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Rich dark chocolate meets smooth Nutella and toasted coconut in these irresistible brownies. The dense, fudgy texture pairs perfectly with layers of deep chocolate flavor, while crispy coconut adds a delightful crunch. Every bite delivers intense chocolate satisfaction with swirls of hazelnut goodness.
This recipe came together on a rainy afternoon of baking with my daughter. What started as basic brownies transformed into something special when we spotted an unopened jar of Nutella in the cupboard.
Key Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate: Use 70% cocoa chocolate bars for best flavor and richness
- Nutella: Room temperature for easy swirling
- Coconut: Toast first to enhance nutty flavor
- Butter: European-style preferred for richness
- Eggs: Room temperature for better mixing
- Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process for deep color
Quality ingredients make all the difference in these brownies. The first time using premium dark chocolate completely transformed the taste from good to extraordinary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Center oven rack and preheat to 350°F. Line pan with parchment, leaving overhang. Grease thoroughly.
- Gently melt chopped chocolate and butter together using double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well.
- Whisk sugar, eggs and vanilla until pale. Slowly mix in melted chocolate mixture.
- Combine flour, cocoa and salt separately. Fold in toasted coconut.
- Add dry ingredients to wet in three portions, folding just until mixed.
- Warm Nutella slightly. Drop spoonfuls over batter and swirl.
- Pour into pan, smooth top, tap to remove bubbles. Bake until toothpick has moist crumbs.
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My grandmother always said chocolate deserves patience. She taught me to take time with each step, especially melting the chocolate. Watching my own kids learn these same careful techniques brings back wonderful memories of baking with her.
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Choosing Chocolate
Quality dark chocolate transforms these brownies from good to exceptional. Look for bars with 70-75% cocoa content for the perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes. The chocolate quality directly impacts your final results.
Toasting Coconut
Watch coconut carefully while toasting - it can burn quickly. Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F, stirring every minute until golden and fragrant. This extra step really enhances the tropical flavor.
Storage Tips
These brownies taste even better the next day. Keep in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in parchment before freezing.
After years of making these brownies, I've learned patience is key. Taking time to properly melt chocolate, create beautiful Nutella swirls, and let them cool completely results in perfectly fudgy brownies. They're more than dessert - they're little squares of joy that bring people together.
Final Notes
These brownies perfectly balance intense dark chocolate with sweet coconut. Through countless batches, I've found success comes from respecting each ingredient - from the complex notes of dark chocolate to the delicate crunch of toasted coconut.
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What began as a chocolate craving became our family's signature dessert. These brownies have celebrated birthdays, comforted friends, and even won first prize at our local baking fair. They prove that sometimes the best recipes come from experimenting and trusting your instincts in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What if I don’t like coconut?
- Feel free to leave out the coconut! The brownies will still be rich and creamy with just Nutella and chocolate.
- → How can I tell they’re baked enough?
- When they no longer jiggle in the middle but are still a little gooey, they’re done. Test with a toothpick—moist crumbs are perfect.
- → Can I make a larger batch?
- Yes, double the ingredients and bake them in a 9x13 pan. Watch them closely, as the baking time might go up by 5-10 minutes.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!
- → Why is parchment paper important?
- It makes lifting them out of the pan hassle-free and keeps the edges smooth for even slicing.