Outrageous Nutella Brownies

Step 1: Grease a 20 cm/8-inch square pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.

Step 2: Scrape the hazelnut chocolate spread into the pan and spread it evenly. Freeze for 1 hour or until solid.

Step 3: Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab onto a plate, then return it to the freezer; it softens quickly.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F for a standard oven, or 160°C/320°F for a fan-forced or convection oven.

Step 5: Line the same pan again with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.

Step 6: Place the butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts until almost melted, then stir to finish melting and combine the butter with the chocolate.

Tip: The recipe notes that this takes about 1 minute.

Step 7: Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla, then whisk to combine.

Step 8: Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then whisk to combine. A few lumps are fine.

Step 9: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or egg flip to lift the frozen hazelnut chocolate spread slab and place it on top. Cover with the remaining batter.

Step 10: Bake for 35 minutes. Insert a skewer into the center to check for doneness: it should come out with mostly pale-brown spread and a little dark-brown brownie smear.

Step 11: Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out. Cool for at least another 45 minutes, then cut into 16 pieces (4 by 4) and serve.