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