There’s a certain joy that comes when chocolate and cream cheese come together, and these Nutella Cheesecake Bars bring that happiness straight to your kitchen. As I was juggling the chaos of daily life, the notion of creating a dessert that could sweep everyone off their feet felt daunting. One evening, while enjoying a quiet moment and a generous spoonful of Nutella, I realized I could transform that creamy delight into something extraordinary. The result? These bars, which are effortlessly easy to make yet impressively indulgent.
Imagine cutting into a chilled square, the buttery graham cracker crust giving way to a velvety cheesecake filling infused with rich Nutella. Each bite balances sweetness with a hint of sophistication, making them perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home after a long day. Follow me as we dive into this delightful recipe that not only satisfies cravings but also pleases the crowd—because life is too short to settle for anything less than delicious.
Why You'll Love This Nutella Cheesecake Bars
- These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a stress-free choice for dessert lovers.
- The flavor combination of rich Nutella and creamy cheesecake is simply irresistible, ensuring each bite is a pure delight.
- With their versatile nature, these bars can be enjoyed as a casual treat at home or dressed up for special occasions, pleasing everyone in attendance.
- Visually, they present beautifully with a smooth topping that can be drizzled with extra Nutella or topped with whipped cream, making them a stunning addition to any dessert table.
- Finally, this recipe saves you time in the kitchen, allowing you to whip up a crowd-pleaser in just under an hour for a truly satisfying indulgence.
Nutella Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
Get ready to create something delicious!
For the Crust
• Graham cracker crumbs – These provide a sweet and crunchy base that complements the rich filling.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to enhance the flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted butter (melted) – Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.
For the Cheesecake Filling
• Cream cheese (softened) – The star ingredient that makes this Nutella cheesecake bars creamy and smooth.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling, balancing the cream cheese flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cheesecake.
• Large eggs – Provides structure and helps the cheesecake set perfectly.
• Nutella – The hero of our dessert, giving it that decadent chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
• Sour cream (optional) – For those who crave extra creaminess in their bars.
How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease an 8×8 inch baking pan, and line it with parchment paper—this will make it a breeze to lift the bars out once baked!
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Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until every crumb is wonderfully coated and feels like a sandy mixture!
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Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer that will form the perfect base for your cheesecake filling.
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Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for that luscious texture!
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Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—this should take about a minute for perfect incorporation.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep the texture light and fluffy!
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Fold in the Nutella gently until fully incorporated. For those who enjoy extra creaminess, this is the moment to fold in the sour cream too!
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Pour the cheesecake filling over your prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Admire the swirls of Nutella that will make this dessert irresistible!
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly jiggly—just how we like it!
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Cool the bars at room temperature for about 30 minutes after removing from the oven. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing them to set completely.
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Lift out the cheesecake bars using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve! Drizzle some extra Nutella or top with whipped cream for added decadence.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Room Temperature: Keep the Nutella Cheesecake Bars at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving at a gathering. Beyond that, they should be refrigerated.
Fridge: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures they remain fresh and delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cheesecake bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, microwave the bars on low heat in 15-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat to maintain the creamy texture!
What to Serve with Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these luscious treats with delightful sides and drinks that bring out their irresistible flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a bright contrast, cutting through the richness of the cheesecake bars with a burst of tartness.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds lightness and balances the dense texture of the cheesecake, creating a creamy contrast that’s hard to resist.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars amplifies their chocolatey flavor, making each bite a decadent delight.
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Espresso or Coffee: The robust flavor of freshly brewed coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of Nutella, creating a harmonious pairing that awakens the palate.
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Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves not only add a beautiful pop of color but also offer a refreshing taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dessert.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the cheesecake bars creates a delightful melting effect and a wonderful textural contrast.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds a gorgeous sweetness that enhances the nutty flavors of Nutella while bringing a rich, indulgent twist to each bite.
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Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea provides a soothing finish, neutralizing the sweetness and leaving you with a refreshing aftertaste.
These pairings will not only complement your Nutella Cheesecake Bars but also turn your dessert into a memorable experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the crust ingredients, press them into the pan, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For the filling, mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to assemble. When you’re ready to bake, pour the filling over the chilled crust, then follow the baking instructions. This way, you’ll have scrumptious, perfectly set bars just as delightful as if made fresh that day!
Nutella Cheesecake Bars Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists to make your Nutella Cheesecake Bars uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free delight without sacrificing flavor.
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Nut-Free: Substitute Nutella with sunbutter or a similar nut-free spread to maintain that satisfying creaminess and chocolatey essence.
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Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for an extra chocolatey punch that will leave chocoholics cheering!
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Swirled Delight: Create a beautiful aesthetic by swirling additional Nutella on top of the filling before baking, making each bar visually stunning.
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Fruity Freshness: Toss in some fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries into the cheesecake mix—this will add a refreshing burst of flavor that beautifully complements the richness of Nutella.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso into the filling for an unexpected flavor boost that elevates your bars with warmth.
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Salted Caramel: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the cooled bars for an indulgent treat with a sweet and salty twist.
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Cheesecake Brownies: Combine the crust ingredients with brownie batter for a delicious hybrid that offers the best of both worlds—a fudgy brownie base beneath that nutty cheesecake layer!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Nutella Cheesecake Bars, ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- Be careful not to overmix the eggs as they can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake during baking.
- For a perfectly set texture, let the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating; this step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Always check for doneness by looking for set edges and a slightly jiggly center, as this will ensure the creamy center will not become overcooked.
Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness for my cream cheese?
Absolutely! For the best texture in your Nutella Cheesecake Bars, make sure to use cream cheese that is fully softened, not just slightly. This should be at room temperature for about an hour before mixing, which will help you achieve a creamy, lump-free filling.
What’s the best way to store leftover Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Very! After slicing, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go.
Can I freeze Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, first wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This way, they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my cheesecake bars have cracks?
Oh no! Cracks can happen, usually due to overmixing the eggs or baking at too high a temperature. To prevent this, mix the eggs at low speed until just combined. If you do get cracks, don’t worry! Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of Nutella for an added touch.
Are Nutella Cheesecake Bars safe for people with nut allergies?
Great question! Since Nutella contains hazelnuts, these bars are not suitable for those with nut allergies. You can use a nut-free chocolate spread in place of Nutella for a safe alternative—just ensure it is free from cross-contamination.
How can I make these Nutella Cheesecake Bars more indulgent?
Absolutely! For an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling or drizzling with caramel sauce atop each bar before serving. This will elevate the dessert, making it even more irresistible!
Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted
- 16 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup Sour cream optional
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan, lining it with parchment paper.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until combined without overmixing.
- Fold in the Nutella and optional sour cream gently until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly and admiring the Nutella swirls.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool the bars at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve with extra Nutella or whipped cream.
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