Looking for the perfect dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of chocolate hazelnut spread? This Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe delivers everything you're craving in one incredible treat. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling swirled with generous amounts of Nutella, creating the ultimate indulgent dessert.
What makes this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe truly special is how simple it is to create bakery-quality results at home. Whether you're hosting a party, need a show-stopping dessert for the holidays, or simply want to treat your family to something extraordinary, these bars never disappoint. The combination of textures and that unmistakable Nutella flavor makes every bite absolutely divine.
Why This Nutella Dessert Recipe Stands Out
This Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe has become a favorite among home bakers for good reason. Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires a water bath and precise temperature control, these bars are incredibly forgiving and much easier to make. The secret lies in the perfect balance of cream cheese and Nutella, creating a filling that's rich but not overly heavy.
The beauty of this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe is its versatility. You can make it as a no-bake version for summer gatherings or bake it for a firmer texture that's perfect for cutting clean squares. The graham cracker crust provides the ideal foundation, while the Nutella swirl creates stunning visual appeal that makes these bars look professionally made every single time.
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Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
For the Nutella Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- Powdered sugar
- Nutella (plus extra for swirling)
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- All-purpose flour
For Topping (Optional):
- Chopped hazelnuts for garnish
- Nutella for drizzling
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust Base
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let cool completely.
Create the Nutella Cheesecake Mixture
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in 1 cup of Nutella until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour until just combined.
Assemble and Bake the Bars
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Warm the extra Nutella slightly and drop spoonfuls across the surface.
- Use a knife to create beautiful swirl patterns throughout the filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Creating perfect bars requires attention to a few key details. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing; this prevents lumps in your final product. Room temperature ingredients blend much more easily and create a smoother texture overall.
Temperature Control Secrets:
- Don't overbake the bars; they should still have a slight jiggle in the center
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature
- Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack for extra moisture
Mixing Techniques:
- Beat cream cheese on medium speed to avoid incorporating too much air
- Scrape down bowl sides frequently for even mixing
- Add eggs slowly to prevent curdling
Perfect Swirl Creation:
- Warm Nutella slightly for easier swirling
- Use a knife in figure-eight motions for beautiful patterns
- Don't overmix; you want distinct swirls visible
This Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe works best when you take your time with each step and don't rush the cooling process.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Transform this basic recipe into exciting new flavors with these creative variations. The beauty of this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in its adaptability to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour mixed with melted butter and sugar. The texture remains perfectly crispy and delicious.
- Lower Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with sugar-free alternatives, though you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly for proper consistency.
Flavor Variations
- Oreo Nutella Bars: Replace graham crackers with crushed Oreo cookies for an even richer chocolate base that pairs beautifully with the hazelnut filling.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of creamy peanut butter alongside the Nutella for a double-nut flavor combination that's absolutely irresistible.
- Brownie Bottom Bars: Use a thin brownie layer instead of graham crackers for an ultra-decadent chocolate foundation.
- The versatility of this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe means you can customize it for any occasion or dietary preference without losing the essential creamy, rich character.
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating perfect bars much easier and ensures consistent results every time.
Essential Equipment:
- 9x13 inch metal baking pan for even heat distribution
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer) for smooth filling
- Large mixing bowls for proper ingredient incorporation
- Offset spatula for spreading filling evenly
- Sharp knife for clean cutting
Helpful Additions:
- Kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Parchment paper for easy removal
- Wire cooling rack for proper air circulation
The right equipment ensures your Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe turns out perfectly every single time.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store covered bars in the refrigerator for up to one week. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
Freezing Instructions
- These bars freeze beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the complete recipe up to two days ahead of serving. The flavors actually improve after a day of chilling, making this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe perfect for party planning.nd up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
After years of making cheesecake, I discovered two game-changing secrets that transform ordinary bars into extraordinary ones. The first secret involves adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to your Nutella before swirling; this prevents the swirls from completely blending into the cream cheese mixture and keeps those beautiful distinct patterns visible even after baking.
The second secret is the cooling method. Instead of letting your Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe cool at room temperature, place them in the refrigerator immediately after the center stops jiggling. This rapid cooling creates the perfect creamy texture without any cracks or separation. These two simple tricks have made all the difference in creating bakery-quality results at home.
FAQ
How to make Nutella cheesecake?
Combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, then mix in Nutella, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over a graham cracker crust and bake until almost set. This Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe simplifies the traditional method.
How do you know when cheesecake bars are done?
The center should be almost set with just a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The edges will look firm and set, while the middle remains slightly soft.
Why were cheesecake bars discontinued?
Commercial cheesecake bars are sometimes discontinued due to production costs or changing consumer preferences. Making your own ensures you always have this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe available.
Can you freeze Nutella cheesecake?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Sweet Endings and More Delicious Adventures
These incredible Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe creations are the perfect ending to any meal or gathering. With every bite, this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe delivers a creamy cheesecake texture, rich chocolate hazelnut flavor, and the irresistible crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert, this Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, the Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe never disappoints—bringing homemade indulgence to a whole new level.
Ready to expand your dessert repertoire? Try our Coconut Brownies Recipe for another rich, indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with these bars. For something cozy and perfect with coffee, our Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe brings warm chocolate comfort in every bite. These three recipes together create the ultimate chocolate lover's collection that will keep your family and friends coming back for more of your incredible homemade desserts.
With love-By Lisa Johnson ✨
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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking pan For even baking and clean cutting
- 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer to beat cream cheese
- 2–3 Mixing bowls For crust, filling, and ingredient prep
- 1 Spatula For scraping bowls and spreading filling
- 1 Parchment paper To line the pan for easy removal
- 1 Sharp knife For cutting neat squares after chilling
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- salt Pinch
For the Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Nutella + extra for swirling
- 3 eggs large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup Nutella warmed, for drizzling
- hazelnuts chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press mixture into a parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat again until fluffy.
- Mix in Nutella, eggs, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust. Spoon extra warm Nutella on top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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