Few desserts strike the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance quite like Nutella Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the richness of chocolate-hazelnut spread, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the buttery crispness of a graham cracker crust into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
With their silky smooth texture, deep chocolate swirls, and buttery crunch, these cheesecake bars offer the best of both worlds—decadence without being overly complicated. Let’s explore what makes this recipe so special, how to perfect it, and some creative variations to make it your own.
Why Nutella Cheesecake Bars Are So Addictive
Nutella has long been a favorite among chocolate lovers, thanks to its smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet profile. When blended into cheesecake, it transforms a classic dessert into something even more luxurious and satisfying.
These bars are designed to be:
✔ Creamy yet firm: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream ensures a velvety texture that holds its shape when sliced.
✔ Perfectly balanced: The tangy cheesecake offsets the sweetness of the Nutella, preventing the dessert from being overwhelming.
✔ Visually stunning: The swirled Nutella pattern makes these bars look like a work of art without requiring advanced baking skills.
✔ Make-ahead friendly: Chilling the bars enhances their flavor and texture, making them an ideal dessert for meal prep or entertaining.
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:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour over the cooled crust.
- Make the Nutella Swirl:
- Microwave Nutella and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer.
- Use a toothpick or knife to swirl into a marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set, with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Chill for Best Texture:
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice and Serve:
- Use parchment overhang to lift cheesecake from the pan.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Secrets to Making the Best Nutella Cheesecake Bars
1. Achieving the Perfect Crust
A great cheesecake starts with a solid foundation, and the graham cracker crust in this recipe provides the perfect base. The key to achieving a firm and crisp crust is:
- The right crumb-to-butter ratio: Too much butter makes the crust greasy, while too little makes it crumbly. The ideal balance ensures that it holds together without being soggy.
- Pressing the crust firmly: Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to evenly press down the crust, preventing loose crumbs.
- Pre-baking the crust: This step ensures the crust remains crisp and doesn’t absorb excess moisture from the cheesecake filling.
2. Creating the Creamiest Cheesecake Layer
The cheesecake filling should be smooth, rich, and free of lumps. To achieve this:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and can create lumps. Let your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature before mixing.
- Mix on low speed: Overmixing incorporates too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Don’t rush the baking process: A gentle bake at a moderate temperature ensures the cheesecake remains creamy without overcooking.
3. Mastering the Nutella Swirl
A Nutella swirl isn’t just about looks—it also distributes the rich chocolate flavor throughout each bite. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Warm the Nutella: Slightly heating the Nutella makes it easier to drizzle and swirl.
- Use a skewer or toothpick: This allows for precise, elegant swirls without overmixing into the cheesecake layer.
- Don’t overwork it: A few swirls are enough. Overdoing it can blend the layers instead of creating distinct patterns.
4. Chilling for the Best Texture
One of the most important steps in this recipe is allowing the cheesecake bars to chill properly. After baking:
- Cool to room temperature first: This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bars watery.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight): This helps the layers firm up, making them easier to slice and enhancing their flavor.
- Use a hot knife for clean slices: Dip a knife in warm water, wipe it dry, and slice through the bars for sharp, bakery-quality edges.
Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Cookie Crust
Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust using crushed Oreos or chocolate wafers mixed with melted butter. This adds even more chocolate depth to the dessert.
2. Crunchy Hazelnut Topping
For added texture, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking or after chilling. They complement the Nutella’s natural hazelnut flavor.
3. Salted Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle warm salted caramel over the chilled bars before serving for a sweet-salty contrast that enhances the overall richness.
4. Espresso-Infused Cheesecake
Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the cheesecake layer for a mocha-inspired twist that intensifies the chocolate flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Replace the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars
These bars are incredibly versatile and crowd-pleasing, making them a fantastic choice for various occasions:
- For a holiday dessert table: Their impressive swirled appearance makes them an eye-catching centerpiece.
- At potlucks and parties: Easy to slice and transport, these bars are always a hit at gatherings.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The contrast between warm cheesecake bars and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
- Alongside coffee or espresso: The slight bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the richness of Nutella and cheesecake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves as they sit!
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance, making them an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Nutella Cheesecake Bars without an oven?
No, since the cheesecake layer contains eggs, it requires baking to set properly. However, you can try a no-bake variation by substituting the cheesecake layer with a whipped Nutella and cream cheese mixture.
2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Bake at the correct temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Don’t overbake—the center should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
3. Can I use another type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Yes! You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream in the Nutella swirl with whole milk or half-and-half, though the swirl may be slightly less creamy.
5. How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Use a hot knife (dipped in warm water and wiped dry) to make precise, neat cuts without dragging the cheesecake layer.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try These Bars
Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and chocolate-hazelnut bliss. Their rich flavor, easy-to-make nature, and make-ahead convenience make them an excellent choice for home bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, holiday dessert, or just to treat yourself, these bars deliver on every level—flavor, texture, and indulgence.
Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple dessert in your recipe collection.
Print
Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12–16 bars (depending on size) 1x
Description
These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence! A buttery graham cracker crust forms the base, topped with a creamy cheesecake layer and swirled with rich Nutella. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium-sized bowl.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Nutella Layer:
- Microwave Nutella and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the Nutella mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the Nutella for a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Serve:
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried before slicing.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or sea salt on top.
- Let the bars chill overnight for the best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
