Rich, fudgy brownies are already hard to resist, but adding a thick layer of creamy Nutella in the center makes them even more irresistible.
This Nutella Stuffed Brownies Recipe creates soft, chewy chocolate brownies with a hidden hazelnut-chocolate filling. Each slice has a deep chocolate flavor, slightly crisp edges, a gooey middle, and a creamy Nutella layer.
The best part is that the recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and an easy layering method. No complicated baking techniques are needed, making these Nutella brownies perfect for beginners, weekend baking, parties, or an easy chocolate dessert.
Why These Nutella Stuffed Brownies Are So Good
These brownies have everything a chocolate dessert should have.
The outside develops slightly crisp edges while the center stays soft and fudgy. The Nutella layer adds a smooth, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the brownie.
A small amount of instant coffee or espresso powder can also deepen the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional
- ½ cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Nutella Filling
- 1 cup (300 g) Nutella or halal-friendly chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted hazelnuts
- ¼ cup melted chocolate for drizzling
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
Tools Needed
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- Toothpick or cake tester
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Brownies
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some parchment hanging over the sides. This makes the brownies much easier to remove after baking.
Lightly grease the parchment if needed.
2. Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in the microwave in short intervals or in a small saucepan over low heat.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes. The butter should be warm but not extremely hot.
3. Mix the Sugars and Butter
Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl.
Whisk for about 1 minute until the mixture looks smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
The mixture should become smooth and slightly thick. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are incorporated.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and espresso powder if using.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until just combined.
6. Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold the chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
Do not overmix. A few streaks of flour disappearing into the batter is fine.
Overmixing can make brownies less tender.
7. Make the Nutella Filling
Place the Nutella, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth and thick.
The flour and cocoa help the Nutella layer stay in place instead of becoming too runny during baking.
8. Add the First Brownie Layer
Spread about half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
Use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
The batter will be thick, so take a little time to push it toward all four corners.
9. Add the Nutella Center
Spoon the Nutella mixture over the brownie layer.
Carefully spread it into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
This helps keep the filling contained inside the brownies.
10. Add the Remaining Batter
Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the Nutella layer.
Spread gently with a spatula until the Nutella is completely covered.
Try not to press too hard, as this can disturb the filling underneath.
11. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 30–36 minutes.
The edges should look set while the center should still have a slight softness.
A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid baking until the toothpick is completely clean.
12. Cool Completely
Remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
For especially clean slices and a firmer Nutella center, refrigerate the cooled brownies for 30–60 minutes before cutting.
13. Slice and Serve
Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper.
Cut into 9 or 16 squares depending on the desired serving size.
For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
Tips for the Best Nutella Stuffed Brownies Recipe
Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder provides most of the chocolate flavor in the brownie batter, so a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference.
Natural or Dutch-process cocoa can work, but the final flavor and color may vary slightly.
Don’t Overbake
The biggest secret to fudgy brownies is avoiding overbaking.
The center should look slightly underdone when the brownies first come out of the oven. They continue cooking from residual heat as they cool.
Let Them Cool Before Cutting
Warm brownies are delicious, but cutting them too early can cause the Nutella layer to ooze out and make the squares difficult to handle.
For neat slices, allow the brownies to cool completely.
Don’t Skip the Parchment
Parchment paper makes removing the brownies much easier.
It also helps prevent the edges from sticking to the pan.
Measure Flour Correctly
Too much flour can turn fudgy brownies into cakey brownies.
For the most accurate result, use a kitchen scale. If measuring with cups, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level the top rather than scooping directly from the flour container.
Use Room-Temperature Eggs
Room-temperature eggs blend more easily into the melted butter and sugar.
If the eggs are cold, place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before using.
Chill for Extra-Fudgy Brownies
For dense, chewy brownies with an especially creamy Nutella center, refrigerate the cooled brownies before slicing.
The chocolate flavors also become deeper after chilling.
Easy Variations
Add Chopped Hazelnuts
Fold ½ cup of chopped roasted hazelnuts into the brownie batter.
The nuts add a delicious crunch that pairs naturally with the Nutella center.
Add Chocolate Chunks
Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
Melted chocolate pockets throughout the brownies make every bite extra rich.
Make Nutella Swirl Brownies
Instead of creating a full center layer, reserve a few tablespoons of Nutella and swirl it across the top of the brownie batter before baking.
This creates a beautiful marbled appearance.
Add a Sea Salt Finish
A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can balance the sweetness and make the chocolate flavor taste even richer.
Make Them Extra Chocolatey
Add 1–2 tablespoons of extra chocolate chips to the top before baking.
This creates little pools of melted chocolate across the surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: This is the most common reason brownies become dry. Remove them while the center still looks slightly soft.
Overmixing: Too much mixing after adding flour can develop gluten and create a tougher texture.
Spreading Nutella too close to the edges: Leave a small border so the filling stays inside the brownie.
Cutting while very hot: The center needs time to set. Cooling produces much cleaner squares.
Using a larger pan: A larger pan creates a thinner brownie layer and can significantly reduce baking time.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated brownies to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
For longer storage, wrap individual brownie squares tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
How to Serve Them
Nutella stuffed brownies are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can turn them into an impressive dessert.
Serve a warm brownie with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Extra Nutella drizzle
- Melted chocolate
- Chopped roasted hazelnuts
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nutella be used straight from the jar?
Yes. Nutella can be used directly from the jar, although mixing it with a little flour and cocoa powder makes the center thicker and easier to layer between the brownie batter.
Why did the Nutella disappear into the brownies?
If the Nutella layer is too thin or the brownie batter is very soft, it can blend into the surrounding batter during baking.
Keeping the filling thick and leaving a small border around the edges helps create a more defined center.
Can these brownies be made without espresso powder?
Absolutely. Espresso powder is optional and is only used to intensify the chocolate flavor.
The brownies will still taste rich and chocolatey without it.
Can dark chocolate chips be used?
Yes. Dark chocolate chips work especially well if a less-sweet, deeper chocolate flavor is preferred.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a more balanced sweetness.
Why are the brownies cakey instead of fudgy?
Cakey brownies can result from too much flour, overmixing, or overbaking.
For a fudgier texture, measure the flour carefully and remove the brownies while the center still has a slight softness.
Can a different chocolate-hazelnut spread be used?
Yes. Any thick, halal-friendly chocolate-hazelnut spread can be used in place of Nutella.
The consistency should be thick enough to spread without becoming watery.
Can these brownies be made in a 9-inch pan?
Yes, but the brownies will be thinner and will likely bake faster.
Start checking them several minutes earlier than the recommended baking time.
Can the brownies be frozen?
Yes. Wrap completely cooled brownies individually in plastic wrap or freezer-safe wrapping, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How can clean brownie slices be made?
Allow the brownies to cool completely, then chill them before cutting.
Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat, bakery-style squares.
Can extra Nutella be added on top?
Yes. A thin Nutella drizzle makes a delicious finishing touch.
For easier drizzling, warm a small amount of Nutella very gently until it becomes slightly more fluid.
Conclusion
Soft, fudgy brownie layers and a creamy Nutella center make this dessert seriously hard to resist. The recipe uses simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and no complicated baking techniques.
The brownies are perfect for parties, afternoon treats, lunchbox desserts, or any time a rich chocolate dessert is needed.
For the best result, avoid overbaking and allow the brownies to cool before slicing. That keeps the center soft and the Nutella layer beautifully creamy.
Save this Nutella Stuffed Brownies Recipe for the next chocolate craving and enjoy every rich, fudgy, hazelnut-filled bite.
