Ingredients:

  • 16 oz (450 g) Full-fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Confectioners' (Icing) Sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 cup (250 g) Nutella (Hazelnut Spread), room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy Whipping Cream (40% fat), chilled
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) Toasted, Chopped Hazelnuts (for garnish)
  • Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Whip the Cream: Place the chilled heavy cream and granulated sugar into a clean, cold bowl. Beat using the electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (the cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted). Set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. Cream the Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened. In the mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sifted confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth, airy, and free of any lumps. Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
  3. Incorporate Nutella: Add the room-temperature Nutella to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed initially, then increase to medium, until the mixture is uniform in colour and completely smooth. Do not overmix at this stage.
  4. Lighten the Dip: Remove the whipped cream from the fridge. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture to lighten the base.
  5. Finish Folding: Gently fold in the remaining two-thirds of the whipped cream in two additions, taking care not to aggressively stir or overwork the mixture. Stop folding as soon as the cream streaks disappear and the dip looks homogeneous and fluffy.
  6. Chill and Set: Transfer the mixture into a clean serving bowl or small baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, remove the dip from the fridge. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts and a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Serve cold alongside chosen dippers.