Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache

I absolutely love sharing this Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe because it captures everything I adore in a dessert: creamy, rich, and just a little bit indulgent. From the buttery Oreo crust to the luscious Nutella filling and silky chocolate ganache, every bite feels like a special treat. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress guests or brighten up any day, and I’m excited to tell you all about why this pie has earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe

What truly makes this Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe stand out is its incredible flavor profile. The way the creamy Nutella filling melts into the smooth, bittersweet ganache topping creates a luscious combination of flavors that feels both comforting and sophisticated. The toasted hazelnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty depth, perfectly complementing the chocolate and creamy textures. Honestly, eating this pie feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug.

Aside from tasting amazing, I find this recipe surprisingly easy to prepare. The crust only requires a quick blitz of Oreos and some melted butter, and the filling comes together with simple folding techniques that anyone can master. Although it needs to chill for several hours, most of the hands-on work is quick and fun, making it perfect for when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. I often serve this for family gatherings or special celebrations because it feels fancy yet approachable, and I always get rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe calls for simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully balanced dessert. Each component—whether the crust, filling, or topping—adds its own essential note, blending into perfect harmony.

• Oreo cookies: Using whole Oreos (not Double Stuf) is key for a crust that’s crunchy yet tender, giving a rich chocolate base.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust ingredients while adding a velvety richness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Chopped finely for the ganache, it provides a smooth, deep chocolate flavor.
• Heavy cream: Essential both for the luscious ganache and the light, airy whipped cream in the filling.
• Full-fat cream cheese: Adds creaminess and subtle tang that balances the sweet Nutella.
• Nutella: The star ingredient, providing that iconic hazelnut-chocolate creaminess.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens gently while keeping the filling smooth.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Toasted hazelnuts: Gives a crunchy texture and extra nutty flavor on top.
• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of this brightens the richness and balances sweetness beautifully.
• Whipped cream: Adds a soft, cloudlike finish for the perfect final touch.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare to make the crust that forms the delicious base of your pie.

Step 2: Using a food processor, pulse 22 Oreos into fine crumbs, making sure to include the creamy filling inside each cookie for added flavor and moisture. Transfer crumbs into a bowl and mix with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until fully combined.

Step 3: Press this Oreo mixture firmly into your 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly for a sturdy, flavorful crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then allow to cool completely on a wire rack before building the pie.

Step 4: For the ganache, place 6 ounces of finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat 3/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer—don’t let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring.

Step 5: After it has softened the chocolate, stir gently until smooth and glossy. Add 1 teaspoon of hazelnut or vanilla extract if you choose for extra depth of flavor. Set the ganache aside to cool and thicken slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 6: Beat 1 cup of cold heavy cream in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form, which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer this whipped cream into a separate bowl to keep aside for folding.

Step 7: In the same mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add 1 1/3 cups of Nutella, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until creamy and uniform.

Step 8: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella-cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Take your time so the filling stays light and fluffy without losing volume.

Step 9: Spread the Nutella filling evenly into the cooled Oreo crust, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 10: Pour the slightly thickened ganache over the filling layer and spread gently to cover completely, creating a beautiful glossy top.

Step 11: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt evenly over the ganache for texture and bright finishing notes.

Step 12: Refrigerate the pie for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow all the layers to set firmly and the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 13: Just before serving, garnish generously with fresh whipped cream. Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy chilled for the best taste and texture.

Servings and Timing

This Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe makes one 9-inch pie that serves approximately 8 people, perfect for sharing with friends or family. The prep time is about 1 hour, including crust making, ganache preparation, and filling assembly. Baking the crust takes 10 minutes, but the pie requires at least 6 hours of chilling time to set properly, so plan for a total time of around 7 hours. This chilling time is crucial for the best texture and flavor development.

How to Serve This Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe

I love serving this Nutella Cream Pie chilled straight from the fridge, as that’s when the filling and ganache are perfectly set and velvety smooth. It’s lovely on its own, but I often like to add a few extras on the side. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you want to get a little fancier, a drizzle of caramel sauce or extra chocolate ganache on the plate adds an elegant flourish.

Presentation-wise, I always like to garnish the pie generously with clouds of freshly whipped cream right before slicing. The toasted hazelnuts on top add that irresistible texture and a rustic touch. For a party or holiday gathering, arranging extra hazelnuts around each slice on the plate feels like a special treat. Using a serrated knife dipped in hot water helps cut through the ganache without cracking the crust, giving you perfect slices every time.

When it comes to beverages, this pie pairs wonderfully with coffee, a rich espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine like a ruby port or a late-harvest Zinfandel. For non-alcoholic pairings, try a creamy chai latte or a sparkling hazelnut-infused water for a harmonious nod to the flavors in the pie. This dessert’s indulgent nature makes it perfect for celebrations, holiday dinners, or any moment when you want to impress with a homemade treat that looks and tastes amazing.

Variations

Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few ways to customize this Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe to fit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, if you want to make this gluten-free, simply swap the Oreo crust for gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies—there are several excellent brands out there. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you don’t lose any of that luscious texture or rich flavor.

If vegan versions are your preference, I recommend using a store-bought vegan chocolate cookie for the crust and swapping the cream cheese and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. For the ganache, use a good-quality vegan dark chocolate and full-fat coconut milk. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it’s delicious in its own right and a fantastic option for friends with dietary restrictions.

Flavor-wise, an easy way to add a twist is by infusing the ganache with a different flavor extract—try espresso or orange for a citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and Nutella. Alternatively, mix in some crushed dark chocolate or finely chopped hazelnuts right into the filling for extra texture. Finally, if you’re short on time, you could skip the ganache and simply top the Nutella cream layer with whipped cream and hazelnuts, making a quicker, lighter version that still tastes great.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your slice, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually cover the entire pie loosely with plastic wrap or place individual slices into small, sealable containers to keep them fresh. This pie will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its texture or flavor, so it’s ideal if you want to prepare it ahead of time or enjoy it for a couple of days after a celebration.

Freezing

Freezing this pie is possible but requires a bit of care to maintain its texture. I recommend freezing it uncut in an airtight pie container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can keep frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve it, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and thaw it overnight slowly. Avoid thawing at room temperature as that can cause the ganache to become too soft or even separate.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so I generally don’t recommend reheating. If you prefer softer ganache, you can let the pie sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the ganache unevenly and make the whipped filling lose its structure. For the best experience, stick to serving it cold or slightly cool so that all the layers maintain their luxurious texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Nutella Cream Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least 6 hours in advance—overnight chilling is ideal to let the flavors meld and the pie set perfectly. Just remember to cover it properly in the fridge to avoid absorbing other odors.

What can I use instead of Oreo cookies for the crust?

If you’re not a fan of Oreos or want to try something different, you can use chocolate graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even crushed shortbread cookies. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly to get a firm but tender crust.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

The cream cheese adds richness and helps stabilize the filling so that it holds its shape when sliced. You could try substituting with mascarpone for a milder flavor or use a combination of silken tofu and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

Can I skip the ganache topping?

You can! While the ganache adds a beautiful shiny finish and intense chocolate flavor, you can simply spread whipped cream over the Nutella filling and still have a delicious pie. To keep it stable, add a bit of powdered sugar to the whipped cream so it holds up better.

How do I toast hazelnuts for the topping?

To toast hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Let them cool, then rub in a clean kitchen towel to remove skins if desired. Chop roughly and sprinkle over the pie for that lovely crunch.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Nutella Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Whipped Cream Recipe a try — it’s one of those desserts that feels both comforting and decadent, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a quiet evening. The combination of creamy Nutella filling, glossy ganache, and crunchy hazelnuts always wins over my family and friends, and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do. So grab your mixing bowl, set aside some time, and prepare to indulge in a slice of happiness.

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