Nocilla brownie: rich, soft-centered and packed with flavour

There’s something deeply satisfying about the smell of brownies baking in the oven—warm, rich with cocoa, and full of promise. This Nocilla version takes that classic comfort and adds a twist: pockets of creamy hazelnut spread that melt beautifully into each slice.

With a soft, slightly molten center and a delicate crust on top, these brownies offer the perfect balance between richness and texture. They’re just the thing when you want a no-fuss dessert that feels indulgent and a little bit special.

Ingredients

• 60 g butter
• 40 g dark cooking chocolate
• 90 g Nocilla Original (pre-frozen in small scoops — to make pre-frozen Nocilla scoops, simply drop small spoonfuls (about 1–1.5 tsp) onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm)
• 65 g caster sugar
• 30 g plain flour
• 1 medium or large egg
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped walnuts (optional but delicious)

Vegan option! Use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, dairy-free chocolate, and a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to replace the egg.

How to make it

1. Whisk the egg and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the egg (or flax egg for vegan) with the sugar until pale, thick, and airy—about three times the original volume. This step gives your brownies that light top layer and soft texture underneath.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter: Gently melt the chocolate with the butter in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and well combined, then let it cool slightly.
3. Combine the mixtures: Slowly add the chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar blend, folding carefully to preserve as much air as possible.
4. Add the dry ingredients: Sift in the flour and salt. Mix until just combined. If using walnuts, fold them in now for added texture and depth.
5. Add the frozen Nocilla: Fold the frozen scoops of Nocilla into the batter—this will create rich, creamy pockets inside the finished brownies.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC (350ºF) for around 20 minutes. The top should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains moist and soft.
7. Serving: Let them rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing—this helps them firm up just enough for clean, picture-perfect cuts. Ideal for sharing… or not.

Tips for the perfect brownie

• Don’t overmix: Stir gently when adding the dry ingredients—this helps keep the texture dense but tender.
• Check the center: The brownies are ready when the edges are set and the middle is just slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, while staying soft inside.
• Customise it: Add a swirl of Nocilla on top before baking for an extra hit of flavour, or mix in a handful of chocolate chunks or toasted nuts.
• Serving ideas: Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream or let them cool and cut into neat squares for a snackable treat.

These brownies are rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself. The creamy Nocilla centers add an unexpected twist that makes each bite even more enjoyable.