easier to serve and enjoy.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar for about a minute until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened. This aerates the batter, lending your brownies a light yet fudgy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Nutella and Vanilla Extract

Add ¾ cup of Nutella and the vanilla extract to the egg-sugar mixture. Stir until everything is smooth and glossy. This is when the rich hazelnut magic really starts to build in your batter, promising those unmistakable Decadent Nutella Brownies flavors.

Step 4: Mix in Melted Butter

Pour in the cooled melted butter and blend it thoroughly into the Nutella mixture. The butter adds moisture and richness while helping to bind all the ingredients together perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is your structure base; beating it separately prevents overmixing which can make brownies tough.

Step 6: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gently fold the flour mixture into the Nutella batter just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can rob your brownies of their signature tender crumb, so patience here is key.

Step 7: Swirl Nutella on Top

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of Nutella on top, then use a knife to swirl it gently through the batter for that irresistible marbled look that makes these Decadent Nutella Brownies visually stunning and even more flavorful.

Step 8: Bake with Care

Bake your brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark. You want a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not fully dry, to capture that fudgy texture at the heart of these brownies.

Step 9: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt

Right after pulling the pan out of the oven, sprinkle the top evenly with flaky sea salt. This finishing touch adds a pop of contrast that highlights the sweetness and deep chocolate notes of the brownies.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow the brownies to cool fully before slicing. This step is crucial—cutting them too soon can cause them to crumble and lose that perfect fudgy center.

How to Serve Decadent Nutella Brownies

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant garnish, dust your brownies with a little powdered sugar or add a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts on top. Both will add texture and another layer of flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their richness. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Decadent Nutella Brownies into bite-sized squares and threading them onto skewers with marshmallows and strawberries for a fun dessert kabob. Or stack slices between layers of cream and berries to create a Nutella brownie parfait that’s sure to impress at any party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that decadent flavor even after the initial batch is gone.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To revive the gooey texture, reheat brownie slices for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This melts the Nutella slightly, making each bite irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

For this recipe, sticking with Nutella is important because of its unique hazelnut flavor and texture. Substituting with other spreads may change the taste and consistency of your brownies significantly.

Why do I need to use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe precisely. Salted butter may make the brownies too salty or unbalanced in flavor when combined with the sea salt topping.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

This particular recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, which provides the right texture and structure. Gluten-free flours usually behave differently, so substituting may result in brownies that are dry or crumbly.

What if I don’t have flaky sea salt for topping?

If you don’t have flaky sea salt, you can use regular fine sea salt but use less. The flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and bursts of salty flavor that enhance the decadence of these brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check around 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. This indicates fudgy, perfectly baked Decadent Nutella Brownies.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Decadent Nutella Brownies, they will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Their rich flavor, luscious texture, and easy preparation make them a winner every time. So go ahead, bake a batch today and share this scrumptious delight with the people you love!

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