No Bake Nutella Pie
Indulge in pure chocolate-hazelnut bliss with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious no-bake pie. Featuring a velvety smooth, rich Nutella and cream cheese filling layered over a crisp chocolate graham cracker crust, it's a dream come true for dessert lovers. Perfect for entertaining or a simple sweet treat, this pie requires minimal effort for maximum delight.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
8 hours (plus chilling time)
Servings
10 smaller slices
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Unbelievably easy to make with no oven required, perfect for any skill level.
- Features a rich, creamy, and irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor from Nutella.
- The two-layer filling creates a delightful texture contrast in every bite.
- Ideal for make-ahead convenience, as it requires significant chilling time.
- A crowd-pleasing dessert that's perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (2 x 225g bars) cream cheese, softened
- 65 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 315 grams (1 1/4 cups) Nutella
- 225 grams (1 carton, 8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 ready-to-use chocolate graham cracker crust (22-25 cm or 9-10 inch)
Instructions
- To prepare the cream cheese for optimal blending, unwrap both blocks and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 30-40 seconds on high power, or until the cream cheese is very softened but not melted. This ensures a lump-free, creamy filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely creamy, smooth, and well combined, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully add the Nutella to the cream cheese mixture in the bowl. Continue to beat with the electric mixer on medium-low speed until the Nutella is fully incorporated and the mixture is homogeneously smooth and a uniform light brown color, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Take approximately half of the prepared Nutella-cream cheese mixture and carefully spread it evenly into the bottom of the ready-to-use chocolate graham cracker pie crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
- Gently fold the entire carton of thawed Cool Whip into the remaining Nutella-cream cheese mixture in the bowl. Use a rubber spatula and a gentle hand to combine them thoroughly, ensuring the mixture remains light and airy.
- Evenly spread this lighter Nutella-Cool Whip mixture on top of the first layer in the pie crust. Smooth out the top with your spatula to create a beautiful, layered appearance.
- Cover the pie securely with the enclosed plastic lid from the pie crust, or tightly with plastic wrap. Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 8 hours. For the best possible set and flavor development, chilling the pie overnight is highly recommended.
- Once thoroughly chilled and firm, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Cut it into slices using a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for clean edges. Serve immediately. This pie is quite rich, so you can often yield 10 smaller, satisfying slices.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Handheld electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula (optional, for spreading)
- Microwave-safe plate
- Sharp knife
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened before mixing to avoid lumps. Microwaving is a quick and effective method.
- Do not overmix the Cool Whip into the Nutella mixture; fold it gently to maintain its airy texture.
- Chilling time is crucial! An under-chilled pie will be too soft to slice cleanly, so plan accordingly.
- For perfectly clean slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.
- Consider using a springform pan for an elegant presentation if you want to remove the pie from the pan before serving.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor profile, add a tiny pinch of sea salt to the cream cheese mixture. It subtly enhances the chocolate and hazelnut notes without making the pie taste salty.
- For a truly professional finish, use a piping bag with a star tip to decorate the top of the pie with a reserved portion of the Nutella-Cool Whip mixture or fresh whipped cream just before serving.
- If you want to make your own graham cracker crust for an extra touch, combine 180 grams (1 1/2 cups) graham cracker crumbs with 70 grams (1/3 cup) melted unsalted butter and 20 grams (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar. Press into the pie plate and chill before filling.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover pie, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Decorations: For an extra touch, garnish the pie with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of extra Nutella, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts right before serving.
- Crust Variation: While a chocolate graham cracker crust is specified, a regular graham cracker crust or even an Oreo crumb crust would also be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can! Use about 360-480 ml (1 1/2 to 2 cups) of heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks with 30-45 grams (2-3 tablespoons) of powdered sugar and 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of vanilla extract. Gently fold it into the Nutella mixture as directed.
How do I know if the cream cheese is soft enough?
The cream cheese should be very soft to the touch, easily dented with a finger, but not melted or warm. It should blend smoothly with no visible lumps.
Can I freeze this pie?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the Cool Whip might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit watery. For best results, it's recommended to enjoy this pie chilled from the refrigerator. If you do freeze it, cover tightly and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450 per slice, Protein: 6g, Fat: 30g, Carbs: 40g (estimates based on 10 slices, actual values may vary)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy, gluten (from graham cracker crust), and tree nuts (hazelnuts in Nutella). For a gluten-free version, ensure a certified gluten-free graham cracker crust is used. To avoid nuts, an alternative chocolate spread without hazelnuts would be needed.
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