Ultimate No-Bake Nutella Pie: A Rich, Creamy, & Effortlessly Delicious Dessert Recipe
Prepare to be utterly captivated by this sensational No-Bake Nutella Cream Cheese Pie. Imagine a dessert so rich, so incredibly creamy, and bursting with the irresistible flavor of Nutella – yet so surprisingly simple to create, requiring absolutely no oven time! This is the kind of sweet treat that effortlessly elevates any occasion, making you look like a pastry pro without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe is designed for success, promising a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite no-bake masterpiece!
The journey to discovering this incredible Nutella pie began with a friend in an online Mom’s group, whose unwavering praises for this dessert echoed across our virtual community. She stumbled upon the recipe during her last pregnancy, finding it the ultimate answer to her most intense Nutella cravings. For many months, I longed to try this fabled creation, but timing, or rather, my husband’s penchant for raiding the Nutella jar prematurely with his midnight spoon, always seemed to thwart my efforts. Finally, the stars aligned: I remembered to gather all the necessary ingredients, and the Nutella jar remained untouched until its designated purpose. How wonderfully providential!
Of course, I couldn’t resist putting my own signature spin on the classic. I opted for a homemade graham cracker crust, which offers an unparalleled texture and flavor, and added a luscious Nutella ganache drizzle on top for an extra layer of decadence. The result? Absolutely amazing! Each bite was a delightful symphony of flavors – so delicious, so dreamy, and undeniably addictive. My husband, who is usually quite discerning about desserts, was utterly astonished. “Where had this Nutella pie been all of our lives?” he exclaimed, a sentiment I wholeheartedly shared.
Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of this No Bake Nutella Pie is its incredible ease of preparation. Forget about preheating ovens, complicated techniques, or hours spent slaving in the kitchen. With just a little bit of prep time, and absolutely ZERO baking required, your Nutella Pie will be neatly tucked away in the refrigerator, patiently chilling to perfection. For a dessert that tastes like it took you all day to create, but in reality demands minimal effort, it’s truly a game-changer. Not bad, my friends, not bad at all.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This No-Bake Nutella Pie
- Effortlessly Easy: True to its name, this is a no-bake wonder. No oven, no complex steps, just simple mixing and chilling. Perfect for beginners or busy individuals.
- Rich & Decadent: The combination of creamy Nutella, smooth cream cheese, and light whipped topping creates an incredibly luxurious texture and a deep, satisfying chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Nutella is a universally loved spread, making this pie an instant hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to holiday celebrations.
- Perfect for Any Season: Since it doesn’t require baking, it’s an ideal dessert for warm summer months when you want to avoid turning on the oven, but it’s equally comforting and satisfying year-round.
- Customizable: While amazing on its own, this pie is a fantastic canvas for various toppings and crust variations, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.
Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Dream Pie
- Nutella: This is the star of our show! You’ll need a standard 13oz jar of Nutella for the luscious filling. If you plan to elevate your pie with the optional Nutella ganache, you’ll want to have a little extra on hand. I always recommend buying the largest jar available – not just for the best value, but also for those inevitable “spoon straight to jar” moments later! Using a food scale, like this one, ensures precise measurement and makes sure you get every penny’s worth. The rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread provides the signature flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture to the pie.
- Cream Cheese: For optimal results in no-bake desserts, it’s crucial to use a full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. This type is denser and firmer compared to the whipped cream cheese found in tubs, which contains more air and moisture. The brick-style cream cheese provides the necessary structure and creamy body for your pie to set perfectly, ensuring a delightful, stable consistency. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth filling.
- Whipped Topping: My go-to is the “Cool Whip” brand, primarily because it’s designed to be stable and holds its shape exceptionally well, which is vital for a no-bake pie. However, feel free to use any other frozen whipped topping you prefer. The key is to ensure it is completely thawed before you begin preparing the filling. This ingredient adds a light, airy texture to balance the richness of the Nutella and cream cheese, creating a truly irresistible filling.
- Graham Crackers: To create an authentic and delicious homemade crust, you’ll need one full sleeve of graham crackers. If you happen to have pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs, approximately 1 cup + 2 tablespoons should suffice. The fine crumbs will form the foundational, slightly sweet, and perfectly crunchy base for your pie.
- Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of melted butter to bind the graham cracker crumbs together. I typically use salted butter as it subtly enhances the overall flavor profile, but unsalted butter works just as well if that’s what you have in your pantry. The butter ensures the crust holds its shape and provides a rich, buttery taste.
- Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar is added to the graham cracker crust mixture. This touch of sugar not only provides a lovely, lightly sweetened flavor but also contributes to that desirable “sparkly” appearance and a slightly crisp texture in your homemade crust.
Recommended Equipment for a Seamless Experience:
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving dessert perfection. Here are a few items that will simplify the process of making your Nutella pie:
- Food Processor: Essential for quickly and uniformly crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust. It saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
- Hand Mixer: Perfect for blending the Nutella and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, making light work of the filling preparation.
- Silicone Spatula: Ideal for gently combining ingredients, folding in whipped topping without deflating it, and spreading the filling evenly into the crust.
- Glass Pie Plate: A sturdy and elegant dish that not only bakes (or in this case, chills) your pie beautifully but also makes for a lovely presentation. A standard 9-inch pie plate is perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your No-Bake Nutella Pie
How to Make a Flawless No-Bake Graham Cracker Pie Crust
The crust is the foundation of any great pie, and for a no-bake dessert, a perfectly pressed graham cracker crust is key. It’s simple to make and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 1: Prepare the Crumbs. Begin by adding the full sleeve of graham crackers to the base of your food processor. Sprinkle in the tablespoon of sugar. Pulse the food processor until the graham crackers are transformed into very fine, even crumbs. Consistency here is important for a smooth crust.
Step 2: Combine with Butter. Pour the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle the ½ cup of melted butter over the crumbs. Use a silicone spatula to gently, but thoroughly, combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter. Continue to mix until all of the crumbs are moistened and the mixture starts to come together into a general mass. It should resemble wet sand.
Step 3: Form the Crust. Carefully add the graham cracker crumb mixture to the bottom of a standard glass pie plate. Use your silicone spatula to evenly spread the mixture across the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Then, using your fingers or the bottom of a flat glass, firmly press the crumb mixture into place. The firmer you press, the more cohesive and stable your crust will be once chilled.
Step 4: Chill the Crust. Once the crust is packed in nicely and looks smooth and even, transfer the pie plate to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for a minimum of 10 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it helps the butter solidify, setting the crust firmly in place before you add the filling.
Creating the Irresistible Nutella Pie Filling
This is where the magic happens! The filling is wonderfully smooth, rich, and creamy, making every bite an absolute delight.
Step 1: Blend Nutella and Cream Cheese. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 13oz jar of Nutella with the 8oz of softened brick-style cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, blend these two ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely uniform, smooth, and beautifully fluffy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping. Gently add the 12oz container of thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip) to the bowl with the Nutella and cream cheese mixture. Using a silicone spatula, carefully fold in the whipped topping. The key here is to fold, not stir vigorously, to maintain the light and airy texture of the whipped topping. Continue until the whipped topping is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Step 3: Fill the Crust. Remove your chilled graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Transfer the creamy Nutella filling into the crust. Use your silicone spatula to carefully spread the filling evenly across the entire surface of the crust, creating a smooth and appealing top layer.
Step 4: Final Chill. Cover the Nutella Pie tightly with plastic wrap. This is important to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting your pie and to keep it fresh. Return the covered pie to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for a minimum of 4 hours before serving. This extended chilling time is absolutely essential for the pie to set completely and achieve its perfect firm, yet creamy, consistency.
Adding a Decadent Nutella Ganache
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of gourmet flair and intensified Nutella flavor to your already amazing pie, a simple Nutella ganache is the perfect touch. It’s incredibly easy to make and looks stunning!
You will need:
- Nutella (additional to the pie filling)
- Heavy Cream (also known as whipping cream)
Yup! That’s it – just two ingredients for a luxurious topping!
To prepare the ganache: Add ¼ cup of Nutella to a small, microwave-safe bowl. Warm it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make it slightly more fluid. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of cold heavy cream. Stir vigorously with a spoon or small whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The key is to achieve a pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add additional heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the ganache drips smoothly off your spoon. Be careful not to add too much cream, or it will be too thin.
You have two options for applying the ganache:
- For a full ganache top: Drizzle the ganache evenly over the entire Nutella Pie after it has chilled for 1-2 hours. Allow it to set with the pie for the remaining chilling time. This creates a beautiful, glossy layer over the whole pie.
- For individual servings: Wait for the pie to fully chill for the recommended 4 hours. Just before serving each slice, gently warm the ganache again if needed and drizzle it artfully over each individual portion. This allows for a fresh, warm ganache contrast with the cold pie.
The rich, glossy ganache not only looks sophisticated but also enhances the overall Nutella experience, making your pie truly unforgettable.
Helpful Substitutions to Customize Your Pie
While this recipe is perfect as written, sometimes you need options! Here are some smart substitutions to fit your needs:
- Whipped Cream for Whipped Topping: If you prefer to use homemade whipped cream over frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip, you absolutely can! However, for a no-bake pie that needs to hold its shape and last for several days in the fridge, it’s essential to use stabilized homemade whipped cream. Unstabilized whipped cream will weep and collapse over time, affecting the pie’s texture. There are several easy methods to stabilize whipped cream, often involving unflavored gelatin, cornstarch, or cream of tartar. You can find excellent guides on how to do this, for example, here are several ways to stabilize your homemade whipped cream to ensure your pie remains perfectly set.
- Prepared Graham Cracker Crust: In a pinch, a store-bought prepared graham cracker crust is a great time-saver! While a homemade crust offers superior flavor and texture, a pre-made one will get the job done when time is of the essence. Be mindful that most commercial crusts come in shallower pans. You might need to purchase a deeper-dish style crust to accommodate all the filling, or alternatively, divide the filling between two standard prepared crusts to avoid overflow.
- Lighter Version: For those looking to enjoy this delicious pie with fewer calories or less fat, several substitutions can be made. Opt for sugar-free or fat-free frozen whipped topping (like light Cool Whip), use low-fat graham crackers, and substitute the regular brick-style cream cheese with a light or Neufchâtel cream cheese. These swaps will result in a slightly different texture but will still deliver a wonderfully satisfying dessert experience.
Exciting Variations to Explore
Get creative with your no-bake pie! This recipe is a fantastic starting point for other delicious no-bake creations:
- Nutella Pie with an Oreo Crumb Crust: For a different chocolatey dimension, replace the graham crackers in this recipe with 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of crushed Oreo crumbs. The dark chocolate flavor of the Oreos pairs magnificently with the hazelnut richness of the Nutella, creating an even more decadent treat. You can even leave the cream filling in the Oreos when crushing for extra richness!
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie: If you’re a peanut butter enthusiast, this variation is a must-try. Simply substitute the Nutella in the filling entirely with creamy peanut butter. The resulting pie will be a delightful blend of sweet and salty. Consider topping it with a peanut butter ganache (using peanut butter and heavy cream) and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost. This variation is a classic for a reason!
Serving, Storage, and Make-Ahead Tips
How to Serve Your Nutella Pie
Once your No-Bake Nutella Pie is perfectly chilled and set, it’s ready to be the star of your dessert table! Serve slices on their own to let the rich flavors shine, or enhance them with additional toppings. A drizzle of the homemade Nutella ganache (as described above) is always a fantastic choice. You could also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts, or even some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a bright, contrasting note. A side of a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk makes for the perfect accompaniment.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is key to keeping your Nutella Pie fresh and delicious. Always keep your pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing refrigerator odors and helps maintain its creamy texture. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your No-Bake Nutella Pie will stay fresh and delightful for 3-4 days. However, in my experience, it rarely lasts that long – it’s just too tempting!
Can You Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This No-Bake Nutella Pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert, which makes it perfect for entertaining or when you want to plan ahead. You can prepare the entire pie, including the ganache (if using over the whole pie), up to 24-48 hours in advance. Just ensure it’s thoroughly covered and refrigerated. The flavors will actually meld and deepen over time, making it arguably even better on the second day. If you plan to drizzle ganache on individual slices, you can prepare the base pie up to 3-4 days ahead and make the ganache fresh just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions you might have about making this no-bake Nutella pie:
- Do I really need to use brick-style cream cheese? Yes, for best results in no-bake pies, brick-style cream cheese is highly recommended. Its denser consistency provides the necessary structure for the pie to set firmly. Whipped or spreadable cream cheese contains more air and moisture, which can result in a softer, less stable pie.
- How do I ensure my cream cheese is softened enough? Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you plan to use it. If you’re in a hurry, you can unwrap it, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave it on a low setting (e.g., 50% power) for 10-15 second intervals until just softened, but not melted.
- Can I freeze this Nutella pie? Yes, this pie freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely chilled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- My ganache is too thick/too thin, what do I do? If your ganache is too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream (half a teaspoon at a time) and stir until it reaches the desired pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try adding a little more Nutella, or chilling it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust? No problem! You can place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag, seal it, and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until they form fine crumbs.
More Easy No Bake Desserts to Delight You:
If you love the simplicity and deliciousness of this Nutella pie, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic no-bake dessert options:
- Chocolate Chip No Bake Cheesecake – Another creamy, dreamy no-bake cheesecake that’s packed with chocolate chips for a delightful texture.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – Lil’ Luna – A fun and whimsical layered dessert that requires minimal effort and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- No Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert – Sweet Ordeal – A refreshing and fruity no-bake treat that’s bright, tangy, and bursting with blueberry flavor.
- Chocolate Lasagna – The Kitchen Snob – Layers of chocolate cookie crust, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping make this a true chocolate lover’s paradise.
No Bake Nutella Pie
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Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 sleeve graham crackers 9 sheets
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Nutella Pie Filling
- 13 oz jar Nutella
- 8 oz brick style cream cheese softened
- 12 oz container frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed
Optional Nutella Ganache
- ¼ cup nutella
- 2-4 tbsp. heavy cream
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
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Add the graham crackers and sugar to the base of a food processor.
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Process the graham crackers until crushed finely.
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Add the graham cracker crumbs to a medium sized bowl and pour in the melted butter.
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Use a silicone spatula to combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter together until all of the crumbs are moistened.
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Add the graham mixture to the bottom of a standard pie plate. Evenly spread the graham crackers around, and press them lightly into the edges and bottom of the plate. Smooth over and firmly pat down with your fingers.
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Place the pie plate in the fridge and let chill for approximately 10 minutes.
The Filling:
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Add the softened cream cheese and nutella to a large mixing bowl.
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Use a hand mixer to whip the nutella and cream cheese together until uniform, smooth, and fluffy.
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Add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl.
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Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is completely smooth.
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Remove the chilled pie crust from the fridge and add the nutella pie filling into the crust. Gently spread it evenly over the crust.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap and return to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.
Nutella Ganache:
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If you are choosing to make the Nutella ganache for topping the pie, allow the pie to chill for 1-2 hours before preparing.
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To prepare the Nutella ganache, add the Nutella to a small bowl.
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Pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and stir well to incorporate. Keep adding heavy cream, little by little and stirring in between additions, until you reach a pourable consistency.
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Immediately drizzle over the Nutella pie, and allow to chill for the remaining time. You may also choose to serve the Nutella ganache drizzle over each individual serving instead. In that case, wait for the pie to finish chilling the full 4 hours.
Notes
If you have purchased a box of crumbs rather than full size graham crackers, you can use 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs to make the crust.
Storage:
Keep your Nutella Pie covered tightly and refrigerated. It will store like this for 3-4 days, but it won’t last that long! 🤣
Adapted From: Easy No Bake Nutella Pie
Nutrition
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