The rich, gooey magic of Nutella, combined with the fudgiest brownies ever, baked into a buttery pie crust—now that’s a dessert worth talking about! The Ultimate Nutella Brownie Pie is the kind of treat that steals the show at holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even cozy nights in with a warm drink. I first stumbled upon this idea when brainstorming ways to combine my love for brownies and pies, and honestly, it’s been a hit ever since. Every bite feels indulgent, with layers of chocolatey goodness and that unmistakable Nutella flavor shining through. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner.
Why do I love this recipe so much? It’s simple—you get the best of both worlds. The flaky pie crust provides a delightful contrast to the dense, fudgy brownie filling. Plus, Nutella adds a unique richness that makes this dessert stand out. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and the steps are straightforward enough for even beginner bakers. Trust me, this Nutella Brownie Pie is about to become your new favorite dessert. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Decadent: This pie is loaded with Nutella and a double dose of chocolate—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Holidays: It’s an impressive dessert that looks fancy but doesn’t require hours of work. Your guests will rave about it!
- Customizable: Add toppings like crushed hazelnuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel for a personalized touch.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can bake it in advance and store it, making holiday prep a breeze.
What sets this Nutella Brownie Pie apart is the balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just another brownie recipe—it’s a dessert masterpiece. The flaky crust adds a buttery, slightly savory note that perfectly complements the fudgy Nutella filling. It’s indulgent, yes, but somehow it doesn’t feel overwhelming. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dessert that gets compliments before it’s even been sliced?
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dessert that feels anything but ordinary.
- Pie crust: One pre-made pie crust or homemade pie dough (I recommend a buttery, flaky crust for best results).
- Nutella: 1 cup of creamy Nutella (the star of the show!)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted (adds richness to the brownie layer).
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (balances the cocoa’s bitterness).
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (adds moisture and a caramel-like depth).
- Cocoa powder: 1/3 cup, unsweetened (for the ultimate chocolate flavor).
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (the foundation of the brownie layer).
- Eggs: 2 large eggs (binds the filling and adds structure).
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (enhances the overall flavor).
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (balances the sweetness).
If you want to elevate the experience further, consider adding optional toppings like crushed hazelnuts, chocolate chips, or a dollop of whipped cream. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can keep it simple or go all out.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping every bit of Nutella goodness into your pie crust.
- Pie dish: A 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for baking!
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting butter and softening Nutella if needed.
If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a similar-sized cake pan, though the presentation may differ slightly. And don’t worry if you don’t have a whisk—a sturdy fork can work in a pinch!
Preparation Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Warm the Nutella slightly (in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if needed) and gently fold it into the batter. Be sure to leave some streaks of Nutella visible for that marbled effect.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.
And there you have it—your Ultimate Nutella Brownie Pie is ready to impress! Be patient during the cooling process; it’s worth the wait.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Room-Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter mix evenly and bake with a smoother texture.
- Warm Nutella Slightly: Softening the Nutella makes it easier to incorporate into the batter.
- Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking will make the pie dry, so check frequently toward the end.
- Cool Completely Before Serving: Let the pie cool to room temperature to ensure perfect slices without runny filling.
These tips are based on my own trial and error, and trust me, they make all the difference when it comes to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
- Seasonal Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies for a holiday vibe or fresh raspberries for a summer treat.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace Nutella with a chocolate spread made without nuts, such as sunflower seed butter.
I once tried adding a layer of salted caramel beneath the brownie filling—it was a game-changer! Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this Nutella Brownie Pie slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For beverages, a cup of espresso or a glass of cold milk complements the rich flavors perfectly.
To store, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to a month—just thaw and reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
While this pie is definitely a treat, it’s worth noting that Nutella contains hazelnuts, which provide healthy fats. The cocoa adds antioxidants, and using a homemade pie crust can reduce preservatives compared to store-bought options. Estimated nutritional values per slice (based on 8 slices):
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 35g
Keep in mind these values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines indulgence with simplicity, the Ultimate Nutella Brownie Pie is the answer. It’s rich, decadent, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this pie is destined to become a favorite.
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different occasions and preferences. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or share your creations on social media. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time, though homemade will always taste a bit better.
What’s the best way to soften Nutella?
Microwave it for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for a while—it’ll become easier to work with.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
What toppings go well with this pie?
Try whipped cream, crushed hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Swap Nutella for a nut-free chocolate spread, such as one made with sunflower seeds—it’s just as delicious!