Description
These Easy Nutella Bars are a decadent dessert that combines a chewy, buttery blondie base with rich ribbons of chocolate hazelnut spread. Coming together in just one bowl without a mixer, they are the perfect solution for a last-minute sweet craving. With golden, crisp edges and a gooey, fudge-like center packed with chocolate chips, every bite is pure indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Nutella, divided
Instructions
Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray (or line with parchment paper) and set it aside.
Mix Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the salt, then add the flour. Stir gently until the flour is just incorporated—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
Create Ribbons
Pour 1/4 cup of the Nutella over the top of the batter in the bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula ONE TIME. You are not trying to mix it in fully; the goal is to create thick ribbons of Nutella throughout the dough.
Swirl
Scrape the dough into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Dollop the remaining 1/4 cup of Nutella over the surface of the dough. Use a butter knife to swirl the Nutella and dough together for a marbled effect.
Bake
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown but the center still jiggles slightly when you tap the pan.
Cool
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the center to set. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
The “One Stir” Rule: When adding the first batch of Nutella to the batter, strictly stir only once. If you stir too much, the Nutella will blend completely into the batter, turning it into a chocolate blondie rather than a marbled bar with distinct pockets of hazelnut spread.
Don’t Overbake: These bars are designed to be gooey and fudgy. If you bake them until the center is completely firm, they will become dry and hard once cooled. Pull them out while the center is still soft.
Salty Finish: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the bars right when they come out of the oven. The salt enhances the chocolate and hazelnut flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: nutella bars, easy blondie recipe, chocolate hazelnut dessert, one bowl baking, nutella brownies, chewy cookie bars, dessert for crowds