Ingredients
Nutella Layer
- 1 (13 oz jar) Nutella
Brownie Batter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (preferably 60% bittersweet baking bars)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 and ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides extend beyond the edges to act as handles for easy removal of the brownies.
- Freeze Nutella Layer: Spread the entire jar of Nutella in a thin, even layer over the parchment paper inside the pan. Place the pan in the freezer and allow the Nutella to freeze solid, about 1 hour.
- Remove Frozen Nutella: Take the pan out of the freezer and carefully lift the frozen Nutella slab from the pan using the parchment handles. Return the Nutella to the freezer while you prepare the brownie batter, and let the pan come back to room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C) to preheat while you prepare the batter.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Using a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the semi-sweet chocolate to the melted butter and stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the whole eggs and one egg yolk, then mix with a hand mixer or whisk until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Combine Chocolate and Eggs: Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until evenly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate batter with a spatula gently, then mix in the chocolate chips.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the parchment-lined pan and spread evenly.
- Add Frozen Nutella: Place the frozen Nutella slab on top of the brownie batter layer, ensuring it’s evenly centered.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spread the remaining brownie batter carefully over the Nutella layer, covering it completely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the center feels set. Avoid using a toothpick as the Nutella center affects the test.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the parchment handles to lift them out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely for an additional hour before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella before layering is key to maintaining the gooey center without mixing into the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and less mess.
- Brownies cut better when completely cooled, so patience is important.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American