Masters of kitchen
Why Everyone Loves These 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
There’s something truly magical about a dessert that only requires three ingredients—especially when it turns out rich, fudgy, and completely irresistible. These 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies are a game-changer for anyone craving a quick treat without the hassle of a full recipe. Whether you’re a total beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker needing a shortcut, this recipe delivers maximum chocolate flavor with minimal effort.
What makes them so special? First, there’s the simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment, rare ingredients, or hours of prep time. Just a jar of Nutella, a couple of eggs, and some flour—that’s it. No measuring cups overflowing with cocoa powder or butter to soften. And somehow, those three humble ingredients transform into chewy, gooey brownies that taste like you’ve been baking all afternoon.
I discovered this recipe during a late-night baking emergency (yes, that’s a thing), and it’s been a go-to ever since. The best part? You can whip it up in one bowl and be eating warm brownies in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, this is it.
Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
You probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry. Here’s the simple trio that powers these brownies:
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Nutella – This sweet, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread is the star. You can also use other chocolate hazelnut spreads, but Nutella gives the most consistent result.
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Eggs – Large eggs are best. They help bind everything together and give the brownies their structure.
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All-purpose flour – Just enough to thicken the batter and create that classic brownie texture.
These brownies are all about keeping things easy and accessible. You won’t find any complicated ingredients here—just everyday staples.
Bold Tip: Use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can cause the Nutella to seize up a bit when mixing. Let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before you start for smoother blending.
Add-Ins and Toppings for Easy Nutella Brownies
Want to jazz up your brownies without ruining their minimalist charm? Here are a few optional extras that play well with the base recipe:
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Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for a double-chocolate hit.
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Add flaky sea salt on top just before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
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Swirl in some chopped hazelnuts for crunch and contrast.
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After baking, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
These additions are totally optional, but they can take your brownies to the next level. Just don’t go overboard—the magic is in the simplicity.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies Step-by-Step
Ready to get baking? Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfect brownies every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps the brownies come out clean and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add:
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1 cup Nutella
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2 large eggs
Whisk these together until fully combined. Then, add:
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Stir until the batter is smooth and thick. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. It will be thick, so use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
Pro Tip: If the batter is sticking too much, dip your spatula in warm water—it’ll spread more easily.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the center rack of your oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
Bold Tip: Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked is better than too dry—go for that gooey center!
Serving and Yield for Your Nutella Brownies
This recipe fills an 8×8-inch pan, which yields about 9–12 brownies, depending on how big you slice them.
Want to double the recipe? Go for a 9×13-inch pan, and add 5–8 minutes to the baking time.
These brownies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to make them shine:
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a brownie sundae.
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Pair with whipped cream and berries for a fancy touch.
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Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for pure comfort.
What Do 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies Taste Like?
These brownies bake up with a crackly top, rich fudgy center, and just the right amount of chew. They’re denser than traditional boxed brownies—think more like a chewy chocolate truffle in brownie form.
Because they don’t have cocoa powder or butter, the Nutella flavor really stands out, giving you that signature hazelnut-chocolate goodness in every bite. And even though there’s no added sugar, Nutella’s sweetness carries the whole recipe.
Kids love them because they’re chocolatey and soft. Adults love them because they’re fast, low-effort, and honestly kind of addictive.
If you’re expecting a cakey brownie, this won’t be it. But if you want a rich, gooey square of chocolate heaven with minimal cleanup, this one’s a keeper.
Baking Tips for Perfect Nutella Brownies
Even with just three ingredients, there are a few tricks to make your 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies come out perfect every time.
Start by mixing gently but thoroughly. You want everything well incorporated, but overmixing can lead to dense or rubbery brownies. Stir until no streaks of flour remain—then stop.
To avoid dry or crumbly brownies, keep a close eye on your bake time. Because there’s no butter or extra liquid, these can go from fudgy to dry quickly if overbaked. Aim for 18–22 minutes, and start checking at 18. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Bold Tip: Use an oven thermometer. Most ovens run a little hot or cold, and with a short bake like this, accurate temperature makes a big difference in texture.
Also, let them cool slightly before cutting. They’ll firm up as they sit, making slicing cleaner and giving you that perfect chewy edge and soft middle combo.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can absolutely make these brownies ahead of time—and they hold up beautifully. Once baked and fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and chewy.
If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, feel free to refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to restore the soft texture.
To reheat, zap individual pieces in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
Want to make a bigger batch and freeze some? Go for it! Cut into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 1–2 hours or microwave briefly.
Fun Variations to Try (Still Minimalist!)
Want to change things up without making things complicated? Here are a few fun, easy twists that keep the spirit of the recipe alive.
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Nutella Swirl Peanut Butter Brownies – Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl it into the batter before baking.
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Chopped Nuts – Fold in chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
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Oreos or Cookies – Layer broken Oreos in the middle for a fun surprise bite.
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Mini Muffin Brownie Bites – Scoop the batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized treats.
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Gluten-Free Version – Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free blend 1:1 with the all-purpose flour.
These variations give your brownies personality without turning them into a whole new dessert.
Tip: Stick to one add-in at a time to keep it simple and avoid overcomplicating the texture or flavor.
Are These Brownies Healthy?
Let’s be honest—these brownies are a treat, not a health food. They’re high in sugar thanks to the Nutella, and they don’t contain much fiber or protein.
That said, they are preservative-free and don’t rely on boxed mixes, so you know exactly what’s going into them. As far as quick desserts go, they’re a reasonable indulgence.
If you’re comparing them to store-bought brownies or pre-packaged snacks, this homemade version might actually come out ahead in terms of ingredients. Just enjoy in moderation and pair with fresh fruit or nuts if you want to balance things out a bit.
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
These brownies are the kind of dessert that works for any time, any place. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or something to bring to a potluck, they’ll fit right in.
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Casual dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Party tray: Cut into small squares and dust with powdered sugar or top with sprinkles.
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Kid-friendly snack: Pack in lunchboxes or serve at birthday parties.
Dress them up or keep them rustic—either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Yes, but expect a slightly different texture. You can substitute flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or plain yogurt (1/4 cup per egg). The brownies may turn out a little softer and less chewy but still delicious.
Can I use another chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Definitely. You can swap in any chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even go for Biscoff or chocolate almond butter for a twist. Just make sure the consistency is similar to Nutella for best results.
Do I need baking powder or baking soda?
Nope! The eggs do all the lifting in this recipe. You don’t need any leavening agents—this is part of what makes it so simple.
Why Are My 3 Ingredient Brownies Gooey?
You may have underbaked them or used too small a pan. Be sure to check oven temperature, use an 8×8-inch pan, and let them cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I Double the 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownie Recipe?
Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and extend the baking time by 5–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Simple Baking
There’s something so satisfying about taking three simple ingredients and turning them into something this delicious. These 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies prove that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive.
Whether you’re baking solo, with kids, or for a last-minute gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed win. It’s fast, flexible, and totally foolproof.
Try it once and you’ll be hooked—and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert. If you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear what you added!
3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together Nutella and eggs until smooth.
- Add flour and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with sea salt flakes, chocolate chips, or crushed hazelnuts before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute almond flour or a gluten-free blend 1:1.