Decadent Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies

Fudgy Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies: The Ultimate Double Chocolate Hazelnut Delight

Prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable dessert experience! These incredibly fudgy **Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies** are a dream come true for anyone who adores the rich, creamy taste of Nutella. We’re talking about a double dose of that beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread, ensuring every single bite is bursting with decadent flavor. Imagine brownies so soft they melt in your mouth, yet perfectly chewy, all infused with the distinctive taste of Nutella, crowned with an irresistible swirl on top.

Fudgy Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies cut into perfect squares, showcasing their rich chocolate and hazelnut swirl

As a devoted Nutella enthusiast, I can confidently say that the chocolate-hazelnut combination, paired with its wonderfully smooth texture, always feels like a luxurious treat. It transforms everyday desserts into something extraordinary. This recipe takes that indulgence to a whole new level, making these homemade Nutella brownies a truly special occasion dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The secret lies in incorporating Nutella not once, but twice – first, it’s mixed directly into the rich brownie batter, and then, a generous swirl is added on top just before baking. This dual application guarantees an intense, balanced chocolate-hazelnut flavor throughout the fudgy texture.

These **fudgy chocolate hazelnut brownies** are not just delicious; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. They feel decadent and sophisticated, yet they begin with straightforward, accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly gluten-free brownies and prepare for the fudgiest, most flavorful batch you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to bake a batch that will impress everyone, whether they’re gluten-free or not!

Why You Will Absolutely Love These Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies

There are countless reasons why these **homemade gluten-free Nutella brownies** will become your new go-to recipe. From their irresistible flavor to their perfectly fudgy texture, every aspect is designed for pure delight:

  • Unparalleled Fudginess: We all crave that perfect brownie texture – dense, moist, and wonderfully fudgy. This recipe delivers exactly that, ensuring each square is incredibly satisfying.
  • Intense Chocolate-Hazelnut Flavor: With Nutella mixed into the batter and generously swirled on top, these brownies boast a deep, rich chocolate-hazelnut profile that Nutella lovers will adore. It’s a symphony of flavors in every bite.
  • Effortlessly Gluten-Free: Using a simple measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend makes this recipe accessible and delicious for those with gluten sensitivities, without compromising on taste or texture.
  • Beautiful Glossy Tops: Achieve that coveted shiny, crackly brownie top thanks to our precise mixing method. It’s a hallmark of a truly well-made brownie!
  • Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Despite their decadent taste, these brownies rely on common pantry staples, making them easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
  • Impressive & Shareable: Whether for a party, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress and are perfect for sharing (or not!).

Get ready to experience the best **fudgy gluten-free Nutella brownies** you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients laid out for making delicious gluten-free Nutella brownies

Essential Ingredients for Decadent Nutella Brownies

One of the best aspects of these fudgy Nutella brownies is that they come together with straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Let’s explore what makes them so special:

  • Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any great brownie! Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness and provides a rich, creamy base for our chocolate and Nutella. It also contributes to the signature fudgy texture.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips can work, I highly recommend using dark chocolate chips. Their slight bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness of the Nutella and granulated sugar, enhancing the complex hazelnut notes without making the brownies overly sweet. This choice truly elevates the overall flavor profile of these **chocolate hazelnut brownies**.
  • Nutella (Our Star Ingredient!): This recipe truly highlights Nutella. We incorporate it twice for maximum flavor impact. About two-thirds of the Nutella is blended directly into the warm chocolate and butter mixture, infusing the entire brownie batter with its iconic taste. The remaining one-third is reserved for a beautiful swirl on top, ensuring pockets of pure Nutella goodness in every bite.
  • Granulated Sugar (White Sugar): Beyond just sweetness, granulated sugar plays a crucial role in creating those beautiful, shiny, crackly tops that are a hallmark of perfect brownies. As it dissolves during the beating process with the eggs, it helps achieve that desirable glossy crust.
  • Large Eggs + An Extra Egg Yolk: A combination of whole eggs and an additional egg yolk is the secret to an extra fudgy and moist brownie. The whole eggs provide structure and richness, while the extra yolk adds fat, contributing to that dense, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave in **fudgy brownies**.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla is always essential in chocolate desserts. It enhances the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding depth and warmth to the overall taste without overpowering the main ingredients.
  • Measure-for-Measure Gluten-Free Flour Blend: We keep things simple and reliable with a good quality measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Brands like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour are excellent choices. When using any gluten-free blend, remember to measure carefully, preferably by weight, to ensure the perfect consistency. Different blends can absorb liquid differently, so precision is key for perfect **gluten-free brownies**.
  • Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: My preference for these Nutella brownies is natural unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey’s). I find that natural cocoa allows the delicate hazelnut flavor of the Nutella to truly shine through, whereas Dutch-processed cocoa, while providing a darker color and different flavor profile, can sometimes mute the Nutella.
  • Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing and enhancing all the sweet and rich flavors. It prevents the brownies from tasting flat and brings out the best in the chocolate and hazelnut.

Ingredient Check: Is Nutella Gluten-Free?

This is a common and important question for those following a gluten-free diet. **Here’s the short answer: Yes, Nutella spread is gluten-free!**

Ferrero, the parent company of Nutella, explicitly states on their official website: “Nutella does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat, barley, rye, oats or triticale.” This is excellent news for anyone looking to enjoy these delicious **gluten-free Nutella brownies** without worry.

Important Note: While the classic Nutella hazelnut spread is gluten-free, please be aware that other Nutella-branded products, such as Nutella & GO! (which often includes breadsticks or crackers), Nutella Biscuits, or Nutella B-Ready, typically contain gluten due to their accompanying components. Always check the labels of individual products if you’re unsure, but for the jarred spread, you’re good to go!


How To Make Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page!

Step-by-step process of making delicious gluten-free Nutella brownies
  1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This creates “handles” that will make it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan for perfect slicing.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips. Microwave in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler or a small saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly until melted and combined.
  3. Incorporate the First Dose of Nutella: Add 2/3 cup of Nutella to the melted butter and chocolate mixture. Stir vigorously until the Nutella is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniformly smooth and even. This might take a minute or two of continuous stirring, but persist until no streaks remain – this ensures the hazelnut flavor is beautifully distributed throughout the brownie batter.
  4. Achieve Glossy Tops by Beating Sugar and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, two large eggs, and the extra egg yolk. Using a whisk or a handheld electric mixer, beat this mixture for 2-4 minutes. You’re looking for a significant change: the mixture should become much lighter in color, pale yellow, and noticeably thicker. More importantly, the sugar granules should be completely dissolved. A quick test: rub a small amount between your fingers; if you feel no grit, you’re good. This crucial step is key to developing those signature shiny, crackly tops on your **fudgy Nutella brownies**. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently pour the melted chocolate-Nutella mixture into the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Using a spatula, fold them together until they are just evenly blended. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
  6. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift or whisk together your measure-for-measure gluten-free flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix carefully with a spatula until just combined. The batter will be quite thick and sticky, which is perfectly normal and contributes to the ultimate fudgy texture. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
Swirling creamy Nutella into thick gluten-free brownie batter for an irresistible top
  1. Transfer Batter and Create the Nutella Swirl: Carefully transfer the thick brownie batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter into an even layer, reaching all corners of the pan. Now for the glorious Nutella swirl: measure out the remaining 1/3 cup of Nutella. Using a spoon, scoop 5-7 small dollops of Nutella and strategically place them across the surface of the brownie batter. Visualize the dots on a dice to ensure even distribution with space in between. Then, take a thin knife or a skewer and gently swirl the Nutella into the batter. Remember, less is often more when swirling – a few deliberate strokes create beautiful, distinct swirls rather than fully incorporating the Nutella.
  2. Bake Your Brownies to Perfection: Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. A crucial tip for **fudgy brownies** is to err on the side of underbaking. The brownies should appear set around the edges and glossy across the surface, but a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with some moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. If desired, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the warm brownies to enhance their flavor.
  3. Cool Completely Before Slicing: This step is non-negotiable for clean, perfect brownie squares. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on the wire rack. Cooling can take several hours at room temperature. For ultra-neat slices, you can even chill the brownies in the refrigerator for an hour or two once they’ve reached room temperature. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled brownie slab out of the pan. Then, with a sharp knife, slice into your desired size: 9 large brownies, 12 medium brownies, or 16 smaller squares.
  4. Serve and Store: These **Nutella brownies** are best enjoyed fresh after slicing. For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or can be frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
Perfectly sliced gluten-free Nutella brownies ready to be enjoyed
Stack of rich gluten-free Nutella brownies on a white plate

Pro Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Nutella Brownies

Achieving perfect fudgy Nutella brownies is easy with a few key techniques. Here are some pro tips and answers to common questions:

  • Don’t Overbake for Ultimate Fudginess: This is arguably the most critical tip for any **fudgy brownie recipe**. Brownies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. They should look set around the edges and have a uniform glossy appearance on top, but a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and definitely not completely clean. When in doubt, underbake slightly for that desirable gooey center.
  • The Right Cocoa Powder Matters: For these particular **chocolate hazelnut brownies**, I strongly recommend using natural unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey’s). While Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a darker color and distinct, mellow chocolate flavor, it can sometimes be so intense that it overpowers the delicate hazelnut notes of the Nutella. Natural cocoa allows the Nutella’s flavor to truly shine, creating a more balanced and nuanced taste.
  • Consider Adding Toasted Hazelnuts for Texture: If you enjoy a delightful crunch in your brownies, coarsely chop about 1/2 cup of toasted hazelnuts and fold them into the brownie batter with the dry ingredients. This addition will give your **homemade Nutella brownies** a wonderful textural contrast and intensify that classic Ferrero Rocher-inspired flavor profile.
  • Serving Suggestions: Create a Decadent Sundae! While these Nutella brownies are phenomenal on their own, don’t hesitate to elevate them into a truly unforgettable dessert. Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle with homemade chocolate syrup, warm hot fudge sauce, or even another generous spoonful of Nutella. These rich treats are perfect for sharing – or keeping all to yourself!
  • Proper Flour Measurement: Especially when working with gluten-free flour blends, accurate measurement is crucial. If you don’t have a kitchen scale (which is always recommended for baking precision), use the “scoop and level” method: fluff the flour in its container, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup until overflowing, and finally, level off the excess with the back of a straight edge (like a butter knife). Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this compacts the flour and can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry brownies.
  • Cooling is Key for Perfect Slices: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting brownies. Allowing them to cool completely, even chilling them in the refrigerator, results in much cleaner, sharper cuts. Attempting to slice warm brownies will inevitably lead to a messy, crumbly outcome. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!
Close-up of a stacked gluten-free Nutella brownie on a white plate, showing the rich texture

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Recipe Card

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gluten-free Nutella brownies cut into squares

Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies


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  • Author:
    Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You


  • Total Time:
    40 minutes


  • Yield:
    12 brownies


  • Diet:
    Gluten Free
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Description

Homemade brownies with a double-dose of Nutella? COUNT ME IN! These homemade brownies feature a Nutella brownie batter and an extra Nutella swirl you’re going to LOVE.


Ingredients

For The Brownies:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick/113 grams)
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (4.5 oz/128 grams)
  • 2/3 cup Nutella (198 grams)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
  • 2 large eggs + 1 extra egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup measure-for-measure gluten-free flour (90 grams)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder* (25 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For Nutella Swirl:

  • 1/3 cup Nutella (98 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep. To start, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt Butter & Chocolate. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine butter cubes and dark chocolate chips. Melt in 15-20 second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate mixture is completely smooth and uniform. (Alternatively, melt in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously).
  3. Add Nutella to Chocolate Mixture and stir until smooth. Continue stirring for about a minute until the mixture is thoroughly combined and no streaks remain.
  4. Beat Sugar & Eggs. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, eggs, and the extra egg yolk. Beat with a whisk or handheld electric mixer for 2-4 minutes, until the mixture is visibly lighter in color and thick, and the sugar is fully dissolved (test by rubbing a small amount between your fingers; it should not feel gritty). Mix in the vanilla extract. This step is crucial for achieving glossy brownie tops.
  5. Combine Chocolate & Egg Mixtures. Gently add the chocolate-Nutella mixture to the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Mix until just evenly blended with a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients. Sift or whisk in the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky, which is ideal for fudgy brownies.
  7. Transfer Batter To The Pan & Swirl Nutella. Transfer the thick brownie batter into the prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter into an even layer. To create the swirl, measure 1/3 cup Nutella and use a spoon to scoop 5-7 small dollops of Nutella around the surface of the brownie batter, leaving space in between. Use a thin knife or skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter, aiming for distinct swirls rather than fully mixing it in. Less swirling results in more visible patterns! swirling nutella into gluten-free brownie batter
  8. Bake Brownies. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. For optimal fudginess, it’s better to slightly underbake. The edges should look set and the top glossy, but a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs. Remove the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm.
  9. Cool COMPLETELY Before Slicing. For the best, neatest slices, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For perfectly clean edges, you can even chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two once they’ve reached room temperature. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the brownies out, then cut into 9 large, 12 medium, or 16 small squares using a sharp knife.
  10. Serve & Store. Enjoy your freshly sliced Nutella brownies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Metric Measurements Are Best. For consistent baking results, especially with gluten-free recipes, I strongly recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients. If you don’t have one, please use the “scoop and level” method for dry ingredients: fluff the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup, and then level it off with the back of a knife to avoid compacting it.
  • Cocoa Powder Choice. For these particular **Nutella brownies**, my personal preference is natural unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey’s). While Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a darker color and distinct, mellow chocolate flavor, I find that natural cocoa allows the delicate hazelnut flavor of the Nutella to truly shine through, creating a more balanced taste.
  • Use A Metal Baking Pan. For optimal baking, always use a metal square baking pan, preferably aluminum. Glass or ceramic pans conduct heat differently, often leading to uneven baking (edges might set too quickly while the center remains underbaked) and can increase baking time. Metal pans promote a more even bake and help achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

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