Pretzel Nutella Brownies

I made these brownies because I love Nutella, pretzels and brownies and these combine all three perfectly! The saltiness of the pretzels enhances the flavor of the chocolate and the pretzel crumb on the bottom adds a lovely crunch in contrast to the fudgy Nutella brownie. I love the look of these brownies because of the golden brown base, the moist dark chocolate brownie and the lighter Nutella and crushed pretzels looks beautiful!

Ingredients

Crumb Base:

- 2 Cups of pretzels

- 1/3 Cup brown sugar

- 55g Melted butter

Brownies:

- 1/2 Cup unsalted butter

- 1/2 Cup brown sugar

- 1/2 Cup caster sugar

- 2 Eggs

- 1/2 Cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spreaad)

- 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

- 1/2 Cup plain flour

- 1/2 Cup cocoa powder

- 1/4 Teaspoon salt

Decorations:

- Extra Nutella

- Extra Pretzels

Equipment

- Brownie tin (approx 20cm x 20cm)

- Baking paper

- Food processor (or rolling pin or anything to pulverize the pretzels to a crumb)

- Saucepan

- Spoons, Forks

- Mixing bowls

First thing to do is to make crumbs out of the pretzels by placing them into a food processor and pulverize them to a fine crumb. Don't worry if there are still some lumps.

Then place them into a mixing bowl (or keep it in the food processor) and add the brown sugar and stir together so the sugar is evenly distributed in the crumbs. Then add the melted butter and stir it all together.

Line the brownie pan with the baking paper and firmly press the pretzel crumb mixture into the pan.

Bake the crumb base for about 12-15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. While this is baking make the brownie mixture.

While the pretzel crumb base is baking make the brownie mixture by placing the butter and sugars in the saucepan and melt on medium low heat, stirring continuously.

Then take the brownie mix off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl mix together the plain flour, cocoa powder and salt together (you can use a whisk to get rid of lumps, saving time by not sieving the dry ingredients).

Once the butter and sugar mixture has cooled, stir in the eggs one at a time and stir after each addition. Then add the vanilla and Nutella and stir. Lastly stir in the dry ingredient mix making sure there are no lumps.

Once the brownie mixture has no lumps pour it over the crumb base and evenly spread it out. Then place in the oven and back for 30-35 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius until an inserted skewer comes out of the brownie clean.

Once the brownie is cooked (check by inserting a wooden skewer) allow it to cool completely or at least 40 minutes. Take out the brownie and place it onto a cutting board. Then add and evenly spread Nutella on top of the brownie. Then either place whole or crushed pretzels on top of the Nutella. Cut the brownies up and serve them to your friends and families!