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

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate with the irresistible flavor of hazelnut, look no further. This fudgy Nutella Brownies recipe is an absolute game-changer, promising a decadent treat with every bite. The signature Nutella swirl baked into these brownies adds not only an eye-catching marble effect but also an extra layer of gooey hazelnut goodness that elevates them far beyond ordinary brownies. It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying homemade recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Having dedicated years to perfecting various easy brownie recipes, I’ve truly mastered the art of creating that coveted ooey-gooey texture everyone craves. My children, like many, have an unwavering love for Nutella, which naturally led me to experiment with adding this beloved hazelnut spread to my classic brownie batter. The result? These incredible Nutella Swirl Brownies that truly take a simple brownie to an extraordinary level. The delightful hazelnut flavor is beautifully infused throughout, creating a harmonious blend with the deep chocolate that makes each bite a rich, nutty, and utterly dreamy experience. If you’re as passionate about Nutella as we are, you might also adore my Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe, another fantastic way to enjoy this versatile spread.

This recipe thoughtfully uses just enough Nutella to create an amazing flavor without necessarily requiring an entire jar, which is great news if you like to keep some on hand for other delicious creations! Don’t let that extra Nutella go to waste; consider whipping up some Nutella Cookies, another incredibly easy and beloved recipe featuring our favorite hazelnut spread. And for those who enjoy variety in their baked goods, be sure to explore other delightful options like our Easy Blondie Recipe, the indulgent S’mores Brownies Recipe, and the irresistible Brownie Cookies Recipe. Even if you’re starting with a store-bought mix, you can always learn How to Make Box Brownies Better to achieve a homemade taste and texture.

Why We Love This Fudgy Nutella Brownie Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these Nutella brownies, making them a recurring star in our kitchen. First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply unmatched. The deep, rich chocolate of the brownie base is perfectly complemented by the creamy, sweet, and distinctly nutty notes of Nutella. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend that is incredibly satisfying and leaves you craving more.

Beyond the exquisite taste, the texture is what truly sets this recipe apart from the rest. We’re talking about the ideal fudgy brownie – one that’s dense, moist, and wonderfully chewy, with that signature slightly crackled top. The generous Nutella swirl bakes into luscious pockets of pure gooey bliss, creating a delightful contrast with the overall brownie texture. It’s a truly luxurious and decadent experience that feels like a gourmet dessert, yet it’s surprisingly easy to achieve in your own home kitchen.

This recipe also boasts incredible simplicity. It utilizes common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand and doesn’t require any specialized equipment or advanced baking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you can confidently create these show-stopping treats. They are perfect for satisfying an impromptu sweet craving, bringing to a potluck, or delighting guests at any gathering. You will not be disappointed with how straightforward and absolutely delicious these fudgy Nutella brownies are!

Key Ingredients for Nutella Brownies

Crafting the perfect Nutella brownie begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays and selecting good quality components. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to achieve that ideal fudgy, hazelnut-infused treat:

• Unsalted Butter. Softened at room temperature. This is absolutely crucial for proper creaming with the sugar, which creates a smooth, airy batter and contributes significantly to the brownies’ rich flavor and tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely.
• Brown Sugar. Using packed brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar is a secret weapon for achieving that coveted fudgy texture. It also imparts a deeper, more complex, caramel-like flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate and hazelnut. If you find yourself without it, learn about the best brown sugar substitutes.
• Large Eggs. They need to be at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify much better with the other ingredients, leading to a more uniform, smooth, and ultimately fudgy batter. They also act as a vital binder, providing structure and contributing to the brownies’ characteristic chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It doesn’t just add a sweet aroma; it enhances and rounds out the deep chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors, adding a warmth and depth that completes the profile.
• Nutella. While I have a personal preference for the classic Nutella brand due to its consistent flavor and smooth texture, you can certainly use other high-quality hazelnut chocolate spreads. The recipe divides the Nutella into two parts: one for the batter itself and another for the beautiful, gooey swirl on top.
• Salt. A small but mighty ingredient! A touch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, preventing the brownies from being overly saccharine. It also wonderfully enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
• All Purpose Flour. For accurate measurement, it’s best to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to a dry, crumbly, or cakey brownie texture rather than the desired fudgy one.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Using good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips is important as they melt more smoothly and contribute significantly to the overall rich chocolate flavor of the brownies. They create extra pockets of melted, gooey chocolate that intensify the indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Nutella Brownies

Follow these detailed steps carefully to create your own batch of irresistibly fudgy Nutella brownies. Each step is designed to ensure the best possible results, from perfect texture to incredible flavor!

• Step 1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, prepare your 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on two opposite sides; these will serve as convenient “handles” later, allowing you to easily lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for clean and simple cutting. Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2. Cream Butter and Brown Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is key for a lighter, more tender brownie texture. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly mixed.

Step 3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the room temperature large eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition until the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture. This gradual addition helps maintain the batter’s emulsion. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Continue to beat briefly until the mixture is smooth and takes on a slightly lighter, fluffier consistency.

Step 4. Add Nutella and Salt. Now for the star ingredient! Incorporate 1 cup of the Nutella into the wet ingredients. Be sure to reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for the signature swirl on top. Add the salt at this stage as well. Mix these ingredients until they are just combined, and the batter transforms into a beautiful, homogenous chocolate-hazelnut hue with an intoxicating aroma. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.

Step 5. Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips. Gently stir the all-purpose flour into the batter by hand. This step is crucial, and it’s important to do it by hand with a spatula to prevent overmixing. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy ones. Mix only until the flour is just combined and no streaks of dry flour are visible. Then, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the rich batter. This ensures delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 6. Spread Batter into Pan. Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it evenly into a single, consistent layer, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan. This even distribution helps the brownies bake uniformly.

Step 7. Add Nutella Swirl. Now for the beautiful flourish! Take the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella and carefully drop spoonfuls randomly over the top of the brownie batter. You don’t need to be overly precise; the scattered dollops will create a stunning and delicious marble effect once swirled. If the Nutella is too thick, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more spreadable.

Step 8. Create the Swirl. Using a butter knife, a thin plastic knife, or even a skewer, gently swirl the drops of Nutella into the brownie batter. Make sweeping, figure-eight, or circular motions to create an attractive marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as you want distinct swirls of Nutella rather than a fully blended mixture with the brownie batter. This visual appeal is part of the charm!

Step 9. Bake and Cool. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the brownie part (make sure to avoid poking into any visible Nutella swirls on top, as they will always appear wet). The toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Remember, slightly underbaked brownies are generally fudgier. Once baked to perfection, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack within the pan. This is a crucial step for achieving that desired fudgy texture and ensuring clean, neat cuts. Attempting to cut them while warm will often result in a messy, crumbly outcome. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire slab of brownies from the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, and now they are truly ready to serve and enjoy!

Proper Storage for Freshness

To ensure your delicious Nutella brownies remain as fresh, moist, and fudgy as possible, proper storage is absolutely key. If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with these irresistible treats!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placed on your counter, they will maintain their incredible quality and delightful texture for up to 5 days. For best results, especially if stacking, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Should you wish to prolong their deliciousness and enjoy them at a later date, these fudgy Nutella brownies freeze beautifully. Once they have completely cooled to room temperature, cut them into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in, and then place them inside a freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be safely frozen for up to 3 months without compromising their flavor or texture. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or for an extra gooey treat, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Expert Pro Tips for Baking Success

Achieving bakery-quality Nutella brownies is easier than you think when armed with these expert tips and tricks:

• Understand Your Oven. Every oven has its own unique characteristics and can cook differently. Always monitor your brownies closely during baking. The oven times provided in recipes are general estimates, so it’s wise to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum recommended bake time. The primary goal is to avoid overcooking, which is the most common culprit for dry, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter. Once you add the flour, it is critically important to mix the ingredients only until they are just combined. Overmixing vigorously develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, denser, and less tender brownie. Use a light hand and a spatula for this stage to ensure a delicate, fudgy crumb.
• Fold in Chocolate Chips by Hand. After incorporating the flour, put away your electric mixer. Switch to a sturdy spatula and gently fold in the chocolate chips. This gentle approach helps to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overworking it. This ensures the chocolate chips remain largely intact and create delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the finished brownies.
• Always Line Your Pan. Using parchment paper with an overhang is a complete game-changer for homemade brownies. It makes lifting the entire slab of cooled brownies out of the pan an effortless task, preventing any sticking and making clean, precise cuts significantly simpler. If parchment paper isn’t available, you can also use aluminum foil with an overhang, lightly greased.
• Achieve Perfect Slices. For beautifully neat and professional-looking squares, always allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to cut them. Use a sharp knife for cutting, and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth after each cut. This simple step prevents crumbs and sticky residue from accumulating on the knife, ensuring every subsequent slice is clean and pristine, making your brownies look as good as they taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key. Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature is absolutely vital for a smooth, homogenous batter. Cold ingredients do not emulsify as well with each other, which can lead to a lumpy or separated batter and a less consistent, sometimes tougher, texture in the final product. Plan ahead by taking them out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you start baking.
• Don’t Overbake. This is perhaps the most crucial tip for achieving truly fudgy brownies. Brownies continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the oven due to residual heat (carryover cooking). When a toothpick inserted into the center (making sure to avoid the visible Nutella swirls) comes out with moist crumbs, they are perfectly done. If it comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked and will be drier.
• The Importance of Cooling. Patience is a true virtue when it comes to brownies. Cooling completely to room temperature allows the brownies to fully set, firm up, and develop that desired dense, fudgy texture. Cutting them while still warm will result in a more crumbly, softer, and potentially gooey mess that isn’t the true fudgy experience you’re aiming for.

Nutella Brownie Variations to Try

While this classic Nutella brownie recipe is absolutely perfect as is, there are many exciting ways to customize it and add your own unique twist. Get creative with these delicious variations:

• Add Different Chocolate. Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet! Experiment by folding in milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile, white chocolate chips for a lovely contrast, or even chopped dark chocolate chunks for an intensified cocoa flavor and varied texture.
• Nutty Additions. To further enhance the hazelnut theme or introduce another textural element, consider folding in chopped toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans into the batter along with the chocolate chips. Toasting the nuts beforehand will bring out their best flavor.
• A Pinch of Sea Salt. For a sophisticated flavor pairing, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top of the brownies just before baking. The salt crystals provide a wonderful contrast, perfectly complementing the rich chocolate and hazelnut, creating a delightful sweet and salty experience.
• Espresso Powder Boost. A small amount (about a teaspoon) of instant espresso powder mixed into the dry ingredients won’t make your brownies taste like coffee, but it will miraculously deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor, making them even more rich and complex.
• Caramel Swirl. For an even more indulgent and gooey treat, add a secondary swirl of warm caramel sauce alongside the Nutella before baking. The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel is truly divine.

Serving Suggestions for Your Nutella Brownies

These fudgy Nutella brownies are utterly delicious on their own, a complete treat in themselves. However, they also pair wonderfully with a few simple additions to create an even more memorable and indulgent dessert experience:

• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. This is perhaps the most classic and beloved pairing! The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melts ever so slightly over a warm (or room temperature) brownie, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture that is simply irresistible.
• A Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, add a final drizzle of your favorite chocolate fudge sauce, salted caramel sauce, or even extra melted Nutella just before serving.
• Fresh Berries. A handful of fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, or even blueberries can add a refreshing tartness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the brownies, creating a lovely balance of flavors and a burst of color.
• Whipped Cream. A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream can lighten the dessert and add a luxurious, airy texture that complements the dense fudginess of the brownie.
• A Glass of Milk or Coffee. For the ultimate comforting treat, serve these rich brownies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The beverages cut through the richness and make for a perfect accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Brownies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making or enjoying these delicious Nutella brownies, ensuring your baking experience is smooth and successful:

• Can I use a different hazelnut spread instead of Nutella? Yes, absolutely! While Nutella is the classic choice and offers a very consistent flavor, any good quality hazelnut chocolate spread will work in this recipe. The specific flavor profile might vary slightly depending on the brand, but the core fudgy texture and hazelnut goodness will remain.
• My brownies turned out more cakey than fudgy. What went wrong? This is a very common issue, usually a sign of either overmixing the batter or overbaking. To prevent this, ensure you only mix the flour until it is just combined (stop as soon as no dry streaks remain) and remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean batter.
• Do I have to bring eggs and butter to room temperature? It is highly recommended for the best results. Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly and create a more uniform emulsion, which is essential for a consistent, smooth batter and ultimately a better, fudgier texture in your finished brownies. Cold ingredients can cause the butter to seize and the batter to become lumpy.
• How do I get a good Nutella swirl on top? The trick is not to overdo it! After dropping spoonfuls of Nutella randomly on the batter, use a butter knife or a skewer to make just a few gentle passes through the batter. Aim for a marbled look rather than fully blending the Nutella into the brownie batter. Less is often more for a defined and attractive swirl.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can certainly double this recipe! If you double the ingredients, you will need to use a larger baking pan, typically a 9×13 inch pan. Be aware that the baking time will also need to be adjusted; it will likely take longer, so start checking for doneness around 40-45 minutes and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
• How do I know when the brownies are done without overbaking? Look for edges that are set and a center that still looks slightly moist. The toothpick test (inserting into the brownie portion) should yield moist crumbs, not liquid batter. A completely clean toothpick means they’ve likely gone too far.

Give this irresistible Nutella brownie recipe a try for a truly delicious and memorable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you’ve experienced the pure joy of these fudgy, chocolatey, and nutty squares, come back and leave a star recipe rating and comment to share your experience with us! We love hearing from you and seeing your baking successes. Happy baking!