Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet & Fluffy Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy nutella cheesecake bars promise a decadent twist on classic dessert indulgence.

Sweet chocolate-hazelnut spread weaves magic through rich cream cheese layers.

Smooth textures blend perfectly in each delightful bite.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this elegant treat.

Simple ingredients come together without complicated techniques.

Home bakers can confidently craft these irresistible bars with minimal effort.

Prepare to experience pure bliss in every single square.

All You Need to Know About Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • What ingredients make the Nutella swirl special?

The Nutella adds rich chocolate hazelnut flavor and creates beautiful marbled patterns when swirled into the creamy cheesecake batter, giving the bars a luxurious and decadent appearance.

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts to match your preference or what you have available in your pantry.

  • How do I achieve the perfect swirl pattern?

Gently drag a knife through the Nutella and cheesecake batter in zigzag or figure-eight motions to create an elegant, random swirl pattern without overmixing.

Why Nutella Cheesecake Bars Are an All-Time Favorite

  • Craft Chocolatey Indulgence: These Nutella Cheesecake Bars deliver a decadent chocolate experience with luxurious swirls and rich, creamy texture that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
  • Simplify Dessert Making: The recipe requires basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels who want to create an impressive sweet treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: With gorgeous marbled Nutella patterns, chocolate chips, and crunchy hazelnuts, these bars look professionally crafted and guarantee visual and taste excitement at gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
  • Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting toppings, adding extra chocolate drizzles, or experimenting with different nut combinations to match personal preferences.

What Goes Into Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Base Layer:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic foundation that provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid, rich crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers the signature smooth and tangy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the creamy, rich structure of the cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances the richness and provides a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Topping and Swirl:
  • Nutella, Chocolate Chips, Chopped Hazelnuts: Create a decadent, indulgent topping with chocolate and nutty flavors.

How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra hang over the sides for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create Buttery Graham Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan bottom, creating a solid foundation for the cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Beat thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps, ensuring a creamy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. This technique helps maintain the batter’s luxurious consistency and prevents separation.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Additions

Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are perfectly integrated, creating a uniform and luscious cheesecake mixture.

Step 6: Introduce Nutella Swirls

Gently warm Nutella to improve spreadability. Swirl half of the Nutella into the cheesecake batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns throughout.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly smooth surface.

Step 8: Add Decorative Nutella Drizzle

Drizzle remaining Nutella across the top. Use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns that will make the bars look professionally crafted.

Step 9: Sprinkle Crunchy Toppings

Scatter chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts across the surface. These add delightful texture and an extra layer of indulgent flavor.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for set edges and a center that’s slightly jiggly but not liquid – this indicates the ideal baking point.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to ensure a firm, sliceable consistency.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the cheesecake out using parchment paper edges. Slice into beautiful bars and serve chilled for maximum deliciousness.

Expert Tips for Nutella Cheesecake Bliss

  • Smooth Out Cream Cheese: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure a velvety, lump-free batter.
  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup for a compact, solid base.
  • Control Nutella Swirls: Slightly warm Nutella to make it more fluid, allowing for easier and more elegant marbling throughout the cheesecake.
  • Nail the Baking Time: Watch for slightly jiggly center when removing from oven, as the cheesecake will continue setting during cooling and chilling.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Use a clean, hot knife wiped between cuts to create neat, precise bars without dragging the creamy filling.

Sweet Twists on Classic Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Nutella Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: Replace Nutella swirls with chocolate chips mixed directly into the cheesecake batter for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Hazelnut Crunch Cheesecake Bars: Increase hazelnut content by adding ground hazelnuts to the graham cracker crust and using hazelnut liqueur in the filling.
  • Salted Caramel Nutella Bars: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between Nutella swirls for a rich, complex sweet-salty profile.
  • Berry Nutella Fusion Bars: Incorporate raspberry or strawberry preserves alongside Nutella swirls to create a fruity chocolate cheesecake variation.

Foods That Pair Well with Nutella Cheesecake Bars

  • Perfect Flavor Companions
  • Pair Creamy Espresso: A rich, bold espresso cuts through the sweetness of Nutella cheesecake, balancing the dessert's decadent profile with a robust coffee undertone.
  • Match Hazelnut Liqueur: Serve a small shot of hazelnut liqueur alongside the bars to enhance the nutty Nutella flavor and complement the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Select Vanilla Gelato: Scoop smooth vanilla gelato next to the cheesecake bars, creating a cool contrast that highlights the dessert's warm chocolate and nutty notes.
  • Toast Caramelized Almonds: Sprinkle lightly caramelized almonds around the plate to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that echoes the hazelnuts in the recipe.

Storing Nutella Cheesecake Bars the Smart Way

  • Seal Nutella cheesecake bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and delicious flavor.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring optimal taste and quality when thawed.
  • Transfer frozen bars from freezer to refrigerator overnight, allowing them to defrost slowly and evenly. Remove plastic wrap before serving to prevent condensation and maintain the bars' texture.
  • Never leave Nutella cheesecake bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and potential food safety risks.
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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Nutella cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with chocolate hazelnut dreams, promising a delectable dessert experience. Smooth cream cheese layers and swirled Nutella create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Nutella

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact, even crust.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
  5. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until the mixture is completely uniform.
  6. Warm Nutella slightly to improve spreadability, then swirl half of the Nutella into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
  7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Drizzle remaining Nutella across the surface and gently create decorative swirls using a knife.
  9. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts evenly over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  11. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set firmly.
  12. Lift the cheesecake out using parchment paper edges, slice into bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that blends effortlessly.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
  • Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create a moist environment, helping prevent surface cracks and ensuring a creamy texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 64 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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