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
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until the mixture is completely uniform.
- Warm Nutella slightly to improve spreadability, then swirl half of the Nutella into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle remaining Nutella across the surface and gently create decorative swirls using a knife.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts evenly over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set firmly.
- 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