A wise person once said, “Italians do it better.” Just kidding… no shade to France. I’ve spent plenty of time falling in love with the beauty — and the sweets — of that country. But today? We’re giving French Silk Pie a little Italian twist. The French have silk, Spain has spice, and Italy? Italy has hazelnuts. Meet the Italian Silk Pie — because, well, maybe Italians do do it better.
Fun Fact: French Silk Pie isn't actually from France. Instead of coming from the middle of Europe, it comes from the Midwest of the US. It got the “French” added to its name because of the silky and elegant texture of the dessert, not the origin.
We took the classic dessert and put a spin on it using a worldwide favorite, Nutella, and to celebrate Italy’s iconic hazelnuts in every luscious bite of this pie. I was born in the States with Italian roots, so this Italian Silk Pie shares a similar backstory to the dessert that inspired it. Here’s how to make this creamy, Nutella-packed Italian Silk Pie.
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🍫 Ingredients
Inspired by the classic French Silk Pie but with an Italian twist, this dessert celebrates the magic of hazelnuts and Nutella. If you’ve ever searched for a Nutella French Silk Pie, you’re in the right place — this Italian-inspired version takes the silky, chocolatey layers you love and gives them a creamy, hazelnut twist with mascarpone and Nutella. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to bring this luscious pie to your table.
- Nutella
- Mascarpone
- Heavy Cream
- Hazelnuts
See recipe card for quantities.
✨ Why Italian Silk Pie?
The inspiration for Italian Silk came from wanting a no-bake, cool, and refreshing pie that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Bring this along to any BBQ or get-together, and it’s sure to become a favorite. With no oven needed and a light, airy filling, it’s never too heavy — even when the heat is on. Plus, just another excuse to use that Nutella!
Nutella French Silk Pie, the Italian Way
This isn’t your average French silk pie — this version uses Nutella and mascarpone for a uniquely Italian spin, served cold in a buttery shortbread crust.
How to make Italian Silk Pie
- Step 1: Add the chocolate ganache to the crust. Allow it to cool.
- Step 2: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over top.
- Step 3: Next, spread the Nutella Mascarpone over the ganache.
- Step 4: Top with whipped cream.
- Step 5: Drizzle with the hazelnut topping, edge the pie with chopped hazelnuts, and finish it off with Ferrero Rocher or any decorative chocolates you like for a final touch.
Nutella, No-Bake, and Everything In Between
🧊 The Magic of Icebox Pies
No oven? No problem. Italian Silk Pie fits right into that dreamy icebox dessert category—a cool, creamy treat layered into a buttery shortbread crust. When the temps are high and the idea of baking feels like too much, this pie is your sweet escape.
🌞 A No-Bake Pie Made for Heatwaves
Hot day, last-minute invite, or just craving something chilled? This Nutella and mascarpone filling sets up beautifully in the fridge and feels light and airy, even when it’s sweltering out. It’s the kind of dessert that’s made for summer, no oven required.
🎉 Bring the Dolce Vita to Your Summer Parties
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, pool day, or Labor Day get-together, this pie brings that Italian dolce vita energy. Topped with Ferrero Rocher or chopped hazelnuts, it feels a little extra without any stress. It’s casual, make-ahead friendly, and looks stunning on the table.
🌰 Nutella, Hazelnuts & an Italian Twist
This pie brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, silky vibe of a French silk pie and the warm, nutty soul of Italian flavors. Nutella, mascarpone, and hazelnuts melt together in a chilled filling that’s smooth, light, and full of flavor. The shortbread crust gives it just the right bite.
💡 Hosting Tip: Keep This One in Rotation
This isn’t just a summer dessert—it’s the kind you’ll want to serve all year. It’s perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, or even that random weeknight when you want to treat your people. Easy, reliable, and always a hit. While this sweet treat seems like the ideal soulmate for hot summer days, I’ll take a slice of this chilled Nutella Italian Silk Pie any time of year.
Storage
Italian Silk Pie will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
Real Tip
Let it chill overnight if you can — it slices cleaner and tastes even better. Four hours work, but overnight hits different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely — while I call it Italian Silk Pie because of the mascarpone and hazelnut roots, it’s definitely inspired by a Nutella French Silk Pie concept.
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📖 Recipe
Italian Silk Pie: A Nutella Twist on French Silk Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 Shortbread Crust, pre-made
Nutella Ganache
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Hazelnuts, chopped
Mascarpone Filling
- 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
- ¾ cup Nutella
- 2 tablespoon Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Topping
- ¾ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Hazelnut Topping * See notes
- Hazelnuts, chopped
- Ferraro Roche Chocolates, optional
Instructions
- Place your pre-made shortbread crust on a plate or pie dish, ready to fill.
- Warm the Nutella and heavy cream together until smooth. Pour enough to cover the bottom of the crust.
- Mix the mascarpone, nutella, vanilla and powdered sugar. Whip the heavy cream separately until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold the whipped cream into the Nutella Mascarpone mixture together until well combined.
- Spread the filling over the ganache layer, smoothing it out evenly. Top with the whipped cream.
- Drizzle nutella topping on top, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts around the edges, and add Ferrero Rocher or your favorite chocolates.
Ty says
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