Ultimate One-Bowl Nutella Swirl Blondies: Easy & Irresistible Chocolate-Hazelnut Delight
Nutella Swirl Blondies – Quick and easy blondies made in one bowl with a swirl of Nutella. All that buttery and brown sugar taste you love with an extra touch of chocolate, creating a dessert that’s both simple to make and utterly delightful to eat.
For many years, my dessert repertoire was almost exclusively dominated by the rich, deep flavors of fudgy brownies. As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, I was convinced that no sweet treat could compare to their decadent intensity. However, my culinary journey took an exciting turn in my late twenties when I truly discovered the charming world of blondies. Their golden appearance, comforting buttery aroma, and distinctive brown sugar sweetness immediately won me over. Blondies proved that incredible desserts don’t always need a strong chocolate presence to be utterly satisfying and utterly delicious. Their inherent simplicity and remarkable versatility quickly made them a staple in my baking, and I’ve been happily experimenting with countless variations ever since.
This culinary exploration eventually led to the creation of these magnificent Nutella Swirl Blondies – a truly irresistible and inspired take on the classic blondie recipe. Imagine the beloved chewy, buttery, brown sugary base, but elevated to new heights with generous, luscious ribbons of everyone’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread. Blondies, often referred to as the “vanilla counterpart to brownies,” offer a wonderfully sweet, caramel-like foundation that eagerly awaits creative customization with your preferred additions. Whether you typically gravitate towards the sweet notes of Butterscotch Blondies or the comforting familiarity of Chocolate Chip Blondies, you’ll find these Nutella-infused creations offer a truly unique and deeply satisfying experience that appeals to all taste buds.
Why These Nutella Swirl Blondies are Your Next Go-To Dessert
Beyond their undeniably delicious taste and captivating marbled appearance, these Nutella Swirl Blondies are championed for their incredible ease of preparation. If the thought of baking feels a bit daunting, or if you simply desire a dessert that comes together quickly and effortlessly, this recipe is perfectly tailored for you. The entire process unfolds in just *one bowl*, significantly reducing cleanup and streamlining your time in the kitchen. There’s no need for a cumbersome stand mixer, nor any complex techniques or intricate steps. All that’s required is a handful of basic ingredients, a swift mix, a beautiful swirl, and a short bake time in the oven. In a surprisingly short amount of time, you’ll be pulling out a batch of these golden-brown masterpieces, ready to delight your family, impress your friends, or simply provide a comforting treat for yourself. They are truly the ultimate fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dessert, perfect for any occasion, from spontaneous gatherings to cozy nights in.
The magic of these blondies lies in the harmonious combination of rich, buttery goodness and the decadent, creamy Nutella. The brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-infused sweetness and a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, hazelnut-chocolate swirl. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them utterly addictive. They’re also incredibly versatile; serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra-special dessert, or enjoy them at room temperature as a convenient snack or a thoughtful addition to a packed lunch. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Swirl Blondies
Creating these remarkably flavorful Nutella Swirl Blondies relies on a modest list of everyday ingredients, each carefully selected to contribute to the perfect chewy texture, rich flavor, and enticing aroma. Understanding the role of each component can further enhance your baking success. Below, we delve into the specifics of what you’ll need. For precise measurements and a comprehensive, printable recipe card, please scroll down to the conclusion of this post.
- Unsalted Butter: When it comes to baking, unsalted butter is always my preference. This allows for precise control over the salt content in your recipe. Melted butter is a critical element in blondies, as it contributes significantly to their desirable dense and chewy texture, unlike softened butter used in many cake recipes.
- Light Brown Sugar: This ingredient is the very soul of a classic blondie. Light brown sugar imparts a distinctive caramel-like flavor due to its molasses content, which is absent in white sugar. More importantly, it is responsible for the blondies’ characteristic moistness and wonderfully chewy texture, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly.
- Large Egg: A single large egg serves multiple vital functions in this recipe. It acts as an essential binding agent, ensuring all the ingredients come together harmoniously. It also adds richness to the batter and contributes to the blondies’ overall structure and desired chewiness. Using a room-temperature egg can help it incorporate more smoothly into the mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract is more than just an additive; it’s a flavor enhancer. It introduces a warm, sweet undertone that beautifully complements and elevates all the other ingredients, adding a layer of aromatic complexity that you wouldn’t want to miss.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the primary structural component of our blondie batter. It provides the necessary framework for the blondies. A crucial tip: once the flour is added, mix only until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten, leading to blondies that are tough and cakey rather than soft and chewy.
- Baking Powder: As a leavening agent, baking powder ensures that our blondies have a slight, pleasant lift, preventing them from being overly dense while still retaining their signature chewy consistency. It contributes to a tender crumb.
- Salt: In any sweet recipe, a small amount of salt is indispensable. It expertly balances the intense sweetness from both the brown sugar and the Nutella, preventing the blondies from tasting one-dimensional. Salt truly enhances and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Nutella: The star attraction of our swirl! This iconic creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread infuses the blondies with a rich, indulgent flavor and creates those stunning marbled patterns. While Nutella is the classic choice, feel free to get creative! You can easily substitute it with any other chocolate spread you adore. For those with nut allergies or simply looking for an alternative, Hershey’s Chocolate Spread or similar nut-free options work wonderfully. For an extra homemade touch, you could even try crafting your own Homemade Nutella!
Crafting Your Nutella Swirl Blondies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Nutella Swirl Blondies is an incredibly gratifying experience, suitable for home bakers of all skill levels. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked, supremely delicious dessert. Remember, a little attention to detail goes a long way in baking!
- 1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). This critical step ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your batter enters the oven. Next, meticulously prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. You have two excellent options: either generously grease the pan with butter or a good quality non-stick cooking spray, or, for the easiest removal of your finished blondies, line it completely with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on two opposing sides to create convenient “handles.” These parchment handles will simplify lifting the cooled blondies out of the pan.
- 2. Combine Melted Butter and Brown Sugar. In your designated mixing bowl – remember, this is a one-bowl recipe for ease! – combine the warm melted butter with the light brown sugar. Using a sturdy whisk or a flexible spatula, mix these two ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is entirely smooth and well-integrated. This foundational step is crucial for establishing the rich, buttery base of your blondies and ensures the sugar granules are evenly dispersed.
- 3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients. Into your butter and sugar mixture, crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. Continue to stir these wet ingredients vigorously until they are fully incorporated and the mixture appears cohesive, smooth, and possibly a shade lighter in color. Ensure there are no visible streaks of egg.
- 4. Gently Fold in the Dry Ingredients. It’s time to introduce the remaining dry components: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add them to the wet mixture in the bowl. Now, using a spatula, gently fold and mix until the dry ingredients are *just* combined with the wet. The absolute key here is to avoid overmixing once the flour is added. Excessive mixing will develop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to blondies that are tough, dense, or cakey, rather than beautifully tender and chewy. A few small streaks of flour are perfectly acceptable; they will disappear during the baking process.
- 5. Transfer Batter to Prepared Pan. Carefully spoon and spread the blondie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use your spatula to ensure the batter is spread evenly across the bottom of the pan. This uniform thickness is important for consistent baking and an even texture throughout your blondies.
- 6. Swirl in the Nutella. Generously drop small spoonfuls (about teaspoon-sized dollops) of Nutella randomly across the entire surface of the blondie batter. If your Nutella is particularly thick and stiff, you can warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to swirl. Once the Nutella dots the batter, take a knife, a thin skewer, or even the tip of a spoon and gently drag it through the batter, cutting through the Nutella dollops to create beautiful, marbled patterns. Resist the urge to overmix at this stage; a few elegant swirls are all that’s needed to achieve a stunning visual and delicious distribution of flavor.
- 7. Bake Until Golden and Set. Carefully place the baking pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The blondies are ready when their edges appear lightly golden brown and set, and the center looks mostly firm but may still have a slight, subtle give when lightly pressed. A reliable way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Be vigilant to avoid overbaking, as this is the primary culprit behind dry blondies.
- 8. Cool Completely and Serve. This final step is paramount for achieving the perfect blondie texture and for easy, clean slicing. Allow the blondies to cool completely within the pan on a wire rack. During this cooling period, they will continue to set, firm up, and develop that signature rich, chewy consistency. Attempting to cut them while warm will result in crumbly, gooey squares that are difficult to manage. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper handles (if you opted to use them) to lift the entire slab out, then cut into neat, uniform squares. Serve them as they are, or with a delightful accompaniment!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Blondie Perfection
To ensure every batch of your Nutella Swirl Blondies turns out nothing short of spectacular, keep these invaluable tips and tricks in mind. From ingredient selection to creative customization and proper storage, these insights will empower you to elevate your baking skills and tailor this delightful treat to your exact preferences.
- Embrace Different Spreads (Beyond Nutella). While Nutella provides an undeniably dreamy chocolate-hazelnut flavor, don’t hesitate to venture beyond! Explore using various types of nut butters such as creamy almond butter, rich cashew butter, or classic peanut butter for distinct and equally delicious flavor profiles. For a truly unique twist, consider a Biscoff cookie butter spread. The key is to select a spread with a similar creamy consistency to Nutella for optimal swirling. For those avoiding nuts, a seed butter like sunflower seed butter can also be a fantastic alternative.
- Unleash Your Creativity with Mix-Ins and Toppings. The inherent simplicity of blondies makes them incredibly adaptable. Enhance both the flavor and texture by incorporating a variety of mix-ins directly into the batter before baking. Popular choices include:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even roasted hazelnuts for an intensified nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Sweet dried cranberries, tart dried cherries, or golden raisins add bursts of fruity chewiness.
- Chocolates & Candies: White chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped toffee bits.
- Sweet & Salty: Crushed pretzel pieces can add a delightful salty crunch, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- Master the Doneness Test Accurately. The secret to consistently chewy, never dry, blondies is pulling them from the oven at precisely the right moment. Insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the blondies. It should emerge with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but absolutely no wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, your blondies are likely slightly overbaked, though they will still be enjoyable. A slightly underbaked center that finishes cooking as it cools is what creates that perfect chew.
- Prioritize Cooling Time for Optimal Texture. Patience truly is a virtue, especially when it comes to cutting blondies. It is absolutely crucial to allow the blondies to cool completely, preferably in the pan on a wire rack, before attempting to slice them. As they cool, the internal structure will continue to set and firm up, developing that characteristic dense and chewy consistency. Cutting into warm blondies will inevitably result in a gooey, crumbly mess that’s difficult to handle and won’t hold its shape.
- Smart Storage Solutions for Freshness: To maintain the delightful chewiness and freshness of your blondies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to 3-4 days. For extended enjoyment, blondies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Elevate Your Serving Experience with Ice Cream. Transform your blondie into a truly show-stopping dessert by serving warm squares with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The exquisite contrast of the warm, chewy blondie against the cold, creamy ice cream is a pairing that is simply divine. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce can further enhance this luxurious treat.
- Prevent Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule for many baked goods. Once you’ve added the flour, mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing vigorously or for too long develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to blondies that are tough, dense, and unpleasantly cakey, rather than having that coveted soft and chewy texture.
- Ensure Room Temperature Eggs: While the butter should be melted, it’s beneficial for your egg to be at room temperature. A room-temperature egg incorporates much more smoothly and evenly into the batter, helping to create a more uniform, emulsified mixture. This contributes to a finer crumb and better overall texture in the finished blondies.
While brown sugar is absolutely integral to achieving the signature chewy texture and the rich, caramel-like flavor of authentic blondies (thanks to its molasses content), you can certainly substitute it with granulated white sugar if you have no other option. However, be prepared for a noticeable difference: the blondies will likely be less chewy, less moist, and possess a less deep, complex sweetness. For the most authentic and delicious results, sticking to brown sugar is highly recommended.
To maintain their delightful chewiness and freshness, store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. For much longer-term storage, blondies freeze exceptionally well: wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm in the microwave, before enjoying.
Absolutely! While Nutella delivers a fantastic chocolate-hazelnut flavor and a beautiful swirl, these blondies are incredibly adaptable. You can choose to omit the swirl entirely for a classic, pure blondie experience, or get creative by substituting with your favorite chocolate or nut spread. Excellent alternatives include creamy almond butter, smooth peanut butter, Biscoff cookie butter, a simple homemade chocolate ganache, or another brand of chocolate spread that you enjoy. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even try making your own Homemade Nutella for an extra special and personalized touch!
Yes, you absolutely can! To adapt this Nutella Swirl Blondie recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for blends that specifically contain xanthan gum, as this helps with the structure and texture that gluten typically provides. The baking time and the final chewy texture should remain very similar, but always perform the toothpick test to ensure they are perfectly baked.
If your blondies turn out dry or crumbly, it’s most commonly due to one of two reasons: overbaking or using too much flour. To avoid this, ensure you measure your flour accurately – preferably by weight, or by using the ‘spoon and level’ method if using measuring cups (don’t scoop directly from the bag). Additionally, keep a very close eye on the baking time; blondies should still appear slightly soft and set but not jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking even by a few minutes can significantly impact their moisture content.
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to yield a larger batch of delicious blondies! If you choose to double the recipe, I highly recommend baking them in a larger 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Keep in mind that when baking a larger quantity, the baking time will likely need to be adjusted slightly; it typically increases by about 5-10 minutes. Always rely on the visual cues mentioned in the instructions and the trusty toothpick test to determine when they are perfectly baked.
Explore More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you thoroughly enjoyed the simplicity and incredible flavor of these Nutella Swirl Blondies, you’re in for a delightful culinary journey! Our collection boasts a wide array of other fantastic dessert recipes that are just as easy to prepare and equally satisfying. We encourage you to explore some of our other popular and beloved creations, perfect for any sweet craving:
- Oreo Fluff: A light, airy, and incredibly creamy dessert dip brimming with chunky Oreo cookie pieces. It’s an absolute hit at parties and gatherings!
- Cool Whip Cookies: Discover the magic of these amazingly soft and perfectly chewy cookies. Made with just a few basic ingredients, including the surprising addition of Cool Whip, they’re effortlessly delicious.
- Fruity Pebbles Bars: Indulge in a fun, vibrant, and delightfully nostalgic no-bake treat. These colorful bars are always a guaranteed success with both children and adults who appreciate a playful dessert.
- Caramelitas: Prepare yourself for pure bliss with these layered bars featuring a tender oat crust, rich chocolate, and a wonderfully gooey caramel filling. They are truly irresistible and incredibly decadent.
- Muddy Buddy Cookies: All the addictive flavors and textures of your favorite Muddy Buddies (also known as Puppy Chow) transformed into a convenient and chewy cookie form. A unique twist on a beloved snack!
- Zebra Popcorn: A perfect balance of sweet and salty, this gourmet popcorn is generously drizzled with elegant stripes of both rich white chocolate and decadent dark chocolate. An ideal snack for movie nights or entertaining.
We hope these additional dessert ideas inspire you to keep baking and exploring new flavors. There’s always something delicious to discover!
Nutella Swirl Blondies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons Nutella, or any chocolate spread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare 8×8 pan by spraying well with non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper
- Blend the butter and brown sugar together until smooth.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar
- Stir in egg and vanilla. and mix until well incorporated1 whole large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add flour, baking powder and salt, mix until just combined.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drop teaspoonfuls of Nutella across the top of the batter. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella throughout the pan.3 Tablespoons Nutella
- Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until it is set, and slightly browned. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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