Italian Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake Pie

Name: Italian Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake Pie
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches); TOPPING:; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whole or chopped hazelnuts, toasted

I first prepared an Italian-style cheese pie years ago. When I added a chocolate-hazelnut topping, it proved so popular that I had to give out copies of the recipe.—Steve Meredith, Streamwood, Illinois

Ingredients

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)
TOPPING:
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whole or chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in mascarpone cheese, sour cream, lime juice and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into crust. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, for topping, place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chips; stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature or until mixture thickens to a spreading consistency, stirring occasionally.
Spread chocolate mixture over pie; refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, top with hazelnuts.

Editor's Note

To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Originally published as Italian cheesecake w/ chocolate hazelnut topping in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2014

Reviews

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Average Rating:

amehart

Apr 13, 2018

So easy and SO DELICIOUS!!! We all loved it and I have made twice since the first time. I have been making my own chocolate crumb crust and added coarsely ground roasted hazelnuts to the crust which adds to the flavor. Definitely a keeper and highly recommend this pie!
KathyMor

Dec 23, 2015

This was very easy to make. When I made this I didn't have time to make the chocolate for the top, So I left it plain. It was very good and All my guests loved it! I will be making it for Christmas and again 2 days later. I might try different toppings or I may just leave it plain again. It's a keeper! Thanks for sharing!