Description
Indulgent Nutella cheesecake bars deliver a heavenly blend of creamy richness and chocolate hazelnut perfection. Silky layers of cheesecake and Nutella create an irresistible dessert that will satisfy sweet cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping:
- 1/3 cup Nutella
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base for the cheesecake.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the 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 vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until the mixture is completely uniform.
- Warm the Nutella slightly to improve its spreadability, then swirl it through the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- For the topping, gently warm Nutella and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the Nutella mixture over the chilled cheesecake bars.
- Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts across the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled, storing any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Crust Tip: Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press graham cracker mixture evenly, creating a compact and uniform base for perfect texture.
- Cheesecake Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency when mixing.
- Swirling Technique: Add Nutella in small dollops and use a toothpick or knife to create intricate marbled patterns for a visually stunning dessert.
- Dietary Modifications: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a celiac or lactose-intolerant friendly version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg