No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars – Quick & Delicious!

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 5, 2025

When it comes to indulgent desserts, few treats can compete with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake combined with the smooth, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella. These Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars offer the best of both worlds—a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake layer, and an irresistible Nutella swirl that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to casual sweet cravings, these bars are easy to make, visually stunning, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re a longtime Nutella lover or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

The Secret to Perfect Nutella Cheesecake Bars

To achieve bakery-quality cheesecake bars at home, there are a few essential techniques to follow. Master these, and your cheesecake bars will be creamy, smooth, and absolutely delicious every time.

1. The Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

A solid foundation is key for any cheesecake. The crust in this recipe is buttery, slightly sweet, and crisp enough to support the creamy layers on top. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly:

Press it down firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup helps create an even layer.
Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the cheesecake layer—this locks in the structure and prevents sogginess.

2. The Creamiest Cheesecake Layer

The cheesecake layer is the heart of this dessert, and achieving that lusciously smooth, creamy texture requires a few key tricks:

Use room-temperature ingredients. Softened cream cheese and eggs blend more easily, preventing lumps.
Don’t overmix. Overbeating can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix until just combined for the perfect silky texture.
Bake at a moderate temperature. High heat can cause the cheesecake to bake too quickly and crack. A slower bake at 325°F (160°C) ensures even cooking.

3. The Signature Nutella Swirl

The final touch—the Nutella swirl—adds both flavor and visual appeal. To get that beautiful marbled effect:

Warm the Nutella slightly to make it easier to drizzle.
Drop spoonfuls of Nutella over the cheesecake batter, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it through without fully mixing it in.

Serving Ideas: How to Elevate Your Cheesecake Bars

While these cheesecake bars are already a star on their own, you can take them to the next level with a few creative serving ideas.

1. Classic & Simple

Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pair with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a café-style experience.

2. Toppings & Garnishes

Drizzle with extra Nutella or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top for added crunch.
Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to balance the richness.

3. Ice Cream Pairing

Warm a cheesecake bar slightly and serve it with vanilla or hazelnut gelato.
Top with a scoop of coffee ice cream for a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 full crackers)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

For the Nutella Layer:

1 cup Nutella
¼ cup heavy cream

Directions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
Create the Nutella Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together Nutella and heavy cream until smooth.
Assemble the Layers: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the Nutella mixture on top, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the cheesecake layer.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy the creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 320
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg

These Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake, and rich Nutella swirls for a decadent dessert that’s impossible to resist!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Cheesecake cracks are usually caused by overmixing, baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. To avoid cracks:

Mix the batter until just combined—overbeating incorporates too much air.
Bake at a moderate temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open before refrigerating.

2. Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes! You can substitute graham crackers with:

Oreo cookie crumbs for a chocolatey base.
Digestive biscuits for a slightly less sweet alternative.
Shortbread cookies for a rich, buttery crust.

3. Do I have to use sour cream in the cheesecake layer?

Sour cream helps create a smooth, creamy texture with a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the Nutella. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute:

Greek yogurt for a similar consistency.
Heavy cream for a richer flavor.

4. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cheesecake bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can:

Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. How do I get clean slices when cutting the cheesecake bars?

For neat, bakery-style slices:

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Chill the cheesecake completely before slicing—this helps it hold its shape.
Run the knife under warm water before each cut for smooth edges.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make these Nutella cheesecake bars gluten-free:

Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
Check that your Nutella and all other ingredients are gluten-free.

7. Can I make this without baking?

While this recipe is designed for baking, you can create a no-bake version by:

Skipping the eggs and replacing them with 1 cup of whipped cream folded into the cheesecake mixture.
Chilling the bars instead of baking them to let them set.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze for longer storage—wrap bars individually and thaw as needed.

9. Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Yes! You can use:

Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread for a more natural option.
Peanut butter for a peanut butter cheesecake variation.
Dark chocolate ganache for a richer, less sweet swirl.

10. Can I make these in a larger pan?

Yes! If using a 9×13-inch pan, double the recipe and adjust the baking time accordingly, adding about 10-15 extra minutes.

Conclusion: A Dessert Worth Every Bite

Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate combination of indulgence and simplicity. With a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake, and swirls of rich Nutella, they deliver layers of flavor and texture that make every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit. Their versatile nature allows you to customize them with different crusts, toppings, and flavor variations, making them a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

So next time you’re in the mood for something decadent yet easy to prepare, give these Nutella cheesecake bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!