Hazelnut Chocolate Pie

chocolate hazelnut pie in a white pie pan with chocolate shavings and chopped hazelnuts on top of a cool whip topping

This easy and delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Pie recipe is made with low-sugar chocolate wafer cookies, egg whites, hazelnuts, and a dairy-free whipped topping.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 220kcal

Author Amee

Ingredients

3 egg whites *from whole eggs, not liquid egg whites
⅛ tsp sea salt
¾ cup brown sugar regular granulated sugar works here, too
¾ cup finely ground chocolate wafer cookie crumbs *I use Stauffer's chocolate animal crackers. See tips in the post for more suggestions.
½ cup chopped hazelnuts
½ tsp real vanilla extract
8 oz container of frozen non-dairy whipped topping Truwhip for a healthier version, but Cool Whip is fine
Dark chocolate bar for grating on top and more chopped hazelnuts, if desired

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Spray a 9" pie pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper (I cut out a circle the same size as the bottom of the pan). Spray the parchment lightly with cooking spray and set the pan aside while you make the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and sea salt at high speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. The egg white mixture will be thick with a nice caramel color.
Fold in cookie crumbs, hazelnuts and vanilla extract.
Pour into the prepared pie pan and bake for 30 minutes or until the center is firm. Cool completely.
Spread whipped topping over the cooled pie. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, before serving. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate and more chopped hazelnuts, if desired.
Store leftovers (if there are any!) in the refrigerator.

Notes

- - - - Getting the egg whites to form "stiff peaks" works best if the bowl is cold.
    - - The secret to the rich, chocolaty "crust" in this pie is ground chocolate animal crackers. If you can't find Stauffer's chocolate animal crackers, look for similar chocolate wafer cookies that are low in sugar. *see post for more suggestions.
    - - Keep the whipped topping chilled until right before you're ready to add it. Cool whip will slowly but surely destabilize at room temperature.
    - - For easier slicing, let the pie chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) after adding the whipped topping and garnishes.

Nutrition