Italian Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake Pie

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.

Italian Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake Pie

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min. + chilling
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 large eggs, room temperature, 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

Instructions

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. Bake 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. Spread chocolate mixture over pie; refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, top with hazelnuts.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece (calculated without hazelnuts): 590 calories, 47g fat (25g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.