Name: Nutellamisu Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups cold heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 16 oz. mascarpone cheese; 2 (13-oz.) containers store-bought Nutella; 48 ladyfingers; 3 cups cold espresso or strongly brewed coffee; 2 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur; 2 tablespoons espresso powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

I absolutely adore making and sharing this Nutellamisu Recipe because it combines the creamy decadence of classic tiramisu with the irresistible, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella. I love how this dessert brings together layers of luscious mascarpone blended with Nutella and that bold espresso-soaked ladyfinger base, creating a perfect harmony of rich textures and flavors. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress my family and friends, and I’m excited to walk you through my favorite way to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Nutellamisu Recipe

What makes this Nutellamisu Recipe so special to me is the dreamy combination of flavors—it’s like a cozy hug in dessert form. The smooth mascarpone mixed with Nutella gives each bite a silky, nutty sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slight bitterness of espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Honestly, the flavor profile feels indulgent yet balanced, which keeps me coming back for more.

Beyond taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. It’s a no-bake wonder that doesn’t require hours of complicated steps, which makes it perfect for a weekend treat or an impressive dessert for guests. It stands out because it’s both luxurious and accessible, and it fits any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, it’s always the first to disappear!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a glass dish filled with three layers of tiramisu. The bottom layer is a light creamy beige cream, the middle layer is soaked ladyfingers with a darker, coffee brown color, and the top layer is a thick, smooth layer of light brown mascarpone cream. The top layer is dusted evenly with fine, dark brown cocoa powder using a small metal sifter visible in the upper right corner. The glass dish sits on a white marbled surface. The texture of the cream on top is slightly wavy and smooth, showing soft peaks and swirls as if spread with a spatula. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Nutellamisu Recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, yet they come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each item adds a distinct touch—from the creamy texture of mascarpone to the bold espresso and the sweet, nutty flavor of Nutella.

Cold heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it provides lightness and fluffiness to the cream layer.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors subtly without being salty.
Mascarpone: The rich, creamy base that makes this dessert authentically luscious.
Store-bought Nutella: The star ingredient that brings that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor!
Ladyfingers: They soak up the espresso and Frangelico, creating the classic tiramisu texture.
Cold espresso or strong coffee: Adds the essential coffee punch that balances sweetness.
Frangelico: A hazelnut liqueur that adds depth and a touch of warmth.
Espresso powder: Used for dusting on top to enhance aroma and flavor beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a handheld mixer with a large bowl), beat the cold heavy cream and kosher salt on medium speed. Whip just until soft peaks form—be careful not to overbeat into stiff peaks to keep the cream light and airy.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl, mix the mascarpone and both containers of Nutella together until smooth and well combined. Then, gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into this Nutella-mascarpone mixture to lighten it.

Step 3: Carefully fold the lightened mascarpone mixture into the remaining whipped cream, creating a beautifully fluffy and creamy filling. Take your time folding to preserve the airiness.

Step 4: In a shallow dish or container that fits your ladyfingers, combine the cold espresso or strong brewed coffee with the Frangelico. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into this coffee mixture for about one second—just enough to soak without getting soggy.

Step 5: Line the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ pan with the dipped ladyfingers. You should be able to place two rows of 12 ladyfingers vertically. Spread half of the creamy Nutella mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.

Step 6: Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and then spread the remaining cream mixture on top.

Step 7: Refrigerate your Nutellamisu for at least 3 hours, and ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up. Just before serving, dust the top generously with espresso powder for that final touch of richness.

Servings and Timing

This delightful recipe yields 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing at entertaining events or a cozy family dessert. The prep time is about 20 minutes, while there is no actual cook time since it’s a no-bake dish. The most important timing is the chilling period, which takes a minimum of 3 hours to ensure the dessert sets well and flavors deepen. I usually prepare the Nutellamisu a day ahead, making it an effortless and stress-free option for any occasion.

How to Serve This Nutellamisu Recipe

This image shows a square glass dish with a layered dessert. The dessert has three layers of light beige cake separated by two thick layers of light brown creamy filling. The top layer is covered with a dusting of fine dark brown cocoa powder, which spreads evenly to the edges. A woman's hand is holding a spatula lifting one square piece from the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love presenting this Nutellamisu chilled straight from the fridge—it tastes best when it’s cool and firm. You can scoop generous portions onto dessert plates or serve it directly from the pan family-style for a relaxed vibe. Each slice looks beautiful with the layered cross-section of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy Nutella filling.

To elevate the presentation, I often garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few fresh raspberries or sliced hazelnuts on top for a pop of color and texture. Serving it alongside simple accompaniments like lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato makes for a dreamy combination. For drinks, a glass of cold milk or a latte complements the chocolate-hazelnut flavors beautifully. If you want to go boozy, an espresso martini or a light hazelnut liqueur on the side is truly divine.

This dessert is perfect for everything from casual weeknight meals when you want to treat yourself, to festive holiday dinners and celebrations where it always earns rave reviews. I find that portioning it into 8 slices helps everyone savor the rich flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

Variations

I love how versatile this Nutellamisu Recipe can be. If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply swap ladyfingers for gluten-free cookies or even gluten-free sponge cake strips—just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the coffee soak. For those avoiding dairy but still craving that creamy texture, a vegan mascarpone alternative and coconut or oat-based whipped cream work beautifully; I’ve tried it and the results are surprisingly rich and satisfying.

To switch up the flavors, I’ve experimented by adding a dash of cinnamon or orange zest to the mascarpone mixture for a subtle twist that brightens the dessert. You could also sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts between the layers for added crunch, which I find adds a wonderful contrast.

While I usually prepare this Nutellamisu chilled and no-bake, you could try a deconstructed version by layering it in parfait glasses or even folding in some whipped cream with a hint of vanilla extract for a lighter consistency. However you choose to customize it, every variation keeps the heart of the dessert intact—the perfect blend of creamy Nutella and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the Nutellamisu in an airtight container or simply covering the pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days refrigerated. I find the flavors often deepen as it sits, so sometimes leftovers taste even better than freshly made!

Freezing

Freezing is possible but a bit tricky due to the delicate texture of mascarpone and whipped cream. If you want to freeze your Nutellamisu, transfer it into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly less fluffy and a bit more dense after thawing, so it’s best eaten relatively soon after.

Reheating

This is a dessert best enjoyed cold, so I do not recommend reheating it. The creamy layers and ladyfingers will lose their texture if warmed up. Instead, serve it directly from the fridge after chilling. If you prefer a softer texture, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps the cream mellow slightly without sacrificing that delightful chilled experience.

FAQs

Can I make Nutellamisu ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting Nutellamisu rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight really enhances the flavors and texture. I always recommend prepping it at least 3 hours before serving to allow it to set perfectly.

What can I substitute for Frangelico if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have Frangelico, you can simply leave it out or use another nutty liqueur like Amaretto. For a non-alcoholic option, add a teaspoon of hazelnut extract to the coffee mixture to keep that distinct flavor.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of espresso powder for dusting?

While espresso powder adds a deep coffee aroma that complements the dessert beautifully, cocoa powder works fine as a substitute for dusting the top. It won’t impart the coffee notes but will still give a pretty, rich finish.

Is it necessary to use ladyfingers?

Ladyfingers are traditional because they soak up the coffee mixture perfectly without becoming mushy. However, you can try sponge cake or gluten-free cookies if needed, keeping in mind they should be able to absorb liquid while retaining some structure.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans. Just be sure to maintain the layering proportions and drinking time for the best results. It’s great for parties or bigger gatherings!

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Nutellamisu Recipe—it’s truly one of my favorite desserts to make and share. The luxurious Nutella flavor, combined with the classic tiramisu elements, creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, it’s a sweet success every time. Trust me, once you make it, Nutellamisu will become one of your go-to recipes for any special occasion!