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This decadent Nutella brownie recipe has been my secret weapon for impressing friends and family for years. The perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut creates an irresistibly fudgy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I first made these brownies for a dinner party when I needed something impressive but didn't have time for anything complicated. The entire pan disappeared before dinner was even served, and I've been making them regularly ever since.
Ingredients
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide the perfect level of sweetness. Look for high quality chips with a smooth melt.
- Unsalted butter: Gives you control over the saltiness and creates that rich mouthfeel. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Unsweetened chocolate: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor. Choose a premium brand for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens but creates that crackly top brownies are famous for.
- Nutella: The star ingredient adding hazelnut flavor and extra creaminess. Use room temperature Nutella for easier mixing.
- Eggs plus an extra yolk: Add richness and structure. The extra yolk makes these extra fudgy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference.
- All purpose flour: Provides just enough structure without making them cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor. Dutch processed gives a deeper color and flavor.
- Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line your metal baking pan with foil or parchment paper with overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Be sure to spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a metal pan specifically as glass pans conduct heat differently and can lead to overbaking.
- Create the chocolate base:
- Combine chocolate chips, butter and unsweetened chocolate in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals stirring between each until everything is just melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat as chocolate can scorch easily. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before adding the Nutella and stirring until perfectly combined.
- Whip the eggs and sugar:
- Beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for a full 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the structure and that beautiful crackly top. The mixture should nearly double in volume and become pale in color. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Fold the cooled chocolate Nutella mixture into the egg mixture using a gentle touch with a rubber spatula. You want to maintain as much air as possible while ensuring everything is well combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder and salt last, folding just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can make your brownies tough.
- Bake with care:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached. The key to perfect fudgy brownies is slight underbaking rather than overbaking. The center should be set but still slightly soft. Cool completely before cutting for cleanest slices.
Nutella has been my go-to ingredient for upgrading desserts since I discovered it during a semester abroad in Italy. What makes these brownies special is how the Nutella flavor subtly integrates with the chocolate rather than overpowering it. My husband claims these brownies were what convinced him to propose, though I suspect he would have anyway.
Perfect Pairings
These brownies stand beautifully on their own, but they reach new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm brownie and cold ice cream creates a sensory experience that's hard to beat. For dinner parties, I often serve small squares with espresso or a glass of port wine for an elegant dessert option that never fails to impress.
Storage Solutions
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, though they rarely last that long in my household. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days where they'll become even more fudgy. You can also freeze them for up to three months by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Making Them Your Own
While perfect as written, these brownies welcome creative variations. Adding a tablespoon of Frangelico liqueur enhances the hazelnut notes beautifully. For texture contrast, fold in a cup of toasted chopped hazelnuts or even chocolate chips. For special occasions, I've been known to spread a thin layer of additional Nutella on top after they've cooled slightly, creating a glossy, intensely flavored topping.
The Science Behind Fudgy Brownies
What makes these brownies so perfectly fudgy is the careful ratio of fat to flour. The combination of butter, chocolate, and Nutella creates a high fat content while keeping the flour minimal. The extra egg yolk adds additional fat and emulsifiers that create that ideal chewy texture. Avoiding overbaking is crucial too, as residual heat will continue cooking the brownies even after they're removed from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
To achieve extra fudgy brownies, bake slightly less than the suggested time and let them cool completely before cutting. Chilling them can also enhance the fudgy texture.
- → Can I substitute Nutella with another hazelnut spread?
Yes, you can substitute Nutella with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, but the flavor may differ slightly based on the brand used.
- → What size baking pan is ideal for these brownies?
An 8x8-inch metal baking pan is recommended. Lining it with parchment paper or foil helps to lift the brownies out easily.
- → Can I add nuts for a crunchier texture?
Yes, adding a cup of toasted chopped hazelnuts or walnuts to the batter provides a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
- → How should I store these brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Chilled brownies have an even fudgier texture.
- → What can I serve with these brownies?
You can serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle them with extra Nutella for added indulgence.