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Spooky Spiderweb Nutella Brownies: Easy Halloween Dessert

Spooky Spiderweb Nutella Brownies - featured image

These fudgy brownies feature a crackly top and a creamy Nutella spiderweb design that bakes right in. They are quick, easy, and perfect for Halloween parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (150g) Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the paper with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in 30-second bursts. Let it cool for a minute.
  3. Add the 1 cup of granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk until combined. Add the 2 room-temperature eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
  5. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them together gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes. The brownies should be just set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  7. While the brownies are baking, make the topping. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup Nutella, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, then stir until smooth.
  8. Once the brownies come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer the Nutella mixture to a small piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Pipe a spiral on top of the warm brownies, starting from the center and working your way out, leaving about 1/2 inch between the lines.
  9. Take a toothpick or a skewer. Starting from the center of the spiral, drag the toothpick outwards towards the edge of the pan. Wipe the toothpick clean, then repeat from the center to the edge, spacing the lines evenly around the pan to create a spiderweb pattern.
  10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Do not overbake the brownies; they should be slightly underbaked before adding the topping. The vegetable oil in the topping prevents the Nutella from burning. Work quickly with the web as the Nutella mixture will start to set. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. These brownies taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween brownies, Nutella brownies, spiderweb brownies, easy Halloween dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate hazelnut brownies