Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Nutella cheesecake bars enhance ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Rich, decadent, and impossibly smooth, these bars promise a sensational treat that defies typical expectations.

Chocolate lovers recognize the magnetic allure of combining creamy cheesecake with beloved hazelnut spread.

Silky textures merge with deep, complex flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected grace.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert represents the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort.

Our carefully crafted recipe promises a delightful experience that transcends traditional sweet boundaries.

Prepare to elevate your baking skills and impress everyone with these irresistible, mouthwatering confections.

Nutella Cheesecake Bars That Blend Creamy and Chocolatey Bliss

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: Nutella Cheesecake Bars offer a rich, luxurious dessert experience with multiple delectable layers of creamy cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and glossy Nutella topping.
  • Quick and Simple Gourmet Treat: This recipe transforms complex flavors into an easy-to-make dessert that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for home cooks seeking an impressive yet straightforward sweet creation.
  • Texture Paradise: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the smooth, velvety Nutella cheesecake filling, crisp graham cracker base, and silky chocolate glaze that melts perfectly in your mouth.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: These bars are ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties, offering a sophisticated dessert that can be prepared ahead of time and easily transported.

Ingredients List for Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic base with a sweet, buttery crunch that provides structure and texture for the cheesecake bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and adds rich flavor to the crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the signature cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the rich cream cheese.
  • Nutella: Chocolate hazelnut spread that provides deep chocolate flavor and richness to the filling.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess to the cheesecake texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and deepens the color of the filling.
  • Large Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Frangelico or Vanilla: Provides an optional flavor enhancement with nutty or classic vanilla notes.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich base for the Nutella topping.
  • Nutella: Provides a luxurious, chocolatey finish to the cheesecake bars.

How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges. Crush graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add melted butter and pulse until mixture is completely moistened. Press crumb mixture firmly into the pan bottom using a measuring cup or glass. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

Lower oven temperature to 325°F. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with paddle attachment to blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Nutella
Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping bowl sides for 1 minute. Mix in:
  • Sour cream
  • Cocoa powder

Add eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Stir in Frangelico (or vanilla) and salt until just combined. Spread batter evenly over cooled crust. Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes, until edges are set but center remains slightly jiggly.

Step 3: Craft the Nutella Topping

In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat and whisk in Nutella until completely smooth. Allow topping to cool and thicken. Spread evenly over completely cooled cheesecake bars. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Serving Tip: Cut into squares and enjoy chilled for maximum flavor and texture!

Tips to Nail Nutella Cheesecake Bars on the First Try

  • Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor for consistent, fine crumbs that create a smooth, compact crust without lumps.
  • Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Beat cream cheese mixture thoroughly and scrape bowl sides to ensure smooth, lump-free texture and prevent surface cracking.
  • Check Baking Doneness: Watch for slight wobble in center while edges look set, which indicates perfectly baked cheesecake bars with creamy consistency.
  • Cool Gradually: Allow cheesecake to cool at room temperature first, then refrigerate to prevent sudden temperature changes that might cause surface splitting.
  • Slice Cleanly: Use a hot, clean knife wiped between cuts to create precise, neat edges when serving the bars.

How to Store and Reheat Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Refrigeration: Store the Nutella cheesecake bars in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor. Protect the bars by placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate texture.
  • Reheating: Enjoy these bars cold directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Indulge with Hazelnut Heaven: Pair these decadent Nutella Cheesecake Bars with a smooth hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico to amplify the nutty chocolate flavors and create a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Brew the Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to cut through the richness of the cheesecake and complement the deep chocolate and hazelnut notes with a robust coffee undertone.
  • Sip and Savor Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir, which offers subtle fruit notes that beautifully balance the creamy, chocolate-packed cheesecake bars without overwhelming their delicate texture.
  • Cool Contrast Pairing: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a refreshing, creamy counterpoint that enhances the dessert's velvety Nutella-infused layers and adds a delightful temperature contrast.

Nutella Cheesecake Bar Variations You Should Try

  • Nutella Hazelnut Crunch Bars: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed hazelnut cookies, add chopped roasted hazelnuts to the crust for extra texture and nutty flavor. Sprinkle additional chopped hazelnuts on top of the Nutella ganache for a delightful crunch.
  • Chocolate Liqueur Swirl Bars: Replace Frangelico with dark chocolate liqueur for a richer alcohol-infused profile. Create a chocolate swirl effect by drizzling melted dark chocolate through the cheesecake batter before baking, giving a marbled appearance.
  • No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Squares: Transform the recipe into a no-bake version by using gelatin to set the filling. Replace baked crust with an oreo cookie base, and chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator instead of baking, creating a silky smooth texture.
  • Espresso Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Incorporate instant espresso powder into the cheesecake batter for a coffee-enhanced flavor. Top with chocolate-covered espresso beans for an extra caffeine kick and decorative touch.
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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Nutella Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with rich chocolate hazelnut spread in a sinful dessert. Silky layers of indulgence promise a delightful experience that will satisfy chocolate cravings and leave you craving another delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (296 grams) Nutella
  • ½ cup (119 grams) heavy cream

Base Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (177°C) and position a rack in the middle position.
  2. Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for easy removal.
  3. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, then incorporate melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  4. Compress the crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom using the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
  5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  7. Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, and Nutella until completely smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
  8. Incorporate sour cream and cocoa powder, mixing until fully integrated.
  9. Add eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform consistency.
  10. Mix in Frangelico (or vanilla extract) and salt, ensuring even distribution.
  11. Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust, spreading gently with a spatula.
  12. Bake for 35 minutes, watching for edges to set while the center remains slightly jiggly.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
  14. For the Nutella ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
  15. Remove cream from heat and whisk in Nutella until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
  16. Allow ganache to cool and slightly thicken before spreading evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
  17. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the topping to set completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Precision matters when preparing the crust, ensuring crackers are finely ground and butter is thoroughly incorporated for a stable base.
  • Scrape down bowl sides consistently while mixing cheesecake filling to guarantee a smooth, lump-free texture and even Nutella distribution.
  • Watch cheesecake closely during baking; slight wobbliness in center indicates perfect doneness, preventing potential over-baking and dry results.
  • Allow each layer to cool completely before adding next layer, which helps maintain structural integrity and prevents potential textural issues.
  • Refrigeration is crucial for setting layers, particularly the final Nutella ganache topping, ensuring clean cuts and optimal flavor melding.
  • Frangelico liqueur can be substituted with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version without compromising the rich, decadent flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 248 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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