Rich Nutella Cheesecake Brownies

These brownies are a Nutella lovers dream. The interior is deliciously rich and fudgy and intensely chocolatey with a thick ribbon of tangy Nutella cheesecake marbled throughout. The crackly top is the perfect contrast to the moist fudgy chocolate and creamy cheesecake.

These Nutella Cheesecake Brownies are the best of both worlds.  They are incredibly rich dark chocolate that will satisfy any chocolate lover with a ribbon of Nutella cheesecake running through their center. This recipe is quick and easy enough to make on a weeknight, with a decadent taste that’s fancy enough to serve for a special occasion.

These brownies are a Nutella lovers dream. The interior is deliciously rich and fudgy and intensely chocolatey with a thick ribbon of tangy Nutella cheesecake marbled throughout. The crackly top is the perfect contrast to the moist fudgy chocolate and creamy cheesecake. Although these brownies are incredibly decadent, they aren’t excessively sweet. Each element of these brownies compliments the others with different textures and flavours. These brownies are perfect for a special dinner, but equally perfect to satisfy an after work craving. This delicious recipe is guaranteed to be a hit whenever you serve it.

TOTAL TIME

• Preparation Time – 15 minutes
• Cooking Time – 40 minutes
• Total Time – 55 minutes

INGREDIENTS FOR NUTELLA CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

All the ingredients for these brownies are easy to source from any local grocer.

• Brownie
• 6 ounces Unsweetened Chocolate
• 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter
• 1 1/2 cups White Sugar
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp Vanilla Paste
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 6 Eggs

• Nutella Cheesecake
• 250 grams Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Nutella
• 3/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 White Sugar
• 1 pinch Kosher Salt

CAN I DOUBLE THIS RECIPE?

You can definitely double this recipe, however the key to the perfect fudgy center of these brownies is their thickness and baking time: if you double the recipe, you must use a larger pan to ensure they are the same thickness as the original.

CAN I MAKE THIS LACTOSE FREE?

Absolutely. If you want to make these delicious brownies for someone with lactose issues it’s very easy to find lactose free butter, sour cream and cream cheese.

IS VANILLA PASTE THE SAME AS VANILLA EXTRACT?

Both vanilla paste and vanilla extract are made from vanilla beans but they are not interchangeable. Vanilla extract is a liquid that is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol. It will impart a light vanilla flavour to your baked goods. Vanilla paste has the consistency of syrup and contains little black flecks of the vanilla pod. The paste is made using the whole pod and has a more intense taste.

WHAT IS UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE?

Unsweetened chocolate is made from 100 percent pure cacao nibs that are roasted, ground, melted, and finaly solidified into a bar. This is not your typical chocolate. Without any sugar, this chocolate is incredibly bitter and rich. While unsweetened chocolate may not be tasty for snacking, it’s perfect for these intensely chocolatey brownies.

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

CAN I USE DARK CHOCOLATE INSTEAD OF UNSWEETENED?

You absolutely cannot use dark chocolate in place of unsweetened in this recipe. Dark chocolate has between 70- 85% cocoa solids with added sugar, while unsweetened chocolate is 100% cocoa and no sugar. If you substitute dark chocolate these brownies will be much too sweet.

I HAVE AN ALLERGY, IS THERE A SUBSTITUTE FOR ALMOND EXTRACT?

Allergies, especially nut allergies, can result in a sensitivity to almonds and not hazelnuts. If that’s the case in your family, the almond extract can be substituted with more vanilla. You will miss out on the slightly bitter flavour from the almond, but your cheesecake ribbon will still be delicious.

CAN I USE ONLY CREAM CHEESE IN MY CHEESECAKE?

You certainly could use just cream cheese if you prefer, however your cheese cake layer will be missing the lovey tartness that comes from the sour cream. I find that the tangy flavour beautifully contrasts with the sweet Nutella, so I strongly encourage you to use it.

CAN I USE ALL WHITE SUGAR?

You will want to use a combination of dark brown and white sugar for this recipe. Brown sugar (which is readily available from multiple brands) is simply white sugar with the molasses added back in. It’s the flavour from the molasses that adds extra depth to this delicious dessert, so make sure to include it for best results.

CAN I USE MARGARINE INSTEAD OF BUTTER?

If you are absolutely desperate to reduce the calories in this delicious dessert you could use margarine in place of butter in a one to one substitution. In those circumstances you will also want to use reduced fat sour cream and cream cheese. That being said, it is my firm opinion desserts are not the place to cut calories.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE VANILLA EXTRACT FOR VANILLA PASTE?

Although vanilla extract has a less intense flavour than vanilla paste, it can be substituted if needed on a one to one basis.

EQUIPMENT FOR NUTELLA CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

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Below is a list of the main equipment/kitchen tools needed to make this Brownie Recipe:

• Small Sauce Pan

• Heat Proof Bowl

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Offset Spatula

• 9 inch by 13 inch cake pan

• Kitchen Aid Mixer – You can make the cheesecake without a mixer if needed, but it certainly makes it easier to create a smooth batter if you have one. I highly recommend purchasing a good mixer if you are able to do so. I adore my Kitchen Aid Professional mixer.

• Parchment Paper – I highly recommend lining your cake pan with parchment paper as it will prevent the bottom of the brownies from sticking.

COOKING DIRECTIONS

These simple rules will ensure this Nutella Brownie Recipe turns out perfectly every time:

1. Always good quality chocolate.
2. Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature to ensure a smooth cheese cake layer.
3. Don’t overbake: remove your brownies when there are some crumbs on the tester.

MAKE AHEAD STORAGE

There is nothing to prepare in advance, but these brownies come together quickly.

These Nutella Brownies can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for several months.

FINISHED DISH

Enjoy your deliciously Rich Nutella Cheesecake Brownies!

OTHER DESSERTS WITH NUTELLA

Nutella Brownie Recipe

Nutella Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolatey Nutella Hamantaschen

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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