Dreamy Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe That Melts Hearts

Decadent and silky, these Nutella cheesecake bars will make your dessert dreams come true.

Some recipes simply shine with pure indulgence, and this Nutella cheesecake bars recipe does exactly that.

Rich chocolate swirls dance through creamy layers of smooth cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist.

Each bite combines the deep, velvety flavor of Nutella with the classic tang of cream cheese.

The contrast between the buttery graham cracker crust and the luscious filling creates a symphony of textures.

These bars slice beautifully and look stunning on any dessert plate.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to wow everyone with this irresistible sweet treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 323 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Dreamy Nutella Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Provides a buttery, crumbly foundation that adds delightful texture and rich base flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the cracker crumbs together, creating a sturdy and deliciously golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers ultra-creamy, tangy backbone creating smooth cheesecake consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances richness and adds perfect sweetness to the filling.
• Nutella: Introduces decadent chocolate-hazelnut depth and luxurious swirls throughout the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Enhances moisture and contributes subtle tanginess for balanced flavor profile.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate notes and deepens overall richness.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together seamlessly.
• Frangelico or Vanilla: Elevates flavor complexity with warm, aromatic undertones.
• Salt: Brightens and enhances all other ingredients' flavors.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, smooth ganache-like layer.
• Nutella: Adds final luxurious chocolate-hazelnut glaze for indulgent finish.

Nutella Bar Tools You’ll Want on Hand

• 8×8-inch metal baking pan: Essential for creating perfect bar-sized cheesecake portions.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Food processor: Needed to finely grind graham crackers for a smooth crust.
• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Critical for creating creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Measuring cup or glass: Helps press crust mixture evenly into the pan.
• Small saucepan: Used for preparing the Nutella ganache topping.
• Cooling rack: Allows crust and cheesecake to cool properly without condensation.
• Mixing bowl: Large bowl for combining cheesecake ingredients.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping bowl sides and spreading batter evenly.

How to Layer Nutella Cheesecake Bars Flawlessly

• Crust Foundation

Gather graham crackers and prepare a smooth, buttery base. Crush crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a compact foundation for the decadent layers to come.

• Creamy Nutella Center

Blend cream cheese with rich Nutella until silky smooth. Incorporate sour cream and cocoa for deep, luxurious flavor. Gently fold in eggs, creating a velvety filling that promises indulgent texture. Pour this luscious mixture over the prepared crust.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the pan into a preheated oven, allowing gentle heat to transform the raw ingredients. Watch for subtle signs of doneness – edges should set while the center remains slightly soft. The magic happens as the cheesecake develops its signature creamy consistency.

• Decadent Nutella Glaze

Warm cream and Nutella together, creating a glossy, luxurious topping. Once cooled and slightly thickened, drizzle the chocolate glaze across the cheesecake. Chill until the surface becomes firm and inviting, ready to be sliced and savored.

• Serving Delight

Remove from refrigerator and slice into elegant bars. Each piece promises a perfect balance of rich Nutella, smooth cheesecake, and buttery crust. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Flavor Swaps & Prep Tips for Nutella Bars

• Swap graham crackers with chocolate wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile, adding depth and unique texture to your crust.
• Enhance the Nutella cheesecake by drizzling melted chocolate, sprinkling chopped hazelnuts, or adding a light dusting of cocoa powder for extra richness.
• Replace Frangelico with pure vanilla extract or hazelnut syrup to maintain complex flavor without alcohol, making the dessert accessible to all ages.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free batter and prevent cracking during baking, resulting in a perfectly creamy cheesecake texture.
• Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for 2-3 weeks, ensuring a convenient make-ahead dessert option for spontaneous sweet cravings.

How to Slice and Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars

• Serve Chilled Delights: Slice the Nutella Cheesecake Bars into perfect squares when completely cool and set, ensuring clean cuts with a sharp knife.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal that elevates the dessert.
• Pairing Perfection: Complement these decadent bars with a hot espresso or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich, creamy Nutella flavor.
• Presentation Magic: Plate the bars on a dark slate or white ceramic dish to make the chocolate swirls and texture pop, creating an Instagram-worthy dessert.

Ways to Keep Nutella Bars Creamy and Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store these delectable Nutella Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain their creamy texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Slice with Precision: Clean your knife with hot water between each cut to create smooth, neat edges. Wipe the blade dry after each slice to ensure clean, picture-perfect bars that look as amazing as they taste.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the bars from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming allows the flavors to bloom and the texture to soften just enough to melt in your mouth.

Dreamy Nutella Cheesecake Bars

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable Nutella cheesecake bars offer a luxurious dessert blending creamy cheesecake with rich chocolate-hazelnut spread. Smooth layers and crumbly graham cracker crust promise indulgent moments you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup (75 grams; 5.3 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (296 grams) Nutella
• ½ cup (119 grams; 4 fl oz) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blend with melted butter until achieving a sandy texture. Press mixture firmly into parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan using a measuring cup’s flat bottom.
2. Initial Baking: Roast crust at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes until golden, then cool completely while reducing oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
3. Cheesecake Mixture: Combine cream cheese, sugar, and Nutella using an electric mixer, blending until ultra-smooth. Integrate sour cream, cocoa powder, eggs (one at a time), Frangelico, and salt, ensuring uniform consistency throughout.
4. Baking Process: Transfer cheesecake batter into cooled crust, spreading gently. Bake for 35 minutes, monitoring for set edges and slightly wobbly center.
5. Ganache Creation: Warm heavy cream to a gentle simmer, remove from heat, and whisk in Nutella until achieving a glossy finish. Allow ganache to cool and slightly thicken.
6. Finishing Touches: Once cheesecake reaches room temperature, drizzle ganache evenly across surface. Refrigerate for 30 minutes minimum to set completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together when sliced.
• Mixing Magic: Beat cream cheese mixture at medium speed to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a smooth, dense cheesecake texture.
• Baking Precision: Watch for slight jiggle in the center during baking – this indicates perfect doneness and prevents over-baking and cracking.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before chilling to prevent condensation and maintain a silky surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 323
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 166 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg