There’s something magical about desserts that bring back memories. Nutella Cheesecake Bars do just that for me. They remind me of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and textures. This recipe is a quick solution for a busy day or a delightful treat to impress your loved ones. With a rich, creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, these Nutella Cheesecake Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart.
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Cheesecake Bars
These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true for any home cook. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just a little over two hours from start to finish. The combination of creamy Nutella and rich cheesecake is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Nutella Cheesecake Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your bars, providing a sweet and crunchy texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, adding richness to the crust.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the crust and the filling.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! It gives the cheesecake its creamy, smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully.
Egg: Helps to set the filling, giving it structure and a rich mouthfeel.
Nutella: The hero ingredient! This chocolate-hazelnut spread brings a luscious, indulgent flavor.
Heavy cream: Whipped into the filling, it adds a lightness and creaminess that balances the richness.
For those looking to switch things up, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top or sprinkling chopped hazelnuts for added crunch. If you’re not a Nutella fan, peanut butter can be a delicious alternative. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Creating Nutella Cheesecake Bars is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dessert that will impress everyone. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer. This crust will provide a sweet, crunchy base for your Nutella Cheesecake Bars.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins! Add in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. The filling should be velvety and luscious.
Step 4: Combine with Nutella
Now comes the fun part! Add the Nutella to your cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth. The rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor will start to shine through. Gently fold in the heavy cream until just combined. This will add a lightness to the filling, making it even more delightful.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the Nutella cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly jiggly. This is the perfect texture for a creamy cheesecake.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. This step is essential for the bars to set properly. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making it easier to cut into bars.
Tips for Success
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding Nutella; it should be just combined.
Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for the best texture.
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices.
Experiment with toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries for added flair.
Equipment Needed
8×8-inch baking pan: A square pan is ideal, but a round one works too.
Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls for mixing ingredients.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer makes blending easier.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients and scraping bowls clean.
Variations
Peanut Butter Swirl: Substitute Nutella with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist. Swirl in some chocolate sauce for extra flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling before baking for a fruity burst.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Version: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use flax eggs instead of a regular egg.
Mint Chocolate: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract with the Nutella for a refreshing minty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra indulgent touch.
Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for added texture.
FAQs about Nutella Cheesecake Bars
As you embark on your Nutella Cheesecake Bars journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you navigate this delicious recipe:
Can I make Nutella Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, and they’ll be even more flavorful the next day.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. This indicates a creamy texture that’s perfect for cheesecake.
Can I freeze Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
What can I use instead of Nutella?
If Nutella isn’t your thing, try using peanut butter or any other nut butter. You can also experiment with flavored spreads for a unique twist.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Final Thoughts
Making Nutella Cheesecake Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy. The rich, creamy texture and the delightful crunch of the graham cracker crust come together to form a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone, these bars bring a sense of indulgence that’s hard to resist. Plus, the smiles they bring to the faces of those you share them with are truly priceless. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of Nutella and cheesecake, set on a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup Nutella
½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the Nutella to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the heavy cream until just combined.
Pour the Nutella cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into bars.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving or sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added crunch.
You can also substitute peanut butter for Nutella for a different flavor profile.
