There’s something irresistible about Nutella and cheesecake—two indulgent flavors that, when combined, create a dessert that’s both rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Nutella Cheesecake Bars bring together the silky smoothness of cheesecake with the chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella, all set atop a buttery, crunchy crust.
These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy, making them an ideal treat for parties, celebrations, or a luxurious weeknight dessert. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a cheesecake fan, or simply looking for an easy yet show-stopping dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Nutella Cheesecake Bars special, provide expert baking tips, creative variations, serving suggestions, and answer frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love Nutella Cheesecake Bars
1. A Perfect Marriage of Flavors
Nutella Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved desserts—the creamy richness of cheesecake and the nutty, chocolatey depth of Nutella. The flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slightly crunchy base.
2. Easy Yet Elegant
Despite their gourmet appearance, these cheesecake bars are surprisingly easy to make. They require minimal ingredients and simple techniques, yet deliver a bakery-quality dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
3. Great for Any Occasion
Nutella Cheesecake Bars are versatile enough for:
- Holidays and celebrations
- Potlucks and dinner parties
- A sweet ending to a special meal
- Casual snacking when you need a chocolate fix
4. No Water Bath Required
Traditional cheesecakes often require a water bath to prevent cracks, but Nutella Cheesecake Bars skip the extra step while still achieving a creamy, luscious texture.
5. Make-Ahead Convenience
These bars taste even better after chilling, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Simply prepare them a day in advance, refrigerate, and serve when needed.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Nutella Swirl:
- 3/4 cup Nutella, warmed slightly
Directions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press firmly into the pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Drizzle warmed Nutella in dollops on top.
- Swirl with a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and edges are golden.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled, lift bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Bar, assuming 16 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
Expert Tips for the Perfect Nutella Cheesecake Bars
1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
For the smoothest cheesecake texture, always use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs. Cold ingredients can create a lumpy batter, preventing that velvety consistency.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack while baking. Mix just until combined for a perfectly smooth texture.
3. Warm the Nutella for Easy Swirling
Nutella is naturally thick, making it difficult to swirl into the cheesecake layer. To achieve that beautiful marbled effect, microwave Nutella for 10–15 seconds before drizzling it over the batter.
4. Avoid Overbaking
Cheesecake bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a creamy, dense texture.
5. Allow Proper Chilling Time
Refrigerating the bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows them to firm up, making them easier to slice and enhancing their texture.
6. Use a Sharp, Clean Knife for Slicing
For clean, professional-looking bars, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean after each cut. This prevents the cheesecake and Nutella from sticking to the blade.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Oreo Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Swap the graham cracker crust for a crushed Oreo cookie crust to add an extra chocolatey crunch.
2. Salted Caramel Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the Nutella swirl before baking for a sweet-salty flavor explosion.
3. Peanut Butter Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Swirl melted peanut butter along with the Nutella for a Nutella and peanut butter fusion.
4. Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Bars
Add crushed Ferrero Rocher chocolates into the cheesecake batter or sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust to make these bars gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
6. Vegan Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut milk, and a vegan chocolate spread to create a plant-based version.
How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars
1. As Is
These bars are delicious on their own, offering the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and crunchy textures.
2. With Ice Cream
Serve with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut gelato for an extra creamy contrast.
3. With Fresh Berries
The slight tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch.
4. Drizzled with Extra Nutella
Warm up extra Nutella and drizzle over the bars for a visually stunning and extra indulgent dessert.
5. Topped with Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy balance to the richness of the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars taste even better the next day, so they are perfect for making ahead for events or gatherings. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Can I Freeze Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
3. Why Did My Cheesecake Crack?
Cracks in cheesecake are usually caused by overmixing the batter, overbaking, or sudden temperature changes. However, the Nutella swirl helps hide any imperfections!
4. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time by adding a few extra minutes.
5. Can I Use a Different Spread Instead of Nutella?
Yes! Try using peanut butter, cookie butter, or almond butter for different flavors.
6. Do I Have to Use a Water Bath?
No, a water bath is not necessary for this recipe, making it much easier than a traditional cheesecake.
7. Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Yes! Instead of graham crackers, you can use shortbread cookies, chocolate wafers, or digestive biscuits for variety.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Nutella Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about cheesecake with an irresistible Nutella twist. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
With endless variations, simple baking techniques, and crowd-pleasing flavors, these bars will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, warm up that Nutella, and enjoy a batch of these creamy, dreamy, chocolatey cheesecake bars!
Print
Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Simple Treat for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Nutella cheesecake bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and cheesecake lovers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a decadent Nutella swirl, these bars are rich, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Nutella, warmed slightly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the warmed Nutella on top in dollops. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- To ensure a smooth cheesecake filling, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
- Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) to make it easier to drizzle and swirl.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
