Ready in: 5 hours 15 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 5 days in the fridge
Quick Answer
These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy holiday dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Nutella Cheesecake Bars have found a special place in my heart, especially as the holiday season approaches. Living in New York City, with its bustling streets and festive vibe, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a rich, creamy dessert that embodies the cozy spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas. These bars are decadent, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing at gatherings with family and friends. So, let me guide you through the process of creating these delicious treats—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavor with the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and rich Nutella.
- Easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- A beautiful and impressive dessert to share at holiday gatherings.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for lasting enjoyment.
- A delightful treat that will surely please family and friends alike.
Ingredients
This recipe requires a few key ingredients to create the crust and the luscious Nutella cheesecake filling.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Nutella
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple instructions to create your very own Nutella Cheesecake Bars, perfect for any holiday gathering!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). I love using my reliable countertop oven—perfect for keeping the heat even while preparing these bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a fork to mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. You want it to be compressed and cohesive to hold everything together beautifully. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s silky and smooth (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until you achieve that creamy consistency you crave. Now, here comes the best part—add the Nutella! Mix just until the swirl patterns are beautifully marbled throughout.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the Nutella cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center has a slight jiggle. The edges should be set and slightly puffy, while the middle remains velvety smooth.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After that, transfer the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. This step is crucial—chilling helps firm them up and enhances the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Soften the Cream Cheese: Using cold cream cheese will lead to lumps in your filling, so make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing!
- Overmixing the Eggs: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in cracks during baking.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Cutting into the bars too early will lead to a messy situation. Patience is key for achieving those clean, luscious squares!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Serve these bars with a generous drizzle of extra Nutella on top for an even more indulgent treat.
- Consider garnishing with crushed hazelnuts or a dollop of whipped cream to add texture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—perfect for those holiday leftovers!
Variations
- Use whole wheat graham cracker crumbs for a healthier crust option.
- Replace Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread of your choice.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top after baking for extra richness.
- Incorporate a few tablespoons of coffee or espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
How to Serve
- Cut into squares and serve chilled for the best texture.
- Pair with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Offer alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake bars a day in advance; the flavors improve as they chill.
- Storage: Store the Nutella Cheesecake Bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Reheating: For best results, serve chilled directly from the fridge; no reheating needed.
- Freezing: Freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through my many attempts at perfecting these cheesecake bars, I realized that patience not only shows in the taste but also in the texture. Chilling is a non-negotiable step that transforms the bars from good to spectacular!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 4g protein · 30g carbs · 15g fat
Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Bars for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, then the eggs one at a time. Fold in the sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Lastly, mix in the Nutella until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle. Let cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Yes, you can use other chocolate hazelnut spreads, but the flavor and texture may vary depending on the brand.
2. How can I tell when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center, while the edges should be set and slightly puffy.
3. Do I need to use a water bath to bake these cheesecake bars?
No, a water bath is not necessary for this recipe, but it can help in achieving a creamier texture if desired.
4. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
5. What is the best way to cut the cheesecake bars for serving?
To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a warm cloth between cuts. This prevents sticking and messiness.
