After four decades in the culinary world, I’ve realized that the most impressive dishes aren’t always the most complex. Sometimes, the magic happens when a few high-quality ingredients collide. If you are looking for a quick Nutella snack that tastes like it came from a high-end bistro, you have found it. I’ve refined this 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies recipe to ensure that even the most novice baker achieves that elusive, crackly top and fudgy center that we all crave.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy 3 Ingredient Desserts
When you’re juggling a busy schedule whether it’s managing a household, a career, or both—you need a “back-pocket” dessert. These easy 3 ingredient desserts are my personal favorite for several reasons:
- Speed: You can go from craving to eating in under 30 minutes.
- Pantry Staples: If you have a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread, some eggs, and a bit of flour, you are ready to bake.
- Texture Heaven: Unlike many low-ingredient bakes that turn out “cakey,” this ratio provides a dense, fudgy chocolate hazelnut brownie experience.
- Minimal Cleanup: One bowl, one whisk, and one pan. It’s the ultimate stress-free baking session.
There is a certain emotional comfort in the smell of toasted hazelnuts and cocoa wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that brings the family together, and I promise your guests will never guess this took you five minutes to prep.
Ingredients Needed For Nutella Brownie Recipe
To get the best results, the quality of your ingredients matters immensely. Here is what you will need:
- 1 ¼ cups Nutella (or any Chocolate Hazelnut Spread): Ensure it is at room temperature so it incorporates smoothly.
- 2 Large Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs to prevent the hazelnut oils from seizing.
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to ensure there are no clumps in your batter.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
Follow these steps carefully. In my 40 years of experience, the order of operations is just as important as the ingredients themselves.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Why? Parchment paper allows you to lift the entire block out for clean, professional-looking cuts.
- Whisk the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs and the Nutella together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Why? Whisking the eggs into the spread first creates an emulsion that traps air, contributing to that signature “crinkle” on top.
- Fold in the Flour: Gently fold in the sifted all-purpose flour using a spatula. Do not overmix! Why? Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your brownies tough and bread-like instead of fudgy.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- The Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s liquid, give it 3 more minutes. If it’s clean, you’ve overbaked them!
- Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for Success Quick Nutella Snacks
- The Room Temp Rule: I cannot stress this enough—make sure your eggs aren’t cold. Cold eggs will make the Nutella stiff and difficult to mix, leading to an uneven bake.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: Even though it’s a “3-ingredient” recipe, a tiny pinch of sea salt on top after baking elevates the chocolate profile significantly.
- Don’t Overbake: These brownies continue to set as they cool. If they look slightly “underdone” in the middle, they are actually perfect.
Serving and Storage Tips Best Flourless Brownie Alternatives
- Serving: Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a dollop of whipped mascarpone.
- Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp for an hour before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or even almond flour for a grain-free, nuttier version.
Why did my brownies turn out dry? This usually happens due to overmeasuring the flour or overbaking. Always use the “spoon and level” method for flour rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup.
Can I add mix-ins? Absolutely. While the base is 3 ingredients, I often fold in chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips for extra texture.
Conclusion
This 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies recipe is a testament to the fact that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Whether you’re making these for a late-night craving or a school bake sale, they are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
I’d love to hear from you: Do you prefer your brownies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of espresso? Let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating if you enjoyed this recipe!
3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Nutella and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Gently fold in the flour with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
