Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie Recipe
The Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie is every chocolate lover’s wildest dream come true—a celebration of rich brownie, silky Nutella mousse, and crunchy hazelnuts all tucked into one unforgettable dessert. It’s a recipe that dazzles at any gathering: a melt-in-your-mouth pie with a chewy brownie crust and cloud-like Nutella cream filling. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or an afternoon treat, this dessert is pure, swoon-worthy decadence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re working with an impressive but totally approachable lineup: every ingredient in this pie matters and brings its own special magic to the finished masterpiece. From the fudgy foundation to the lush filling, here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll be glad it’s there!):
- Brownie mix: The no-fail shortcut to that perfect chewy, chocolatey base—choose your favorite family size box, or go gluten free if needed.
- Dark chocolate chips, melted: This coats the crust in a protective, rich chocolate layer, adding depth and keeping everything extra luscious.
- Cream cheese, room temperature: Blends seamlessly into the filling for a tangy, creamy mousse that balances out the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly and sweetens the creamy filling just enough.
- Instant espresso powder: A pinch wakes up all the chocolate and hazelnut flavors without leaving a coffee taste—don’t skip this secret weapon!
- Salt: Just a dash makes every bite pop and keeps things from turning cloying.
- Nutella: The star! That iconic chocolate-hazelnut cream delivers the unmissable flavor that’s the heart of the pie.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to billowy perfection, it turns your filling into a mousse that’s pure silk on the tongue.
- Chopped hazelnuts (optional): Sprinkle for a final flourish—crunchy, nutty, and oh-so-pretty.
How to Make Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Crust
Start by making the brownies according to your box’s instructions, whether you’re using a gluten-free mix or sticking with the classic. Try to aim for the chewy side (not underbaked, but not dry) for the best texture. This brownie base is going to hold up the decadent layers that follow!
Step 2: Form the Crust and Prep for Filling
While the brownies are still warm and a bit malleable, immediately transfer them into a 9-inch springform pan. Use a spatula—or, honestly, clean hands—for the best control. Press the brownies evenly across the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides. If there’s extra, set those pieces aside—they make an incredible snack or crumble later on top! Let this chill until the pan is cool to the touch.
Step 3: Seal with Melted Chocolate
Once your brownie crust is completely cooled, pour the melted dark chocolate chips over the bottom and use a spoon or pastry brush to coat the sides as well. This layer acts like a shield—keeping the crust chewy and lending a deep, glossy chocolate flavor. Pop the whole pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the chocolate sets up beautifully.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
The key to that swoon-worthy, cloudlike Nutella filling? Whipped cream! Using a mixer (electric or stand), whip your heavy cream on high until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds its shape on the whisk and looks light and pillowy. Place it in the fridge while you move on to the next step.
Step 5: Make the Nutella Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, instant espresso powder, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Add the Nutella, scraping down the sides as needed to make sure it’s all incorporated into silky bliss. Your filling base should look rich and shiny at this point.
Step 6: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently add half of the whipped cream to your Nutella mixture, folding with a rubber spatula until it’s nearly combined. Then fold in the rest—don’t rush! Gentle folding keeps things light and airy, just like a chocolate-hazelnut cloud. Keep at it until no streaks remain and you can hardly wait to taste it.
Step 7: Assemble and Chill
Spoon the Nutella filling into your chilled brownie crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula for bakery-style vibes. Slide the whole masterpiece into the fridge to set for at least 4 hours—this step is non-negotiable for that perfect slice!
Step 8: Finish and Enjoy!
When the Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie is set, scatter the top with chopped hazelnuts and any reserved brownie crumbles for a little texture and crunch. Slice, serve, and wait for the sky-high praise!
How to Serve Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie
Garnishes
Finish your pie with a flourish! A drizzle of extra Nutella, a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, and maybe even a few chocolate curls take your Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie from delightful to showstopper. A bit of powdered sugar dusted on top can add a snowy effect that’s perfect for holidays or special nights.
Side Dishes
The richness of this pie begs for something light and fresh alongside it. Think ripe strawberries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or just a little dollop of whipped cream. The contrast in textures and flavors balances every bite and makes dessert even more indulgent, if that’s possible!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the experience, slice your Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie and stack the wedges on a fancy platter, then garnish the plate with fresh berries or a swirl of cream. Alternatively, cut into mini squares for a finger-food dessert bar—ideal for parties and buffets where everyone wants a little taste of everything.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and inviting for up to 4 days—just be aware it’s likely to disappear long before then!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie! Wrap it well in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. For best results, freeze individual slices so you can thaw just what you need. It’ll keep well for up to one month. This is the kind of treat you’ll want stashed for emergencies (or midnight cravings).
Reheating
This is a chilled pie, so no reheating necessary (or recommended!). If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge—then serve straight from the refrigerator for that perfect, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a beloved homemade brownie recipe, go right ahead. Just ensure the recipe yields enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan and aim for a slightly chewy texture so the crust holds together well.
Does the espresso powder make the filling taste like coffee?
Nope! The espresso powder simply enhances the chocolate and Nutella flavors, making both pop without adding much coffee taste. If you’re sensitive, feel free to reduce the amount, but even non-coffee drinkers love the subtle boost it gives.
Is it possible to make the Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie gluten free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten free brownie mix and be sure your other ingredients are gluten free. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that irresistibly rich dessert.
Can I prepare the pie the day before?
That’s actually recommended! Letting the pie set and chill overnight gives the flavors time to meld beautifully and makes for cleaner, picture-perfect slices. Just wait to add the garnishes until before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
Do I need a springform pan?
Using a springform pan makes unmolding much easier and keeps the sides neat, but if you don’t have one, you could use a deep-dish pie pan lined with parchment paper for easier removal. The Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie is worth a touch of improvising!
Final Thoughts
Bursting with layers of brownie, Nutella, and the creamiest filling ever, this Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie is a showstopper that always delivers big smiles. I hope you’ll give it a try and let this decadent treat become your new go-to recipe for any celebration—or just because!
Print
Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 9″ pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of a rich brownie crust filled with a luscious Nutella pie mixture, topped with a hint of hazelnuts. This Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Crust:
- 1 family size brownie mix, or two standard sizes (regular or gluten free)
- 1/2 cup (90g) dark chocolate chips, melted
Nutella Pie Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (40g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups (350g) Nutella
- 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, optional
Instructions
- Brownie Crust – Bake the brownies according to the instructions on the box.
- Nutella Pie Filling – Using a hand or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream on high speed until you reach stiff peaks, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
While the brownies are still warm, press them into a 9″ springform pan. Cover the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides. Omit the brownie crusts where you can and they can be saved as a snack or crumbled on top of the pie later.
When the crust has cooled to room temperature, spread a very thin layer of the melted chocolate on the bottom and up the sides of the crust. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.
In a separate bowl, mix together the room temperature cream cheese, sugar, espresso powder, and salt. Then mix in the Nutella.
Scoop half of the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture and fold gently (using a rubber spatula) until it’s almost fully combined. Then fold in the other half of the whipped cream until your mixture is completely smooth and no streaks remain.
Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth out the top. Place in the refrigerator for 4 hours to set.
Once set, top with chopped hazelnuts and/or leftover brownie crumbs. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the pie by adding additional toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- For a quicker version, you can use a pre-made brownie crust instead of baking your own.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Brownie Bottom Nutella Pie, Nutella Pie Recipe, Brownie Crust Pie
