Description
There’s something so comforting about the swirl of Nutella—rich, nutty, and chocolatey—all baked into a creamy cheesecake layer. Combine that with a buttery graham cracker crust, and you’ve got a dessert bar that feels like a warm hug in every bite. These Nutella Cheesecake Bars are one of those treats that brings everyone to the kitchen, lingering for “just one more piece.”
I remember making these for a small family gathering one chilly Sunday afternoon. The oven warmed up the whole house, and the scent of toasted hazelnuts and baked cheesecake drew everyone in before the bars even made it to the table. They’re the perfect dessert for when you want something indulgent but easy to serve—a crowd-pleaser with just enough elegance to impress, and simple enough for a casual evening at home.
Nutella is one of those nostalgic ingredients that’s rooted in cozy mornings and sweet snacks, but when paired with cheesecake, it becomes something unexpectedly special. These bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a make-ahead dessert for dinner parties. Plus, they slice up beautifully, making them great for sharing—or not, if you’re like me and love sneaking a piece with your coffee the next morning.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup Nutella
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so you can lift out the bars easily once they’re set.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand—everything should be well coated. Press this into the bottom of your prepared pan, packing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass. Bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar and mix again until fluffy—this is where that signature cheesecake texture starts to develop. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until everything is smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Nutella Swirl Magic
Pour the cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust. Dollop spoonfuls of Nutella on top—about five or six should do it. Then, using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the Nutella into the cheesecake layer. Don’t overdo it—those distinct ribbons of Nutella make the bars look gorgeous when sliced.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed. The middle might jiggle a bit, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Chill & Slice
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. Once chilled, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy every decadent bite.
Notes
Feel free to use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’d like, though the full-fat version gives you that rich, classic cheesecake flavor. Also, don’t skip the sour cream—it adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.