Decadent Nutella Brownies

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these extraordinary Nutella brownies, a true indulgence that goes far beyond your average chocolate square. Imagine a rich, intensely fudgy brownie, generously studded with crunchy hazelnuts and swirled with creamy Nutella, all baked atop a perfectly golden, buttery, and delicately salted shortbread crust. This isn’t just a brownie; it’s a multi-layered masterpiece that promises a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The crisp, crumbly shortbread base provides a delightful counterpoint to the dense, chewy brownie, while the hint of salt perfectly balances the decadent sweetness of the chocolate and hazelnut spread. It’s a dessert that will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection, impressing everyone who tastes it with its sophisticated yet comforting appeal.

Much like beloved chocolate hazelnut brownie cups, these Nutella brownies are designed to be utterly irresistible, amplifying the classic brownie experience with the luxurious addition of Nutella and toasted hazelnuts. The inherent richness of the chocolate and hazelnut is ingeniously balanced by the distinct bottom layer of a salted shortbread crust. This ingenious combination results in an almost magical dessert. The brownies boast that coveted shiny, crackly top and a deeply fudgy, moist interior, while the shortbread base offers a buttery, crumbly texture with just the right touch of salt. The interplay of sweet, salty, rich, and tender makes these treats truly irresistible and memorable.

Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Brownies

Crafting these extraordinary Nutella brownies begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes to ensure your success. Remember, for precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card at the bottom of this article.

For the Salted Shortbread Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our buttery crust. For optimal results, ensure you measure flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. Here’s a helpful guide on how to measure flour for baking.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and helps create a tender crumb in the shortbread. While you could use granulated sugar, light brown sugar contributes to a richer flavor profile. Learn more about the differences: Light Brown Sugar vs. Dark Brown Sugar: What’s the Difference?
• Salt: Crucial for enhancing the flavor of the shortbread and balancing the sweetness of the brownie layer. A fine sea salt works wonderfully here.
• Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the shortbread, providing its signature richness and tender texture. It’s imperative that the butter is very cold and cut into small pieces. Cold butter is key to preventing the shortbread from spreading too much and ensures a flaky, crumbly texture.

For the Decadent Nutella Brownie Layer:

• Unsalted Butter: For the brownie batter, unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your dessert. It contributes to the fudgy texture and rich flavor. Discover why unsalted is often preferred in baking: Unsalted or Salted Butter: Which is Better for Baking?
• Bittersweet Chocolate: The backbone of truly rich brownies. Opt for high-quality bittersweet chocolate (around 60-72% cacao) in bar or disc form, as it melts more smoothly and offers a deeper chocolate flavor than chocolate chips. Refer to my comprehensive guide to chocolate to understand your options.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and contributes to that beautiful crackly top.
• Large Eggs: Essential for structure, richness, and binding the ingredients. Ensure they are at room temperature, as they emulsify more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother, more consistent brownie.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds aromatic depth. Using homemade vanilla extract can elevate the taste even further.
• Nutella: The star ingredient that gives these brownies their name and their distinct hazelnut-chocolate swirl. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread if Nutella isn’t available.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies without making them cakey. Just enough to hold everything together for that perfect fudgy consistency.
• Salt: A small amount of salt in the brownie batter brightens and intensifies the chocolate flavor, preventing the brownies from tasting flat.
• Roasted Hazelnuts: These add a wonderful crunch and amplify the hazelnut flavor from the Nutella. I prefer to chop them for an even distribution, but whole hazelnuts can also provide a pleasant texture variation.

How to Bake Your Perfect Nutella Brownies with Shortbread Crust

Creating these layered Nutella brownies is a rewarding process that combines two classic desserts into one irresistible treat. Follow these detailed steps to achieve baking success:

Crafting the Salted Shortbread Crust:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Lightly grease the exposed parts of the pan if not fully covered.
2. Mix the Shortbread Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the very cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix or overwork the dough; you want distinct butter pieces.
3. Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass or your hands to compact it firmly and smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

Assembling the Fudgy Nutella Brownie Layer:

4. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Melt them together in 30-second intervals at half power, stirring after each interval, until the butter is fully melted and the chocolate is smooth when stirred. Be careful not to overheat. Transfer this mixture to a larger mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.
5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and beat until well combined and glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and Nutella until the mixture is homogenous and smooth.
6. Add Dry Ingredients and Hazelnuts: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain; overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tougher brownies. Finally, fold in the chopped roasted hazelnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Final Bake: Carefully pour the brownie batter over the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly soft for fudgy brownies.
8. Cool Completely: This step is crucial! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This can take several hours, or even overnight. Resist the urge to cut into them too early, as they need time to set and develop their fudgy texture.

How to Properly Store Your Nutella Brownies for Lasting Freshness

To keep your Nutella shortbread brownies as fresh and delicious as possible, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their quality and delightful texture for up to 3 days. If you’re preparing them for a presentation or a party, consider placing sheets of parchment paper between layers of brownies. This simple trick prevents any shortbread crumbs from sticking to the fudgy tops of the brownies, ensuring they look pristine and appealing when arranged on a platter.

Can I Freeze These Nutella Brownies?

Absolutely! These Nutella brownies are excellent candidates for freezing, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a homemade treat whenever a craving strikes. To freeze them, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, individually wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their moisture. Once wrapped, place the individual brownies into a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or unwrap and warm them gently in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

These Nutella brownies with a shortbread crust are utterly delicious on their own, but a few creative serving suggestions can elevate them even further:

• A La Mode: Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, fudgy and creamy, is simply divine.
• Whipped Cream & Berries: A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries add a lovely lightness and tart counterpoint to the richness.
• Coffee Companion: Pair a brownie with a strong cup of coffee or an espresso for a sophisticated after-dinner treat.
• Drizzle Fun: Before serving, drizzle with extra melted Nutella, a touch of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra gourmet touch.

Feeling adventurous? Here are some twists on the classic brownie that might inspire your next baking project:

• Oreo Brownies: Incorporate crushed Oreo cookies for an added layer of crunch and creaminess.
• Peanut Butter Chip Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter chips for a classic chocolate-peanut butter pairing.
• Raspberry White Chocolate Brownies: Add fresh raspberries and white chocolate chunks for a fruity and sweet contrast.
• Double Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Brownies: Elevate with a hint of cinnamon and crunchy pecans for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Dark Cocoa Powder Brownies: For an even deeper chocolate experience, try a recipe featuring dark cocoa powder.

Nutella Brownies with Salted Shortbread Crust

These Nutella brownies are baked on a salted shortbread crust for a buttery base that takes this recipe to the next level of deliciousness and sophistication!

Yield: 24 2-inch brownies

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salted Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces

For the Nutella Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (226g) bittersweet chocolate (recommend 72% cacao)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (70g) Nutella (or similar chocolate-hazelnut spread)
• 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped roasted hazelnuts

Instructions

To make the shortbread crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the shortbread mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly browned and the crust is set. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.

To make the brownies:

4. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted butter and 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate. Melt at half-power in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the butter is completely melted and the chocolate is smooth. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
5. Add the granulated sugar to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and beat until well combined and glossy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and Nutella until smooth.
6. Gradually add the 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing just until combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped roasted hazelnuts.
7. Pour the brownie batter evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. Spread it carefully to cover the entire crust.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect fudgy texture.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bars. This is crucial for clean cuts and a fudgy texture.

Notes

This recipe is slightly adapted from The Yellow Table.

Store Nutella brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refer to the freezing instructions above.

Recommended Products

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• Pastry Blender
• USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch

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