Nutella Brownie Cake

If you want a rich chocolate dessert that feels special but is easy to make, this Nutella Brownie Cake is the answer. Layers of fudgy brownies, creamy spread, and fluffy hazelnut mousse will have everyone going back for another slice.

This post was first published in March 2016. It was updated and republished in February 2026.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love A Brownie Mousse Cake
• Main Ingredients
• Fun Variations
• How To Make a Nutella Brownie Cake
• BruCrew Tips
• Storing and Freezing
• More Nutella Desserts
• Recipe

Nutella is one of those things that once you try it, you'll wonder how you lived without it. Ok, maybe that's just me. Fun fact: The spread was created during WWII, when a baker in Italy mixed hazelnuts with cocoa to make it last longer.

The chocolate hazelnut spread makes the best desserts. I used it a few years ago when I wanted to impress everyone at our small group dinner with a chocolate dessert. The best part was that it looked fancy but was actually so easy to make.

I baked chocolate chip brownies in a springform pan, then added hazelnut spread and a fluffy Nutella mousse. To make it look extra special, I topped it with a handful of fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

This layered Nutella brownie is so easy to make in one pan. It can be chilled ahead of time and slices beautifully for serving. If you are looking for a stunning dessert for birthdays, holidays, or dinner with friends, this recipe is perfect.

Main Ingredients

Here are the basic ingredients you will need to make this Nutella brownie mousse cake recipe. Scroll down to find the printable recipe card with the amounts and instructions.

• Brownie Layer: Use melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, and vanilla extract to make a homemade brownie recipe. A store-bought 8x8 mix works just as well if you want to save time.
• Nutella: You can find this sweetened hazelnut spread in the same aisle as peanut butter in most grocery stores.
• Cream Cheese: You will need one block of full-fat cream cheese. Set it out ahead of time to soften to room temperature so it mixes easily.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mousse layer.
• Cool Whip: Use one thawed container of the fluffy white stuff in the mousse. You can also make a double batch of this homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
• Raspberries: The flavor of fresh berries and hazelnut spread works so well together.

How To Make a Nutella Brownie Cake

Follow our simple recipe, and in just a few steps, you will have this amazing brownie mousse ready to enjoy with friends or family.

Bake the Brownie Layer

• Preheat your oven and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
• Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Then bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Use a knife to loosen the edge of the pan and remove the ring. Lift out the brownies and remove the parchment paper.
• Place the brownie layer back in the pan, then put the sides back on.

Add the Nutella Layer

• Once the brownies are completely cool, spread a layer of hazelnut spread evenly over the top.
• Place the pan in the fridge for about 20 minutes to help the spread firm up before adding more layers.

Make the Nutella Mousse

• Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the spread and powdered sugar and mix again.
• Gently fold the Cool Whip into the chocolate mixture until no streaks remain.
• Spread the fluffy mousse over the chilled chocolate layer and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
• Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or until the layers are set.

Garnish and Serve

• Before serving, remove the sides of the springform pan.
• Top the cake with fresh raspberries and dust with powdered sugar. The bright berries add a fresh contrast to all the chocolate.
• For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then cut. Repeat between slices.

Storing and Freezing

Keep the brownie cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dessert is perfect to make ahead because the layers set up as it chills. Just add the fresh berries right before serving.

This hazelnut mousse dessert can also be frozen. Freeze it on a tray for 30-60 minutes, then wrap the outside edges with a sheet of parchment paper to protect the mousse. Wrap the entire cake in layers of plastic wrap and foil and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

More Nutella Desserts

• Coconut Nutella Brownies
• Nutella Popcorn
• Banana Nutella Quesadillas
• Coconut Nutella Cookies
• Nutella Buttercream Frosting

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