Nutella cheesecake bars have become my absolute go-to dessert for any gathering, and I’m so excited to share this easy Nutella cheesecake bars recipe with you! I first tried a version of these years ago at a friend’s potluck, and the combination of rich chocolate-hazelnut spread with creamy cheesecake was pure magic. The aroma alone, a warm blend of baked goods and sweet cocoa, is enough to make your mouth water. These decadent Nutella cheesecake bars are surprisingly simple to whip up, proving that gourmet desserts don’t need to be complicated. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to fall in love with these incredible treats! They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
- Incredibly Creamy Texture: The smooth, rich filling melts in your mouth.
- Decadent Flavor Combination: Chocolate and hazelnut bliss meets tangy cheesecake.
- Effortless to Make: This easy Nutella cheesecake bars recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Parties: These Nutella cheesecake bars for parties are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Visually Stunning: The beautiful swirl and golden crust look amazing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Pure Indulgence: A truly decadent dessert experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients for Homemade Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Gather these simple ingredients for your homemade Nutella cheesecake bars. The chocolate graham cracker crust provides a perfect base, while the cream cheese and Nutella create that signature creamy, fudgy filling we all adore. Using room temperature cream cheese is key for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake mixture. For more baking tips, check out these copycat recipes.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – for a classic, slightly sweet crust
- 1/3 cup sugar – sweetens the crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust together
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened – the heart of any creamy cheesecake
- 1 cup Nutella – for that irresistible chocolate hazelnut flavor
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – ensures a silky smooth cheesecake filling
- 2 large eggs – act as binders and add richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors
How to Make Easy Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Whipping up these delicious Nutella cheesecake bars is easier than you think! Follow these steps for a truly satisfying dessert experience.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create a solid crust.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the 16 oz cream cheese, softened until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts for our fudgy Nutella cheesecake bars.
- Step 4: Add the 1 cup Nutella and 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Beat them together until everything is well combined and you have a luscious, chocolatey mixture.
- Step 5: Incorporate the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Don’t overmix here! Stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Pour the creamy cheesecake batter evenly over the graham cracker crust. Spread it gently to ensure an even layer.
- Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be divine!
- Step 8: Let the bars cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the pan and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for achieving that perfect firm texture for cutting. Once chilled, cut into bars and enjoy your delightful Nutella baked cheesecake bars!
Pro Tips for the Best Nutella Cheesecake Bars
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these bars absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up the most amazing chocolate hazelnut cheesecake bars!
- Always use full-fat, softened cream cheese. It’s crucial for that signature creamy texture and smooth consistency in your Nutella cheesecake bar dessert recipe.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your bars.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. This allows them to set properly, giving you clean, beautiful slices.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle a little extra warm Nutella over the cooled bars before slicing. It adds another layer of decadent flavor!
What’s the secret to perfect Nutella cheesecake bars?
The real secret to perfect Nutella cheesecake bars lies in using softened cream cheese and not overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs. This ensures that wonderfully creamy, fudgy texture. For more information on cream cheese, you can refer to this guide on dairy products.
Can I make Nutella cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These homemade Nutella cheesecake bars are fantastic for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. They taste even better after chilling!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Nutella cheesecake bars?
A common pitfall is using cold cream cheese, which leads to lumps. Another is overbaking, which can dry out your bars. Bake just until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Best Ways to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars
These decadent Nutella cheesecake bars are so versatile, they’re perfect for almost any occasion. For a truly special dessert, I love serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, fudgy bar with cold, creamy ice cream is divine! If you’re looking for a simpler pairing, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra Nutella takes these chocolate hazelnut cheesecake bars to the next level. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter for parties, offering a rich, crowd-pleasing option that everyone raves about. You can find more dessert ideas on our latest recipes page.
Nutrition Facts for Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Let’s talk about what makes these Nutella cheesecake bars such a delightful treat. While they are incredibly decadent, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy them mindfully. These figures are for a single serving, which typically yields one of our delicious Nutella cheesecake square bars.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade Nutella cheesecake bars. For more information on healthy eating, consider these tips on foods to eat less of.
How to Store and Reheat Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Keeping your delicious Nutella cheesecake bars fresh is simple! After they’ve completely cooled to room temperature, which is a crucial step before storing, I like to cut them into individual bars. Then, I carefully transfer them into an airtight container. This helps maintain their wonderful texture and prevents them from drying out. These bars will stay delicious in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save some for longer, you’re in luck! Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade Nutella cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treats, the best method is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re craving a warm, gooey experience, you can gently reheat individual bars. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short 10-15 second intervals until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that perfect cheesecake consistency!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Can I use a different type of crust for Nutella cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! While a chocolate graham cracker crust is classic for these Nutella cheesecake bars, you can get creative. A chocolate cookie crust, like Oreos, or even a shortbread crust works beautifully. Some people even enjoy a simple brownie base for an extra chocolatey treat! Explore more easy meat recipes for other meal ideas.
What are Nutella cheesecake bars best served with?
These decadent bars are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a more elaborate dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A few fresh raspberries can also add a lovely tart contrast to the rich chocolate hazelnut flavor.
Why are Nutella cheesecake bars so popular?
The popularity of these easy Nutella cheesecake bars stems from their irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake and beloved Nutella. They offer a decadent, chocolatey, and nutty flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience, plus they’re relatively simple to make, making them a go-to dessert for both home bakers and party hosts.
Can I make Nutella swirl cheesecake bars more festive?
Definitely! To make your Nutella cheesecake bars for parties even more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts over the top before baking, or a drizzle of white chocolate ganache after they’ve cooled. You could also add a few chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Variations of Nutella Cheesecake Bars You Can Try
While the classic recipe is divine, I love experimenting with these Nutella cheesecake bars to switch things up! Whether you’re looking for dietary options or just a new flavor twist, these variations are fantastic ways to enjoy this beloved dessert.
- Gluten-Free Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed gluten-free pretzels. The rich, creamy filling remains the same, making these a wonderful treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
- No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Skip the oven! For a quick and easy dessert, you can make a no-bake version. Combine the crust ingredients, press into the pan, and chill. For the filling, whip cream cheese, Nutella, and powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in whipped cream or Cool Whip before pouring over the crust and chilling until firm.
- Double Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Amp up the chocolate by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the crust mixture and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling. These are for the ultimate chocolate lovers!
- Salted Caramel Nutella Cheesecake Bars: Drizzle a layer of your favorite salted caramel sauce over the Nutella filling before baking. The salty-sweet combination is absolutely heavenly and adds a decadent touch.
Delectable Nutella Cheesecake Bars: 1 Secret Tip
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Nutella cheesecake bars, featuring a rich, creamy Nutella and cream cheese filling atop a chocolate graham cracker crust. They are simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Nutella and powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for best results.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Optional: drizzle with extra Nutella before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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