Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies filled with a velvety dark chocolate ganache center and studded with toasted hazelnuts for crunch. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, bittersweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup, chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz, chopped bittersweet chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: Whisk 1 cup granulated sugar into chocolate mixture, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract until glossy.
- Step 4: Sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Fold flour mixture gently into chocolate batter until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup heavy cream until simmering, then pour over 4 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth to form ganache.
- Step 6: Spoon ganache evenly over brownie batter, then dollop and spread remaining brownie batter over ganache. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts evenly on top.
- Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in brownie layer (not ganache) comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing to reveal the ganache layer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate Ganache-Stuffed Hazelnut Brownies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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