Irresistibly Fudgy Nutella Brownies with a Delicious Swirl: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with the most decadent, fudgy, and utterly delightful Nutella Brownies you’ve ever tasted! If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts with a hint of hazelnut, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly chewy brownie, layered with the creamy, beloved hazelnut spread that creates a beautiful, irresistible swirl. This recipe doesn’t just promise deliciousness; it delivers an unforgettable baking experience and an even better treat that will have everyone asking for more.

Having explored countless easy brownie recipes over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting that quintessential ooey-gooey, fudgy texture that makes brownies truly exceptional. My family, especially the kids, absolutely adores Nutella, so it was only natural to combine our favorite hazelnut spread with our perfected brownie base. The result? These Nutella swirl brownies, which elevate a classic dessert to an entirely new level of indulgence. The rich, chocolatey base combined with the creamy, nutty ribbons of Nutella creates a flavor profile that is truly irresistible. Beyond these amazing brownies, you might also enjoy my Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe for another fantastic hazelnut-chocolate fix.

This recipe won’t require an entire jar of Nutella, leaving you with plenty to spare for other delightful creations. Why not make some Nutella Cookies? They’re another simple yet incredibly popular recipe that beautifully highlights the rich hazelnut flavor. And if you’re looking to broaden your baking horizons with other easy-to-make bar desserts, consider trying our Easy Blondie Recipe, the nostalgic S’mores Brownies Recipe, or even the delightful Brownie Cookies Recipe. We even have expert tips on How to Make Box Brownies Better, for those days you need a shortcut but still want homemade taste!

Why We Love This Recipe

These Nutella brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience that captures the heart of every chocolate and hazelnut enthusiast. Here’s why this recipe stands out as an absolute favorite and why it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The deep, intense chocolate of a classic fudgy brownie perfectly harmonizes with the creamy, nutty sweetness of Nutella. Each bite offers a luxurious blend of flavors that is truly addictive and utterly satisfying. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
• Perfectly Fudgy and Chewy Texture: We all crave that ultra-fudgy, dense, chewy, and slightly gooey brownie, and this recipe delivers exactly that. The careful balance of butter, sugar, and flour ensures a moist interior that practically melts in your mouth, complemented by delightfully chewy edges. Say goodbye to dry, cakey brownies!
• Stunning Nutella Swirl: Beyond the incredible taste, the beautiful Nutella swirl created on top makes these brownies visually stunning. They look like they came straight from a high-end patisserie, yet they are incredibly simple to achieve in your own kitchen. This elegant touch makes them perfect for special occasions or just to impress your guests.
• Easy and Accessible for All Bakers: You don’t need to be an experienced baker to achieve fantastic results with this recipe. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, making this a great project for beginners and a quick win for seasoned bakers. It’s a hassle-free way to create a truly spectacular dessert.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying them as an everyday treat, these brownies are always a hit. Everyone loves Nutella, and everyone loves a good brownie – it’s a winning combination that consistently earns rave reviews. They disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch!
• Versatile Serving Options: These brownies are delicious on their own, but they also serve as a fantastic base for various toppings. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an even more indulgent experience.

You will not be disappointed with the luscious, decadent results that come from this simple recipe. It’s surprisingly easy, making it the perfect treat to whip up whenever a profound chocolate and hazelnut craving strikes, or you need a reliable dessert that truly shines.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To ensure your Nutella brownies are perfectly fudgy and flavorful, gathering your ingredients and having them at room temperature is a crucial first step. This helps achieve a smooth, well-combined batter for the best possible results. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for these magnificent treats:

• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Make sure your butter is fully softened at room temperature, not melted. This is essential for properly creaming it with the sugar, which creates an airy, emulsified base for your brownie batter, contributing to its light yet fudgy texture.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): Packed firmly into your measuring cup, brown sugar is a star ingredient for fudgy brownies. Its molasses content adds deep flavor, moisture, and that signature chewiness that defines a perfect brownie. If you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have enough, check out The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Like softened butter, room temperature eggs are vital. They emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more cohesive batter and a more uniform, tender bake. They also add richness and act as a crucial binder, holding your brownies together.
• Vanilla Extract (Pure): Always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation. It dramatically enhances the chocolate notes in the brownies and adds a complex layer of aromatic depth, making the overall flavor much more sophisticated and appealing.
• Nutella (Divided): The star of the show! While I highly recommend using the classic Nutella brand for its consistent, rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor and smooth texture, any good quality hazelnut spread will work. This recipe calls for the Nutella to be divided, with most going into the batter for an all-over hazelnut taste, and a portion reserved for that irresistible, eye-catching swirl on top.
• All-Purpose Flour: Proper measurement here is absolutely key! Use the “spoon and level” method: spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup until overflowing, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife) without packing it down. Too much flour can lead to dry, dense, and cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt is crucial for balancing the intense sweetness of the chocolate and Nutella. It doesn’t just add a touch of flavor; it actually intensifies and makes the chocolate and hazelnut flavors pop, creating a more well-rounded and delicious brownie.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Using good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your brownies. They melt beautifully into gooey pockets, adding extra bursts of rich, bittersweet chocolate throughout. Feel free to use your favorite brand!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple, clear steps to bake a batch of homemade Nutella swirl brownies that are guaranteed to impress with their fudgy texture and delicious hazelnut flavor!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. It’s important to leave an overhang on two opposite sides; these will serve as convenient “handles” later, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire baked and cooled batch of brownies out of the pan for cooling and cutting. Once lined, set your prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Continue to beat until the mixture is light, creamy, and visibly fluffy, a process that typically takes 2-3 minutes. During this step, remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the two room temperature large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition until each egg is fully combined and integrated into the batter. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is just incorporated, taking care to avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can affect the final texture.

Step 4: Add Nutella and Salt. Next, add 1 cup of the Nutella (remembering to reserve the remaining 1/4 cup specifically for the decorative swirl later) and the salt to the batter. Mix these ingredients on low speed with your mixer or thoroughly by hand until they are fully combined. The batter should now have a beautiful, even hazelnut-chocolate color and a luscious consistency. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl one more time to ensure no unmixed ingredients remain!

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips. This step is crucial for achieving that desired fudgy, rather than cakey, texture. Gently stir the all-purpose flour into the batter by hand using a spatula until it is just combined and no streaks of dry flour are visible. Avoid using an electric mixer here. Then, carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Overmixing the flour can develop gluten, which results in tough, cakey brownies, so be gentle and mix only until necessary.

Step 6: Spread Batter into Pan. Once your batter is perfectly mixed, pour it into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the rich, chocolatey Nutella brownie batter evenly into a single, smooth layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan. This creates a uniform base for your delicious dessert.

Step 7: Add Nutella for Swirl. Now for the artistic touch! Take the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella. Carefully drop spoonfuls of it onto the top of the brownie batter, spacing them out somewhat evenly. You don’t need to be overly precise with these dollops, as they will soon be swirled into a beautiful, marbled pattern.

Step 8: Create the Swirl. Using a butter knife, a plastic knife, or even a sturdy toothpick, gently swirl the drops of Nutella into the brownie batter. Move the knife through the Nutella and batter to create an elegant marble effect. The key is not to overmix the swirl; you want distinct ribbons of Nutella against the chocolate brownie base for the most visually appealing result.

Step 9: Bake and Cool. Carefully place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Crucially, avoid inserting the toothpick directly into the swirled Nutella on top, as that will always appear wet. Be very careful not to overbake, as this is the primary cause of dry, cakey brownies. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is absolutely essential for achieving that perfect fudgy texture and for easy, clean slicing.

Once completely cooled (this might take an hour or two), use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into your desired squares. Now, your magnificent, homemade Nutella brownies are ready to be served and devoured! Enjoy every fudgy, hazelnut-chocolate bite.

Pro Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

Achieving bakery-quality Nutella brownies at home is incredibly rewarding and easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overbake Your Brownies: This is arguably the most important rule for achieving ultra-fudgy brownies. Every oven is calibrated differently, and baking times can vary, so it’s essential to start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended time. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center (making sure to avoid the distinct Nutella swirl) comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Overbaked brownies will lose their signature fudgy, gooey texture and become dry and cakey. Trust the visual cues and the toothpick test!
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference! Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that bakes evenly and results in a superior, more tender texture. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the final consistency and rise.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Precision in measuring dry ingredients, especially flour, is crucial for baking success. Always use the “spoon and level” method: lightly spoon the all-purpose flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife) without packing it down. Scooping directly with the measuring cup can pack in too much flour, leading to dry, dense, and undesirably cakey brownies.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: After adding the flour to your wet ingredients, mix only until just combined – meaning, no visible streaks of dry flour should remain. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which will make your brownies tough and chewy rather than soft, moist, and wonderfully fudgy. A gentle hand-fold with a spatula is often the best approach for the final stages of batter mixing.
• Fold in Chocolate Chips by Hand: Similar to the flour, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula rather than using an electric mixer. This prevents overmixing and ensures the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much. This also ensures you get those delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Line Your Baking Pan: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two opposite sides. This simple yet effective step creates convenient “handles” that make lifting the entire slab of cooled brownies out of the pan incredibly easy. It prevents sticking and allows for perfect, intact squares without any hassle.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is a true virtue when it comes to cutting perfect brownies! Resist the urge to cut into warm brownies. Allowing them to cool completely (preferably on a wire rack) for at least an hour or two solidifies their fudgy texture and makes for much cleaner, more precise, and less crumbly slices.
• Achieve Perfect Slices: For super clean and neat slices that look professionally made, use a sharp, non-serrated knife. After each cut, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth or run it under hot water and wipe it dry. This removes sticky residue and ensures every brownie square looks pristine and appealing.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these fudgy Nutella brownies are truly perfect as they are, don’t hesitate to get creative! You can easily customize them or elevate your serving experience to match any occasion or craving:

• Add More Texture with Nuts: For an extra delightful crunch and an added layer of nutty flavor, feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans along with the chocolate chips in Step 5. Hazelnuts, in particular, will complement the Nutella beautifully.
• Experiment with Different Chocolate: Don’t limit yourself to just semi-sweet chocolate chips! Experiment with different types of chocolate to change the flavor profile. Milk chocolate chips will make them sweeter, dark chocolate chunks will add a rich bitterness, or even white chocolate chips could offer a unique contrast.
• Boost the Chocolate with Espresso Powder: For a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor (without making the brownies taste like coffee), add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee to the dry ingredients (flour and salt). It wonderfully enhances the cocoa notes.
• A Touch of Sea Salt: Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) over the Nutella swirl. This gourmet touch creates a fantastic sweet and salty contrast that truly makes the flavors pop.
• Serve Warm with Ice Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve your Nutella brownies slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of warm, fudgy brownie and cold, melting ice cream is a classic for a reason! A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce would make it even better.
• Elegant with Whipped Cream & Berries: For a lighter, more elegant presentation, serve a square of brownie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or sliced strawberries. The tartness of the berries provides a lovely balance to the richness of the brownie.
• Brownie Sundae Style: Go all out with a full brownie sundae experience! Place a warm brownie in a bowl, top with a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream, drizzle with extra hot fudge or caramel sauce, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and crown it with a cherry.
• Perfect Pairing: These decadent brownies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a shot of espresso. The robust flavors of these beverages cut through the richness of the brownie beautifully.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Ensuring your delicious homemade Nutella brownies are stored properly will keep them wonderfully fresh and fudgy for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store them, whether for a few days or for longer enjoyment:

• Room Temperature Storage: After your brownies have cooled completely (this is important to prevent condensation), store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placed in a cool, dry spot, away from direct sunlight, they will remain wonderfully fresh, moist, and fudgy for up to 5 days. Layering them between sheets of parchment paper can also help prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing for Longer Enjoyment: Nutella brownies freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. Once they are entirely cooled, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container to protect them from freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising their quality or flavor.
• Thawing Frozen Brownies: To enjoy your frozen brownies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm, freshly baked taste experience, you can gently reheat individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out. They’ll be almost as good as fresh from the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making these delectable Nutella brownies, helping you achieve perfect results every time:

• Can I use a different size baking pan?

  Yes, you can use a different size baking pan, but you will likely need to adjust the baking time. For example, if you use a larger 9×13 inch pan, your brownies will be thinner and might bake faster (around 20-25 minutes). For a smaller pan, they will be thicker and require more baking time. Always keep a close eye on them and use the toothpick test for doneness, adjusting as needed.

• My brownies turned out cakey instead of fudgy. What went wrong?

  Cakey brownies are usually a sign of one of two common issues: overmixing the batter after the flour is added, or overbaking. To prevent this, ensure you mix the flour only until it’s just combined with no visible dry streaks, and always rely on the toothpick test (looking for moist crumbs, not wet batter) to avoid drying them out in the oven.

• Do I have to use the Nutella brand, or can I use another hazelnut spread?

  While Nutella is the most recognized and popular hazelnut spread, you can certainly use other brands of hazelnut-chocolate spread. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend choosing a good quality spread that you enjoy the taste of. The key is the rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor profile it brings to the brownies.

• Can I add more chocolate to this recipe?

  Absolutely, especially if you’re a serious chocolate lover! Feel free to increase the amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips (up to 1 cup total) or even add a mix of milk chocolate or dark chocolate chunks. You can also sprinkle an extra handful of chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for an even more chocolatey finish.

• How do I get that crackly top on my brownies?

  This recipe is designed to produce wonderfully fudgy brownies, which often have a slightly different top texture. A crackly top is often achieved by completely dissolving the sugar in the melted butter and eggs before adding the dry ingredients, or by using a higher ratio of sugar. While these brownies are incredibly fudgy and delicious, you might get a slight crackle by beating the butter and brown sugar for an extra minute or two until extra light and fluffy.

Give this incredibly easy and delicious Nutella brownie recipe a try for a truly tasty treat that everyone will adore. The combination of fudgy chocolate and creamy hazelnut is simply irresistible. Then, please come back and share your experience by leaving a star recipe rating and a comment below! Your feedback helps us share the joy of baking with even more dessert enthusiasts.