Nutella Cheesecake Bars: A Decadent Dessert for Nutella Lovers

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Nutella and cheesecake, you’re in for an absolute treat with Nutella Cheesecake Bars. This dessert brings together the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella, creating a dreamy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars are an easy, shareable version of traditional cheesecake that still pack all the flavor and decadence you crave. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want something indulgent for your dessert table, Nutella Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress.

The beauty of Nutella Cheesecake Bars lies in their simplicity and versatility. With a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a swirl of Nutella throughout, these bars offer all the richness of a classic cheesecake but in a more convenient, bite-sized form. They’re ideal for those who love both cheesecake and Nutella and are looking for a delicious way to combine the two.

In this article, we’ll explore why Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a must-try dessert, provide step-by-step instructions for making them, and offer tips for variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just treating yourself to something special, these cheesecake bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Nutella Flavor: The creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread swirled into the cheesecake filling creates an incredibly rich and unique flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: These cheesecake bars are simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort compared to a full-size cheesecake, while still delivering all the deliciousness.
• Perfect for Sharing: Unlike traditional cheesecake, which requires careful slicing and serving, these bars are easy to cut into neat squares, making them ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Creamy and Rich: The cheesecake filling is velvety smooth, rich, and tangy, balancing perfectly with the Nutella’s sweetness.
• Visually Stunning: The swirled Nutella creates beautiful marbled patterns on top of the cheesecake bars, making them as eye-catching as they are delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 4 hours (20 minutes for prep, 3 hours for chilling, 40 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 16 bars, depending on how large you slice them.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 300, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the sweet, crunchy base of the bars, contrasting nicely with the smooth cheesecake filling.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the crust.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, to bind the graham cracker crumbs and sugar together.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese: Softened, this provides the smooth and creamy base for the cheesecake filling.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• 3 large eggs: To provide structure and a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: To help stabilize the filling and prevent it from cracking during baking.
• ½ cup Nutella: The star ingredient! This will be swirled into the cheesecake filling for that irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor.

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped hazelnuts: For added crunch and flavor.
• Extra Nutella: For drizzling on top before serving for an extra hit of Nutella flavor.

First Step: PREPARE THE CRUST

1. Make the Crust: Begin by preparing the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
2. Press the Crust: Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and press it into an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crumbs firmly to form a solid base.
3. Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Second Step: PREPARE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure there are no lumps.
2. Add Sour Cream and Sugar: Add the sour cream and sugar to the cream cheese and beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
4. Add Flour and Vanilla: Mix in the flour and vanilla extract. The flour helps to stabilize the cheesecake filling and ensures a smooth texture during baking.
5. Swirl in Nutella: Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make it easier to swirl. Add ½ cup of Nutella to the cheesecake batter and gently fold it in. Be careful not to overmix; you want to create a marbled effect rather than fully blending the Nutella into the batter.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE AND BAKE THE CHEESECAKE BARS

1. Layer the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
2. Swirl the Nutella: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining Nutella over the cheesecake filling. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the Nutella into the filling to create a marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix—the swirls should be visible, creating a beautiful design on top.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. The cheesecake should still be a little soft in the center but firm enough to hold its shape.
4. Cool the Cheesecake: Once the bars are done, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming.
5. Chill the Cheesecake: After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight. This helps the cheesecake set and makes it easier to slice into bars.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the cheesecake bars with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and a burst of nutty flavor. You can also drizzle a little extra Nutella on top for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the chilled cheesecake into bars. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, Nutella-infused goodness!

How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Nutella Cheesecake Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to special events. Here are a few ideas for serving these decadent bars:

1. As a Dessert for Special Occasions

These cheesecake bars make a fantastic dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, or any event where you want to impress your guests. The Nutella flavor and creamy cheesecake filling are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

2. For a Casual Snack or Tea Time

Serve these bars as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of rich Nutella and smooth cheesecake pairs wonderfully with both hot beverages and cold drinks.

3. Bring to Potlucks or Parties

Because they’re easy to cut into individual bars, Nutella Cheesecake Bars are perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or family gatherings. Guests will appreciate their individual servings and indulgent flavor.

4. For a Chocolate Lover’s Delight

If you’re hosting a chocolate-themed event or want to indulge in a chocolate-centric dessert, these bars will be the star of the show. They offer the perfect balance of chocolatey richness with the creamy texture of cheesecake.

Recipe Variations

While Nutella Cheesecake Bars are incredible as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Add More Nutella

For extra Nutella flavor, you can double the amount of Nutella in the filling and swirl more into the top before baking. You can also drizzle extra Nutella on top after baking for added decadence.

2. Use Different Crusts

While graham crackers are traditional, you can experiment with different crust options. Try using crushed Oreos for a chocolatey crust, or switch to almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option.

3. Add a Nutty Twist

If you love the combination of hazelnuts and chocolate, you can add crushed hazelnuts into the cheesecake filling for added texture and flavor. Toasted almonds or other nuts can also be a great addition.

4. Make it Vegan or Dairy-Free

To make these bars dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based sour cream. You can also use a vegan butter substitute for the crust.

Tips for Perfect Nutella Cheesecake Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a creamy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling: When preparing the cheesecake filling, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which may cause cracks during baking.
3. Chill the Bars: These bars benefit from being made ahead of time and chilled for several hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture firms up, making them easier to slice.
4. Swirl Carefully: When swirling the Nutella, be gentle to create beautiful, distinct marbles. Overmixing will cause the Nutella to disappear into the filling.

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Conclusion

Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for Nutella fans and cheesecake lovers alike. With their creamy, rich filling and irresistible hazelnut-chocolate swirl, these bars offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a luxurious, indulgent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!