3 Ingredient Brownies Recipe + Video (Only 5 Minutes to Prep)
3 Ingredient Brownies are moist, chewy, chocolatey, and oh-so-fudgy! Even better, they come together in just 5 minutes. 3 ingredient Nutella brownies are sweet enough to be a treat but not overly decadent. Definitely my top choice of easy brownie recipes with few ingredients!
The recipe card proves that you only need 3 simple ingredients to make these healthy brownies!
You’ll be treating your sweet tooth in no time at all! Traditional brownies are great – but these 3-ingredient brownies show that healthy desserts are amazing as well.
I love that there are no extra added sugars, and you just need pantry staples to whip them up.
And while leftover brownies are always good, I highly doubt that you’ll have any left! The first time that I made these, I baked them up as easy afternoon snacks.
Everyone agreed that the chewiness of the brownies was an instant favorite – and as soon as they were cool to the touch on the cooling rack, we were gobbling them up.
It’s quickly become one of our favorite desserts, and all our taste buds agree that they’re so good!
3 Ingredient Brownies
I love making homemade brownies, but sometimes I want to whip something up really quick and head out the door in a few minutes.
Easy brownie recipes with few ingredients come out just as delicious without all the effort!
These 3 ingredient Nutella brownies come together so easily and the taste is spectacular — all the fudgy flavor and texture, plus a hint of hazelnut from the chocolate spread.
Another brownie recipe I love is my buckeye brownie recipe (chocolate peanut butter)
Or if you want to spice up the basic chocolate brownie, our Black Forest Cherry Brownies add the pizazz you’re looking for! Rich, fudgy chocolate with sweet cherries throughout for a dessert bar that’s interesting and addictive!
While you’re on a 3-ingredient kick, try my easy fudge recipe or these delectable peanut butter cookies. I also have about a dozen 2-ingredient recipes for you to try!
Recipe Video
To see us make this three ingredient brownie recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Hazelnut Spread – Instead of cocoa powder, Nutella provides rich chocolate flavor and the fat needed to make these deliciously fudgy.
- Eggs – Make sure to use large eggs so the yolks are big enough. You can even toss in an extra yolk if you’d like!
- Flour – Use the spoon and level method to ensure your flour is measured properly. Regular all-purpose is perfect, or substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free blend.
- Salt – This is optional, but it really helps balance the flavors so each three ingredient brownie isn’t overly sweet.
If you wanted to alter or add some other ingredients, you could experience adding some almond butter, maple syrup, or even unsweetened cocoa powder.
The maple syrup would add a nice natural sweetness, and the cocoa powder would turn this into a fudgy treat.
You could even sprinkle some chocolate chips on top or some flaky salt for a sweet and salt combo.
There are always ways to make this an even more decadent treat, but keep in mind that for the best results, following the steps on the recipe card below is ideal.
That way, you only need a handful of ingredients.
Three Ingredient Brownie Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use the right tools.
All you have to do is dump the ingredients in a bowl, mix, and pour the batter into the pan. However, overmixing will lead to tough brownies every single time.
Wooden spoons and silicone spatulas are the best tools for the job.
Break up the egg yolks first, then slowly stir the ingredients together until there are no more streaks of flour. It’s fine if there are still a few lumps.
- Bring eggs to room temperature.
This small step makes a big difference in the consistency of your brownie batter!
Remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before starting the recipe.
To speed up the process, you can crack them into the bowl. Just keep the bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap so nothing gets in there!
- Slice with ease!
Have you ever tried to cut brownies straight out of the oven? You pretty much end up with a mess of a brownie pan.
I used to have the same problem until a friend of mine gave me a tip. Cut them with a disposable plastic knife!
Unlike metal knives, the plastic cuts through these 3 ingredient brownies like butter and does not tear up the edges — even when they are hot.
I do my best to cut them into equal portion sizes for easy removal, but no matter what, we all want those corner pieces that only happen in a square pan!
Good thing there are four corners to share of this sweet treat.
3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies FAQ
A higher fat-to-flour ratio is the best way to get fudgy brownies that are still baked properly — not underbaked.
You need to rely on chocolate (not cocoa powder), butter, and/or eggs to achieve this when making easy brownie recipes with few ingredients.
For 3 ingredient Nutella brownies, there’s plenty of fat in the hazelnut spread and egg yolks to make this happen.
If you prefer cakey brownies, use a bit more flour plus some baking powder for lift.
With the toothpick test! Grab a regular wooden toothpick and insert it into the very center of your three ingredient brownies.
There should be a few moist crumbs stuck to the surface with a smear of brown color. If the toothpick is coated in wet batter, they need more time in the oven.
You do not want the toothpick to come out totally clean (like a cake). By the time they cool, your three ingredient brownies will end up being dry.
Storing and Freezing Three Ingredient Brownies
Transfer sliced 3 ingredient brownies to an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months! Wrap each three ingredient brownie in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave if you want it warm again.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Dessert Recipes
3 Ingredient Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 heaping cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- PREPARE OVEN AND PAN: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray until the bottom and sides look shiny, about 30 seconds of spraying. Set the pan aside.
- MIX NUTELLA AND EGGS: Crack 2 large eggs into a medium bowl and break up the yolks with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Add 1 1/4 cups Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread and stir slowly until the mixture looks smooth and glossy with no streaks of egg, about 1 minute. The batter turns a rich, even chocolate brown when it is ready.
- ADD FLOUR AND SALT: Add the 1/2 heaping cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the bowl. Stir slowly just until no streaks of flour remain, about 30 seconds. A few small lumps are fine. Stopping here keeps the brownies soft and fudgy, and the gentle stirring gives you tender brownies every time.
- FILL THE PAN: Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan. Use the spatula to spread it into the corners until the top looks level and the batter sits in an even layer.
- BAKE: Bake for 20 minutes, until the top looks set with a thin, papery crust and the kitchen fills with the aroma of chocolate and toasted hazelnut. A toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Moist crumbs mean fudgy brownies once they cool.
- COOL AND CUT: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes, until the pan feels warm but comfortable to touch. Cut into 16 squares with a disposable plastic knife. The plastic blade glides through like butter and keeps every edge clean, even while the brownies are warm.
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2015, updated and republished September 2024
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Welcome!
We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
Is there something that can be used instead of Nutella? I am allergic to nuts
Hi Brad, I have not tested any nut-free substitutes. I would suggest trying our Lazy Day Brownies. They are my go-to recipe and I know you would love them! http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/05/lazy-day-brownies.html
Enjoy and let us know how it goes!
Donna, in my book, "YOU ROCK" because you made this recipe So Simple, Thanks, keep up the good work!
hey can i use melted chocolate? i mainly just looking to use a valentine chocolate
Hello Ms.Donna,Thank You for all you do to keep TSRI up and running.It takes alot of your Time away from family, and other things you do. But there is one thing I would like to comment on. Please keep Rude comments people to yourselves. Not fair to Donna to See the Backlash from you with her recipes. Donna keep doing what you do.Always Enjoy what you have for Us. God Bless.
Thanks
Do you mix it by hand or use a electric mixer?
Is there a healthier or organic substitute to Nutella? There's a lot of fat in that spread.
If she’s allergic to Nutella which contains nuts there’s a huge chance she’s allergic to peanut butter too.
Its a 3 ingredient brownie ….
WOW! This recipe looks yummy ! And, very simple! Perfect!
I only wanted the recipe,not dozens of critical remarks about how many ingredients there are. I also wanted to know how you liked them. Also can you double the recipe in a 9×12 pan? Good grief,doubling the recipe might make me go bankrupt! Just kidding.A recipe is made to just follow,motto change. Then it's not the same recipe. Geez!
This is the easiest and best way to make brownies. I will never buy a boxed mix again. It’s all stuff you probably have in your cabinet so it’s so easy to whip up.
I’m allergic to Nutella is there a substitute??
I’m wondering if you could use peanut butter?
Just in the oven now. 3 ingredient brownie x Lynn Cambridge England
These 3 Ingredient Brownies from The Slow Roasted Italian are an absolute game-changer! So easy and incredibly delicious.
Hi Marissa!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed our recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn