Nutella Cheesecake Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Decadence

Name: Nutella Cheesecake Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Decadence
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 23, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Nutella cheesecake bars! They are like a little slice of heaven, combining a rich, creamy filling with a decadent chocolate crust that just melts in your mouth. I mean, who doesn’t love Nutella? It’s that sweet, nutty goodness that can elevate any dessert, and in this case, it takes cheesecake to the next level! My obsession with this recipe started a few years ago when I decided to bring a dessert to a friend’s gathering. I wanted something that would impress but also be easy to share. That’s when these Nutella cheesecake bars stole the show! The moment I pulled them out of the fridge, the room filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and hazelnut. Everyone was just swooning over them! Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion. They’re simple to make, and the best part? They can be prepped in just a flash! So, let’s get to it!

nutella cheesecake bars - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up these delightful Nutella cheesecake bars, you’ll need the following 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

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for that smooth, creamy texture we all love. Melted butter should be warm but not too hot, so it combines perfectly with the crumbs without cooking them. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these scrumptious Nutella cheesecake bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress everyone around you. Ready? Let’s go!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your cheesecake bars bake evenly and come out perfectly set.

While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix them well until all the crumbs are nicely coated. You’re looking for a texture that resembles wet sand – it should hold together when you squeeze a handful. Once that’s done, take a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it lightly, then press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it’s nice and even – this crust is going to be the delicious foundation for your cheesecake filling!

Now, let’s move on to the filling. In a separate mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial! If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, you’ll end up with lumps, and nobody wants that in their cheesecake bars. Once it’s all smooth, add in the Nutella and powdered sugar, mixing until everything is well combined and luscious. Oh, the smell of chocolate and hazelnut at this point is just heavenly!

Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving it that lovely light texture. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. Your filling should be beautifully glossy and smooth at this stage.

Carefully pour the Nutella cheesecake mixture over your graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Now it’s time to pop that pan into the preheated oven! Bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle – don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools!

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool to room temperature. This is crucial, so don’t rush it! After it’s cooled down, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Trust me, chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you those clean cuts when you slice into your bars. After the wait, you’ll be rewarded with the most decadent Nutella cheesecake bars that are simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these Nutella cheesecake bars come together in no time, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy Nutella and tangy cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s utterly delightful. Each bite is an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore!
Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are always a hit at gatherings! Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip these up in advance and store them in the fridge, making them an ideal dessert for busy days when you still want something sweet.
Customizable: Feel free to drizzle extra Nutella on top or add your favorite toppings like crushed nuts or whipped cream for an extra special touch!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to make these delectable Nutella cheesecake bars, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

First off, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This step is key for a smooth filling without any lumps. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds – just don’t let it melt! Also, using a hand mixer or stand mixer is a game changer for achieving that creamy consistency.

When mixing your graham cracker crust, really press it down into the pan. A firm crust helps hold everything together when you cut the bars later. And if you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the crust; it really enhances the chocolatey goodness!

Keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking. Every oven is a little different, so check them at the 30-minute mark. You want the edges set and just a slight jiggle in the center. Letting them cool completely before refrigerating is crucial for that perfect texture, so resist the urge to cut them too soon! Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Nutritional Information

When indulging in these scrumptious Nutella cheesecake bars, you might be curious about what you’re serving up. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 bar):

Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 180mg

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or variations in preparation. But hey, with all that creamy Nutella goodness, who’s counting? Just enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella gives these cheesecake bars that signature hazelnut flavor, you can swap it for any chocolate spread you like. Just keep in mind that it may change the overall taste slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q2. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
Great question! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It’s important not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Trust your instincts; they’ll be perfect!

Q3. Can I freeze these Nutella cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q4. What can I serve with Nutella cheesecake bars?
These bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Some fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for a lovely presentation!

Q5. How should I store leftover cheesecake bars?
To keep your Nutella cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week! Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Nutella cheesecake bars properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled and set in the fridge, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before then!

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Just pop them in the fridge if you haven’t eaten them all by the next day!

Now, if you want to enjoy that creamy goodness warm, you can gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want to turn them into a gooey mess! Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!

Serving Suggestions

These Nutella cheesecake bars are absolutely scrumptious on their own, but why not take the experience up a notch? Here are some delightful serving ideas that will have everyone raving!

First off, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors. The creaminess of the ice cream balances perfectly with the cheesecake bars, creating a heavenly combination. You could also drizzle some extra Nutella on top for that extra indulgence!

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream along with a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts or chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, add a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness and looks gorgeous on the plate.

And for a fun twist, serve them with a side of coffee or espresso. The rich flavors of the Nutella cheesecake bars and the boldness of coffee make for an irresistible pairing. Trust me, your guests will be smitten!