Fudgy Nutella Brownies with Salted Caramel Sauce

17 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350℉.
2. 02

   Melt Chocolate Chips

   Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. Start with 30 seconds, then stir, and continue microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
3. 03

   Combine Chocolate, Nutella

   While the melted chocolate is still warm, stir in the Nutella until fully combined and smooth.
4. 04

   Cream Butter and Sugars

   Using a handheld or stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. 05

   Add Eggs and Vanilla

   Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix again until just combined.
6. 06

   Fold in Chocolate-Nutella

   Fold in the chocolate-Nutella mixture, mixing just until smooth.
7. 07

   Combine Dry and Wet

   In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and salt.

   Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until smooth. The batter will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want.

8. 08

   Spread Batter

   Using a rubber spatula, spread the thick batter evenly into a greased 9″ x 9″ baking pan.
9. 09

   Bake Brownies

   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

   You can also give the pan a gentle shake; if there’s any jiggle in the center, give them a few more minutes.

10. 10

    Add Water to Pot

    Add the water to a small, heavy-bottomed pot.
11. 11

    Add Sugar

    Very carefully, pour the granulated sugar into the center of the pot. Don't worry if it's slightly higher than the water level; it will absorb as it cooks.
12. 12

    Cook Sugar

    Turn the heat to low-medium. It's crucial not to stir or move the pot at this stage; let the sugar dissolve and cook undisturbed.
13. 13

    Let Sugar Bubble

    The sugar water will begin to bubble rapidly. Just let it be. Be extremely careful, as this bubbling sugar is very hot and can cause severe burns.
14. 14

    Caramelize Sugar

    Once the mixture begins to turn a light amber color, remove it from the heat immediately. This is your caramel forming.
15. 15

    Stir in Butter

    Immediately add the butter and stir until it's completely melted and incorporated into the caramel.
16. 16

    Whisk in Cream

    Lastly, add the heavy whipping cream and whisk until the sauce is smooth. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools.
17. 17

    Serve Brownies

    Once the brownies have cooled slightly, pour the salted caramel sauce over them and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.