Alright, let’s set the stage here. Imagine the richest, most gooey brownie you’ve ever tasted. Now add a velvety swirl of hazelnut heaven—aka Nutella—and you’ve got yourself an irresistible treat. Seriously, these Nutella Fudge Brownies are the stuff of dessert dreams. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to whip up. Like, you-could-be-eating-them-in-an-hour easy.
But let’s not rush things. I mean, dessert is sacred, right? Whether you’re baking for a party, a lazy weekend, or just to satisfy that 9 PM sweet tooth (been there), these brownies are about to become your new favorite thing. Oh, and they’ll probably win you a fan club if you share. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking.
These Nutella Fudge Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream come true. With every bite, you get gooey chocolate paired with creamy hazelnut magic.
Why Nutella Fudge Brownies Are the Ultimate Dessert
Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “Aren’t all brownies the same?” And let me just stop you right there—nope, not even close. These Nutella Fudge Brownies are in a league of their own. They’re:
- Incredibly Rich and Gooey: That perfect texture where the edges are just set, but the center is all melty goodness.
- Packed with Flavor: Nutella brings this nutty, creamy magic that regular chocolate just can’t compete with.
- Customizable: Want to add a crunchy topping? Go for it. Feeling fancy? Swirl in some extra Nutella before baking.
Plus, they’re one of those desserts that feel super indulgent without being overly complicated. Honestly, it’s like you’re baking with a cheat code. And if you’re on a dessert kick, you might want to check out these other indulgent recipes that are just as drool-worthy.
People can’t stop raving about Nutella Fudge Brownies for good reason—they’re simple to make, taste incredible, and always steal the spotlight at gatherings
Ingredients You Need for Perfect Nutella Fudge Brownies
While the oven preheats, make sure your pan is ready. If you’re new to baking, this guide to baking tools might come in handy
Here’s what makes these brownies so magical. It’s a short list, but every item pulls its weight.
The star ingredient that makes this magic happen. Learn more about Nutella and why it’s so iconic in desserts
Nutella is the heart and soul of Nutella Fudge Brownies. It delivers that perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut in every bite.
- Nutella (1 cup): The superstar. It’s what gives these brownies their signature flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Melted, because melted butter = fudgy brownies.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): For just the right amount of sweetness.
- Eggs (2 large): These hold everything together and add that gooey texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Keeps things structured without getting cakey.
- Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): For that extra chocolate punch.
- Salt (½ tsp): Don’t skip this—it’s what makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Optional Add-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little extra something-something.
If you’re like me and love experimenting, you might also enjoy these creative dessert spins that bring a little holiday vibe to your treats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Gooey Nutella Fudge Brownies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly. Trust me, parchment paper is your BFF here. No sticking, no mess—just perfect brownies every time.
Step 2: Get Your Wet Ingredients Ready
Melt the butter (microwave works fine). Stir in the Nutella until it’s silky smooth. Then crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking between each addition. By now, it should look like a chocolatey dream.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Stuff
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the Nutella mixture. Be gentle—overmixing can mess with the texture, and nobody wants that.
Step 4: Time to Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 25–30 minutes. Pro tip: Check it at 25 minutes. You’re aiming for edges that are set but a center that’s still slightly soft. That’s the sweet spot.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Here’s the hard part—waiting. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. Or don’t, if you’re into messy, gooey brownies straight from the pan (no judgment here).
Pro Tips for Next-Level Brownies
- Don’t Overbake: Brownies keep cooking after you take them out of the oven. Pull them a little early for maximum gooeyness.
- Room-Temperature Eggs: It might sound extra, but trust me, it makes mixing so much easier.
- Swirl It Up: Add a few extra dollops of Nutella on top and swirl it with a knife before baking. Instant fancy vibes.
How to Customize Your Nutella Fudge Brownies
Let’s be honest—Nutella Fudge Brownies are already amazing as is. But sometimes, you want to shake things up and put your spin on a classic. Whether you’re customizing for a special occasion, experimenting with new flavors, or just want to show off your creative side, here are some fun, delicious ways to take these brownies to the next level.
Double Chocolate Nutella Fudge Brownies
If you’re a chocoholic (guilty as charged), doubling down on the chocolate is a no-brainer. Add a handful (or two) of semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter. As the brownies bake, the chips melt slightly, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. Bonus tip: sprinkle a few extra chips on top right before baking for a bakery-style finish.
Salted Nutella Fudge Brownies
There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet and salty. Before popping your brownies in the oven, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt—like Maldon—over the batter. The salt enhances the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, giving your brownies a sophisticated, gourmet edge. Want to go all out? Drizzle melted Nutella over the finished brownies and sprinkle a tiny bit more salt on top for that sweet and savory perfection.
Nutty Hazelnut Nutella Brownies
Nutella already has hazelnuts, but adding real chopped nuts takes these brownies to a whole new level. Chop up a handful of hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts (or a mix if you’re feeling wild) and fold them into the batter. The nuts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey texture. For an extra fancy touch, scatter a few on top of the batter before baking—they’ll toast up in the oven and look super impressive.
Festive Holiday Nutella Fudge Brownies
These brownies are so versatile, they can easily be dressed up for any holiday or celebration. For a festive twist, swirl in a few drops of peppermint extract into the batter for a cool, minty vibe that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top not only add a pop of color but also a satisfying crunch. Perfect for Christmas, but honestly? Who says you can’t rock peppermint brownies in July?
Brownie Sundae Base
Okay, this isn’t technically a mix-in, but hear me out: use these brownies as the ultimate base for a decadent sundae. Warm up a square (or two—no judgment), top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce, and sprinkle on some chopped nuts or crushed cookies. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that feels like a restaurant-level dessert.
Citrus Twist
For something unexpected, try adding a touch of citrus. Grate some orange zest into the batter before mixing. The bright, zippy flavor cuts through the richness of the Nutella and chocolate, creating a balanced dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.
Coffee Infusion
Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a subtle coffee kick that enhances the depth of the chocolate. It’s not overpowering—it’s like a little secret ingredient that makes people wonder, What’s that amazing flavor?
Fruit-Forward Fun
Chocolate and fruit are always a win. Swirl a couple of spoonfuls of raspberry or strawberry jam into the batter for a fruity twist. You’ll get pockets of jammy sweetness that balance beautifully with the rich Nutella. Pro tip: top the finished brownies with a few fresh berries for a stunning presentation.
The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of these brownies. You can stick with the classic recipe when you’re in the mood for something simple, or get adventurous and try one of these ideas to keep things fresh and exciting. Either way, you’re guaranteed a dessert that everyone will be raving about. So, what’ll it be—classic or creative?
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Fudge Brownies
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely, and it’s easier than you’d think. Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour have excellent gluten-free options that work beautifully in brownies. You won’t even notice the difference! One tip: Check your cocoa powder and other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free too—some brands sneak in fillers. Don’t forget to line your pan with parchment paper to avoid any sticking issues since gluten-free batters can sometimes be a bit more delicate.
How should I store them?
For short-term storage (because let’s face it, these won’t last long), keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fudgy for about three days. If you’re looking to make them last longer, pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep their gooey texture for up to a week. Pro tip: If you refrigerate them, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before eating so they can soften up. Or, if you’re impatient (no judgment), zap them in the microwave for a few seconds to get that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Can I freeze them?
Totally! Freezing brownies is a lifesaver when you’re planning or trying to resist eating the whole batch in one sitting. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking together and protects them from freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, thaw it on the counter for 30 minutes or give it a quick spin in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Boom—instant dessert.
What if I don’t have Nutella?
While Nutella is the MVP of this recipe, you can use other hazelnut spreads in a pinch. Brands like Justin’s or Barefoot & Chocolate are great alternatives, but fair warning—they might not have that same creamy, nutty richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your homemade hazelnut-chocolate spread. But honestly, if you can get your hands on Nutella, go for it. There’s just something about its smooth texture and perfect balance of sweetness that makes these brownies absolutely legendary.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—the ultimate Nutella Fudge Brownie recipe. It’s everything you could want in a dessert: rich, gooey, indulgent, and so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those boxed mixes. These brownies don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; they deliver a full-on chocolate hazelnut experience that’s honestly hard to beat.
What makes these brownies so special isn’t just their irresistible flavor—it’s how versatile they are. Baking for a party? These are guaranteed to steal the show. Whipping up a cozy dessert for a family dinner? They’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe). Treating yourself after a long day? These brownies are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. It’s self-care, but, you know, delicious.
And let’s be real—there’s a certain kind of magic in the simplicity. One bowl, a handful of pantry staples, and a jar of Nutella are all it takes to create a dessert that feels like it came from a fancy bakery. Plus, the way your kitchen smells while they’re baking? That alone is worth the effort.
If your sweet tooth is still buzzing and you’re looking to keep the indulgence going, don’t stop here. Check out these fun and creative dessert recipes for more inspiration. From layered confections to no-bake treats, there’s a whole world of sugary goodness waiting for you.
So what are you waiting for? Seriously, grab that jar of Nutella, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some magic. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones (or keeping them all to yourself—we won’t tell), these brownies are bound to be a hit every time. Happy baking!