This recipe is a tribute to Nutella, that delicious, chocolate-hazelnut spread meant for kids but secretly loved by adults, too.
Nutella was originally a solid chocolate and hazelnut creation, and later a spread named Supercrema, created in the 1940s by Pietro Ferrero, founder of the Italian chocolate company Ferrero. At that time, cocoa was difficult to obtain due to rationing during World War II. Hazelnuts, however, were abundant in his hometown of Alba in the Langhe region of Italy, and in a case of necessity driving ingenuity Ferrero stretched his chocolate recipe by incorporating them. Nutella as we know it was created in the 1964s by Ferrero’s son, Michele, who envisioned a product that could be sold worldwide.
Over time, hundreds of desserts featuring Nutella have been created. One of the most simple, and a favorite in our household, is crostata alla nutella. This is a variation of the classic Italian jam crostata, or crostata alla frutta, and it uses the same short-bread style crust as torta della nonna. We often make it as a children’s dessert to accompany a more sophisticated dessert for adults, and it never fails that the grown ups grab a slice, too.
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Crostata alla Nutella – Italian Nutella Pie
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A classic Italian hazelnut pie, perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe is easy enough for kids to help with!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (237 ml) flour
- 1/3 cup (80 g) sugar
- 5 1/2 Tbsp (80 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 pouch of Pane Angeli lievito per i dolci (or 2 tsp. baking powder)
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 13 oz (400 g) Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta frolla short-bread crust by placing the flour onto a firm, smooth work surface, or into a large bowl. Add the sugar and pane angeli or baking powder, and mix. Gather the dry ingredients into a mound and form a well in the middle. Add the egg, cubes of butter and lemon zest, and working quickly with your fingers, work the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Mix by hand until the dough forms a homogenous, smooth ball. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 9-11 inch or 26-28 cm fluted-edge tart pan.
- Take 1/3 of the dough and set it aside. Roll out the remaining 2/3 of the pasta frolla and lay it into the tart pan, pressing the bottom and sides tightly against the edges. Spread the Nutella smoothly onto the crust.
- Roll out the remaining dough and cut strips that are about 1/2 inch or 1 cm wide. Arrange the strips of dough on top of the crostata in a lattice pattern, and pinch the edges together.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Take care to not burn the Nutella. Let cool.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the hazelnuts briefly before incorporating them into the Nutella.
- If you don’t have Pane Angeli, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Allow the crostata to cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from being too runny.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of crust is used for the Crostata alla Nutella?
The crust for Crostata alla Nutella is a short-bread style crust, similar to that used in torta della nonna.
How should I store leftover Crostata alla Nutella?
Leftover Crostata alla Nutella can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I use a different type of spread instead of Nutella?
While Nutella is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, but the flavor and texture may vary.
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My kids begged to help with this and we had a blast. Sweet, rich, and so fun to make together. What is not to love!
Love Italian food, love pies, love Nutella = the perfect recipe!
Made this numerous times, great recipe, everyone loves it