Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe

If you love brownies with a twist, then you’re in for a treat with this Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe. These aren’t your average brownies — they’re fudgy, rich, and topped with playful Oreo spiders that make them a total hit, especially around Halloween or any fun occasion. I absolutely love how this recipe combines the smooth, hazelnut goodness of Nutella with the classic brownie texture, and then throws in those adorable candy eyeballs for a spooky, irresistible finish. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for all the tips because these brownies turn out fantastic every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a rich, fudgy brownie base with that iconic Nutella flavor. The Oreos and candy eyeballs on top bring that playful spider look that’s so easy and fun to put together.

• All-purpose flour: Helps achieve the perfect brownie structure without making them cakey.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Nutella: The star of the show — creamy, sweet, and hazelnutty, it keeps these brownies moist.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor and keeps the brownies tender.
• Vanilla extract: For a warm, comforting depth of flavor.
• Eggs: They provide richness and bind everything together.
• Salted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness — salted butter balances the sweet perfectly here.
• Oreos: The cookie “body” for your spider topping — twist them apart for the best look!
• Candy eyeballs: Make these brownies come alive with playful, spooky eyes.
• Black decorating gel: For “gluing” the spider parts together and drawing legs.

Variations

I love how flexible this Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe is — you can make it your own by swapping out a few elements or adding your favorite mix-ins. Here are some fun ways I’ve played around with it.

• Peanut Butter Swirl: I once swirled in a few tablespoons of peanut butter with the Nutella — it was a hit with my family who loves that combo.
• Nut-Free Version: Use a chocolate-hazelnut spread that’s nut-free to avoid allergens.
• Extra Crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top before baking give a delightful nutty crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor with an unexpected twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter for a vegan spin.

How to Make Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325˚F. This lower temperature means the brownies bake gently and stay moist. I always line my 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper — it makes getting those brownies out a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Setting this aside helps you add them slowly later and avoid any lumps. This simple combo forms the base that will give the brownies structure without being dense.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and beat together the Nutella, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything is silky smooth. When I first made this, I was amazed how the mixture becomes glossy — that’s when you know you’re on track!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and the melted salted butter into the Nutella batter. This trick helps keep the batter light and evenly mixed without overworking it. Once combined, your batter should be thick and fudgy — just right.

Step 5: Bake with Care

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes. I usually start checking around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick — you want a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking is the biggest mistake here, so keep an eye!

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool for about an hour. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but patience pays off for clean cuts and perfect spider decorations. Cut the cooled brownies into 16 squares.

Step 7: Assemble Your Spiders

Squeeze a dot of black decorating gel on each brownie square to act like glue. Place one half of an Oreo on top, then add candy eyeballs with a little gel to stick them securely. Use the gel to draw spider legs right on the brownie — this is where your creativity shines! I find it’s easiest to work carefully with a toothpick if you want thinner legs.

How to Serve Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple — the candy eyeballs and Oreo halves do all the work here. But if I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes dust a little powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top to add contrast and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

These brownies stand out on their own, but I adore pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of cold milk. For a party, serving alongside fresh berries adds a nice pop of freshness to balance all the chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween, I plate these brownies on a black or orange platter and sprinkle crushed Oreos around to mimic a spider web. Another fun idea is to serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at parties — my kids love that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps retain their fudgy texture without drying out. If you want to keep the spider toppers intact, store decorated brownies separately from undecorated ones.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these brownies both decorated and undecorated. For best results, freeze undecorated brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then decorate fresh. This prevents candy eyes or gel from melting or becoming sticky.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, I usually just let them sit out for a bit if chilled. If you prefer warm brownies, heat an undecorated piece for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Avoid heating with the spider decorations on — they can melt and lose shape!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Spider Brownies Recipe remains one of my personal favorites because it’s not only scrumptious but also so playful and fun to make — it’s like a mini art project with an incredible end result. Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party or just craving a special treat, I can’t recommend it enough. I hope you enjoy creating these just as much as I do — grab your ingredients, and let’s get those delicious spider brownies ready to haunt your taste buds in the best possible way!

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