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These Nutella cheesecake bars blend the rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella with creamy cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust. The beautiful marbled effect is not only stunning to look at but creates pockets of chocolate-hazelnut goodness in every bite.
I first created these bars for my daughter's birthday when she requested something with both cheesecake and chocolate. The marbled design was such a hit that they've become our go-to dessert for special occasions.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: Creates the perfect crunchy base that complements the creamy layers
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest texture and best flavor
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creates a velvety smooth cheesecake texture
- Nutella: The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature flavor
- Heavy cream: Helps thin the Nutella to create perfect swirls throughout the cheesecake
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar creates a sturdy foundation. Press firmly and evenly to ensure the crust holds together when cutting the bars later. The pre-baking step is crucial as it sets the crust and prevents sogginess.
- Create the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat the cream cheese thoroughly until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. Room temperature cream cheese is essential to avoid lumps. Add eggs one at a time to incorporate air for a lighter texture. The sour cream addition creates that perfect New York style cheesecake tang.
- Make the Nutella Swirl:
- Warming the Nutella with heavy cream makes it easier to swirl into beautiful patterns. Be careful not to overheat the Nutella mixture as it can become too runny. The slow warming in short microwave bursts gives you the perfect consistency for artful swirling.
- Perfect the Baking Process:
- Look for slightly golden edges but a center that still has a slight jiggle. Overbaking leads to cracks and a dry texture. The slow cooling process followed by refrigeration is essential for the perfect cheesecake texture and clean cuts.
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The Nutella layer is truly what makes these bars special. I discovered that warming the Nutella with heavy cream was a game changer after several attempts with pure Nutella that was too thick to create beautiful swirls. Now my family requests these bars for nearly every celebration.
Storage Tips
These cheesecake bars actually improve with time as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Let frozen bars thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture remains creamy even after freezing.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize these bars by switching up the crust ingredients. Try using chocolate graham crackers or even Oreo cookie crumbs for an extra chocolate punch. For a holiday twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the Nutella mixture. For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor depth.
Serving Suggestions
For an elevated presentation, dust each bar lightly with cocoa powder just before serving. These bars pair beautifully with fresh berries, especially raspberries which complement the chocolate-hazelnut flavor. For a decadent dessert, serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of warm Nutella. Coffee or milk makes the perfect beverage pairing to balance the richness.
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Serve these Nutella cheesecake bars for any occasion, and they are sure to steal the show!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do Nutella Cheesecake Bars need to chill?
These bars need to chill for at least 3 hours after baking, but overnight refrigeration is ideal for the best texture and flavor development. The chilling time allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
- → Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?
Yes! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or chocolate cookies for different flavor profiles. Just maintain the same proportions of crumbs, butter, and sugar for the right texture.
- → How do I know when the cheesecake bars are properly baked?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause cracks. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
- → Can I freeze Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → What's the best way to cut clean slices of cheesecake bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. Refrigerate the bars thoroughly before cutting, and clean the knife blade after each slice for the most professional-looking presentation.
- → Can I add other flavors to these cheesecake bars?
Yes! Consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the Nutella mixture, mixing in chopped hazelnuts to the crust, or topping with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving for interesting flavor variations.