Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat to Cherish

Creamy cheesecake meets decadent Nutella in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet layers blend smooth cream cheese with rich chocolate hazelnut spread.

Delicate graham cracker crusts provide a perfect crisp foundation for each delightful bite.

Chocolate swirls create mesmerizing patterns across silky surfaces.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this treat accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

No complicated techniques stand between you and these irresistible bars.

Whip up this quick dessert and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the Nutella layer smooth and pourable?

Heavy cream helps the Nutella become smooth and easily spreadable when microwaved in short intervals, allowing for perfect swirling into the cheesecake batter.

  • Why use sour cream in the cheesecake mixture?

Sour cream adds richness, moisture, and a tangy flavor that enhances the creamy texture of the cheesecake, making it more luxurious and smooth.

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla cookie crumbs for a similar base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly, and the edges are lightly golden. It will continue to firm up while cooling and chilling in the refrigerator.

What’s Great About Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Marbling Nutella into creamy cheesecake creates a stunning visual effect that looks professionally made, even for home bakers with minimal skills.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allow anyone to whip up these decadent bars without complex culinary techniques or extensive preparation.
  • Rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor combined with smooth cheesecake guarantees this treat will be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, appealing to both kids and adults.
  • Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and ensuring delicious dessert is always ready to serve.

What You Need to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Core Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth base for creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent for cheesecake structure.
  • Nutella: Rich chocolate hazelnut spread for flavor swirls.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth Nutella mixture.
Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind and create crisp crust.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Sour Cream: Add sweetness, depth, and richness to cheesecake layer.

Easy Instructions for Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy lifting later.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Base

Grab these goodies for the crust:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar

Mix everything together until it feels like sandy beach texture.

Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation.

Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, then pull it out and let it chill.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Take your cream cheese and beat it until silky smooth.

Toss in sugar and keep mixing.

Add eggs one by one, blending after each addition.

Splash in vanilla and sour cream, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Spread the Cheesy Goodness

Pour the entire cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.

Use a spatula to create an even, dreamy layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Nutella Magic

Mix Nutella and heavy cream in a bowl.

Zap in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until you have a luscious, pourable chocolate river.

Step 6: Create Delicious Swirls

Dollop spoonfuls of Nutella across the cheesecake surface.

Grab a knife and create beautiful marble patterns by gently dragging it through the layers.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the center looks set and edges turn golden.

Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Pull the cheesecake out using parchment paper handles.

Slice into gorgeous bars and serve chilled.

Watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert joy!

Tips for Creamy and Rich Cheesecake Bars

  • Use freshly processed graham crackers for a more uniform and compact crust that holds together perfectly when cutting the bars.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently fold ingredients to reduce air bubbles, which helps prevent surface cracks during baking.
  • Work quickly when creating Nutella swirls and use a thin knife or toothpick with light, gentle movements to achieve beautiful marble patterns without disrupting the cheesecake base.
  • Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to develop deeper flavors and achieve the ideal creamy texture that slices cleanly.
  • Let cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother blending and a more consistent cheesecake texture.

How to Store Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Store Nutella Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Never leave these bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to cream cheese and eggs. Always keep chilled to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Best enjoyed cold. If you prefer slightly warmer, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent separation.

Pairings to Enjoy with Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, chocolatey Nutella flavor and creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Match with Espresso or Cappuccino: Brew a strong Italian espresso or creamy cappuccino to enhance the dessert's sweet notes and cut through the richness of the cheesecake.
  • Serve with Hazelnut Liqueur: Pour a chilled shot of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur alongside the bars to amplify the Nutella's nutty undertones and create a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart contrast to the sweet, creamy cheesecake and add a refreshing element to the dessert plate.

Unique Add-Ons for Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly crust.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to lower overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese alternatives, replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and select dairy-free Nutella substitutes to create a completely plant-based dessert.
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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Nutella cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with chocolate-hazelnut decadence, creating a dessert that melts hearts. Silky layers of smooth cheesecake and swirled Nutella promise pure bliss with each irresistible bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

  • 2 packages (16 ounces or 454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Nutella Layer Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (280 grams) Nutella
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring side overhang for easy removal.
  2. Craft the graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter and sugar until thoroughly combined.
  3. Press the crust mixture uniformly into the pan’s base, creating a compact layer.
  4. Bake the crust at 325°F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
  5. Create the creamy cheesecake base by whipping cream cheese until silky smooth.
  6. Incorporate sugar, then gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration.
  7. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until the texture becomes uniform and luxurious.
  8. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  9. Warm Nutella and heavy cream in short microwave intervals, stirring until achieving a smooth, fluid consistency.
  10. Dollop Nutella mixture across the cheesecake surface, using a knife to create artistic marbled swirls.
  11. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 325°F until the center sets and edges turn golden brown.
  12. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
  13. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
  14. Remove from pan using parchment paper overhang, slice into bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Chill your cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling without cracking.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause the bars to crack during baking.
  • Create perfect swirls by using a thin knife or toothpick, dragging gently through the Nutella and cheesecake layers in a figure-eight motion.
  • Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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