This Hazelnut Praline Nutella Pie Recipe is the best pie recipe I’ve ever created, perfected and tasted. An Oreo cookie crust is filled with whipping cream, cream cheese, Nutella, homemade hazelnut praline, Frangelico, Ferrero Rocher candies, and then some. Can you imagine all of that luscious deliciousness in one bite!?
When I was growing up — in a time before Nutella was sold almost everywhere — my friend Tanja always brought jars of it home from her visits to family in Germany.
She introduced me to this creamy, oh-so-delicious party in a jar! Nutella will always bring my mind to Tanja’s kitchen . . . and digging right into the jar with a spoon! And as amazing as this Hazelnut Praline Nutella Pie is, to be honest, I still think that might be the best way to eat it!
Chocolate and hazelnuts are one of the most delicious culinary combinations imaginable. I think Nutella is a perfect, brilliant product, and this pie is by far the most exciting dessert I’ve ever made with it! The crust crumbles perfectly, the praline crunches sweetly, and the filling has a silky, smooth, creaminess that’s beyond belief.
And yes, it’s Friday, so I’m also sharing flowers!
For as long as I can remember, Fuchsias have been hanging in baskets in the front yard at my parents’ house. I’ve always thought they were so sweet, beautiful, fun, and exciting. Just like Hazelnut Praline Nutella Pie! (And they’re blooming like crazy right now!)
Whatever entertaining you decide to do this weekend, the pie is a must! Just do it! I promise you’ll be thrilled — as will anyone who’s lucky enough to eat it with you!
What makes this Hazelnut Praline Nutella Pie SO special?
First, thin layer of Nutella and the homemade hazelnut praline is spread over the entire surface of the crust before the filling is added. Second, Ferrero Rocher candies are the garnish — and they are essentially teeny, tiny versions of the pie itself! Finally, the obvious — Nutella is a main ingredient.
Enjoy!
P.S. Here’s my other favorite pie in the world: Peanut Butter S’mores Meringue Pie.
An Oreo cookie crust is filled with whipping cream, cream cheese, Nutella, homemade hazelnut praline, Frangelico, Ferrero Rocher candies, and then some. Can you imagine all of that luscious deliciousness in one bite!?
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2/3 cup hazelnuts, roasted
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 34 Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups Nutella, divided
- 1/2 cup Hazelnut Praline
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Frangelico (Hazelnut Liqueur)
- 6 Ferrero Rocher candies each one cut into fourths
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To make the praline, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and place the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. When the oven is preheated, roast the nuts for approximately 12 minutes. They should be very aromatic and the skins should be cracking. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes, then they can be rubbed together in your hands or in a dish towel, and the skins should flake away. Some skin will remain, and that's okay. Now cover the baking sheet with foil and coat it with the butter. Place the roasted nuts on the buttered baking sheet.
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While the nuts cooling, add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Watch carefully but do not stir and cook until the sugar is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Immediately pour this evenly over the nuts and let stand for at least 20 minutes. It will quickly harden as it cools. Break the praline into smaller pieces and add them to a food processor. Blend just until the praline is in small pieces. (You don't want to blend them too finely -- they should be roughly chopped.) Set aside.
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To make the crust, add the cookies to the bowl of a food processor and blend into very fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the cookie and then pour the mixture into a 9-1/2-inch pie plate. Use your hands to gently form the crust, keeping it an even thickness on the bottom and sides. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes.
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To make the filling, add the cream to a small mixing bowl and whip it just until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 1 1/2 cups of the Nutella with the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Blend until very smooth. Now use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped cream and Frangelico. Set the filling aside while you further prepare the crust.
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Spread an even layer of the remaining 1/2 cup of the Nutella over the crust. Then sprinkle about 3/4 of the praline mixture on the Nutella. The praline should evenly cover the bottom and sides.
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Now add the filling and smooth the top with a small, off-set metal spatula. Sprinkle the remaining praline on top and decorate with the quartered Rocher candies. Let the pie refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Ferrero Rocher candies are a delicious blend of creamy milk chocolate surrounding a whole hazelnut within a crisp wafer -- all covered with more milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts.
Since I try to keep our home gluten-free for my son with Celiac Disease, I make my crust with Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies. They are essentially a gluten-free Oreo, and they're great! (And if you're gluten-free, beware of the wafers in the Rocher candy!)
To save time: You can make the praline up to four days ahead, keeping it covered in a cool, dry place. The crust can be made up to two days ahead. (Cover it with with plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer until you're ready to assemble the pie.) And you can assemble the pie the night before you plan to serve it, keeping it refrigerated and very loosely covered with foil.
Alan Cooke says
August 26, 2011 at 4:18 pmHoly WOW, that looks awesome. I always get suckered in by Nutella, but that is better than I expected…lol Great recipe and wonderful pic 🙂
valentina says
August 26, 2011 at 5:08 pmAww, thanks so much, Alan! 😉
Aimee says
August 26, 2011 at 5:16 pmI had the extreme good fortune to get a taste of this pie last night and let me tell you it is phenomenal! It is a definite MUST for your weekend to-do list.
valentina says
August 28, 2011 at 5:12 amAnd who better to share it with than you, Aimee!
Silver says
August 27, 2011 at 12:39 amLooks absolutely heavenly! Must do this weekend! <3
valentina says
August 28, 2011 at 5:11 amYes, it’s pretty heavenly (if I do say so myself ;-)) — hope you tried it!
sippitysup says
August 27, 2011 at 5:50 pmWell it’s certainly pretty. But I think I am the only person in the world who is afraid of Nutella. Have you ever tried to melt it? GREG
valentina says
August 27, 2011 at 8:29 pmGreg, I’m afraid that you’re afraid of Nutella! 😉 I’ve never melted it, though I’ve mixed it with hot milk for a “hot chocolate” of sorts! I’ve been eating this rich pie for a few days now — so I’ll be making your delicious salads in the days ahead, to recover and feel light and healthy!
nicola says
August 29, 2011 at 9:52 amOMG how good does this look? I’m actually drooling here!
Louis C. McKnight says
September 8, 2011 at 12:08 amI really like your blog!
Amy says
December 5, 2011 at 7:03 pmI made this pie for Thanksgiving dinner. It was unbelievable! Everyone at the table took a bite and there was silence ( my sister is usually in charge of desserts…especially pies) and then praise on how sinfully delicious it was. I had to put a pic my FB page. I had so many friend responses asking for the recipe! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! Oh, my boyfriend fell deeply in love with again after getting his share! He keeps asking when I’m going to make it again. 😉
valentina says
December 6, 2011 at 4:50 amAmy, I love, love this! It was one of our Thanksgiving pies, too! I bet you’ll be the one in charge of desserts now! 😉 xo
Nikki says
February 13, 2012 at 8:22 pmI haven’t been able to find hazelnut praline anywhere, except in a paste – any suggestions?
valentina says
February 13, 2012 at 9:07 pmNikki, the first part of the directions explains how to make the hazelnut praline. It’s not too involved, and you can do that part up to 4 days ahead. You should be able to find hazelnuts in most grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s. Hope you make the pie! 😀
Lara says
March 29, 2012 at 7:56 pmThis recipe looks great! I was starting to get sad as I read, because I just found out I’m gluten intolerant and thought I’d have to forgo the pie because of the crust. I’m glad I kept reading and saw your gluten-free alternative to oreos! Now I’ll have to check out the rest of your recipes too! Thanks!
valentina says
March 29, 2012 at 9:09 pmHi, Lara! Oh I’m so happy your read on! My 8 year old son has Celiac Disease so I’m often experimenting with gluten-free baking. Happy cooking and enjoy this pie!