Ultimate Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Brownies: A Decadent & Easy Recipe
Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these incredible Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Spread Brownies. This recipe takes classic brownies to an entirely new level, layering them with fluffy marshmallow crème and a luscious swirl of chocolate hazelnut spread. It’s a combination that promises a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite, making them utterly irresistible for any chocolate lover.
The original inspiration for this delightful treat came from a recipe featuring Jif Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. While Jif’s version might be harder to find these days, the good news is that this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute with any brand of chocolate hazelnut spread you love, such as the ever-popular Nutella, or even a gourmet alternative. The core magic lies in the simple yet effective combination of ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable dessert.
Why These Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Brownies Are a Must-Try
What makes these brownies so special? It’s the delightful interplay of textures and the rich, complex flavors. You start with a moist, fudgy brownie base, enhanced with a secret ingredient (we’ll get to that!). On top, a soft, pillowy layer of marshmallow crème adds a sweet, chewy contrast. Finally, the star of the show – a beautiful, marbled swirl of chocolate hazelnut spread – brings a nutty, intensely chocolatey finish that’s pure bliss.
Beyond their incredible taste, these brownies are surprisingly simple to make, especially since they leverage the convenience of a good quality brownie mix. This means you can whip up a batch for a last-minute gathering, a weekend treat, or simply to satisfy that undeniable craving for something extraordinary. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy night in with a hot cup of coffee or milk.
The Secret to Enhanced Chocolate Flavor: Instant Coffee
One of the brilliant additions to this brownie recipe is a small amount of instant coffee or espresso powder. Don’t worry, these brownies won’t taste like coffee! Instead, the coffee acts as a flavor enhancer, deepening the chocolate notes and making the brownies taste even richer and more indulgent. It’s a classic trick used by bakers to bring out the best in chocolate desserts without overpowering them.
Let’s dive into the recipe details and get baking!
Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Spread Brownie
Cookie Madness
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Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix for a 9×13 inch pan (plus oil and eggs as directed on package) or 1 batch homemade brownie batter
- 1 teaspoon fine instant coffee or instant espresso powder
- 1 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 oz) Marshmallow Crème or 1 ½ cups Marshmallow Fluff
- Some Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (e.g., Nutella, Jif Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha Flavored Spread if available, or any preferred brand)
Instructions
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Prepare the Brownie Base: Prepare one 9×13 inch pan of brownies as directed on the package. During preparation, incorporate 1 teaspoon of fine instant coffee (the kind that dissolves easily) or instant espresso powder into the batter. Additionally, stir in 1 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Bake according to package directions, ensuring not to overbake for a fudgier result. If you prefer a smaller batch, you can use an 8×8 inch pan and halve all the ingredient quantities.
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Add Marshmallow Layer: Once the brownies are baked, allow them to cool slightly until they are just warm to the touch. This slight warmth is crucial! Carefully open 1 jar of Marshmallow Crème (or use 1 ½ cups of Marshmallow Fluff). Drop small dollops of the marshmallow crème across the top of the warm brownies, then gently spread them together using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. The residual heat from the brownies will help the marshmallow melt just enough to create a smooth, even layer.
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Create the Hazelnut Swirl: Next, spoon lines of your chosen chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella or Jif Chocolate Hazelnut Mocha Flavored Spread) horizontally or vertically across the marshmallow layer. Don’t worry too much about perfection here. Once the lines are in place, take a skewer, toothpick, or a thin knife and drag it through the lines, alternating directions (first toward you, then away from you). This technique will create a beautiful marbled, “whale-tail” or “leaf” pattern, adding an elegant touch to your brownies.
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Chill to Set: To ensure the topping sets properly and allows for clean cuts, place the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can “cheat” and use the freezer for a quicker setting time, but keep a close eye on them to prevent freezing. The goal is to get the top firm enough so it’s not gooey when cut.
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Cut and Serve: Once chilled, cut the brownies into your desired size squares or bars. For the cleanest cuts, you can warm your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice. Keep the brownies chilled until you are ready to serve them. The topping should stay in place beautifully, offering a picture-perfect presentation.
Tips for Perfect Brownies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the brownie batter, whether from a mix or homemade, avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher brownies instead of fudgy ones.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While a brownie mix is convenient, choosing a good quality one can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. The same goes for your chocolate chips and, especially, your hazelnut spread.
- Adjust Cooling Time: The “just a tad bit warm” stage for spreading the marshmallow crème is crucial. If the brownies are too hot, the marshmallow will melt too much and become runny. If they’re too cold, it will be hard to spread.
- Clean Cuts: For professional-looking squares, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean before each cut. This prevents the sticky marshmallow and hazelnut spread from dragging and creating messy edges.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Spread Brownies are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a slightly warmed brownie square with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate hazelnut spread. The warm brownie and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven!
- Dust with Cocoa or Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish, dust the chilled brownies with a light coating of unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts over the top of the chocolate hazelnut swirl before chilling for an added layer of texture and intensified nutty flavor.
- Fleur de Sel: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the top can beautifully enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a sophisticated touch.
- Make Brownie Bites: Cut them into smaller, bite-sized squares for easier portion control or for a dessert platter.
The Joy of Baking (Even with a Mix!)
Using a brownie mix doesn’t diminish the joy or satisfaction of baking. It simply streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on the fun parts – adding delicious toppings and creating beautiful swirls. This recipe is a testament to how simple shortcuts can lead to truly spectacular results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these brownies are a fantastic project that yields incredible rewards.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these unforgettable Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Spread Brownies. Your taste buds (and anyone you share them with!) will thank you!