There's nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy combination of Nutella and cheesecake, especially when it comes in the form of no-bake bars. These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat that's incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety Nutella filling, each bite is pure bliss.
I first discovered this recipe when hosting a last-minute get-together and needed a quick dessert. It was such a hit that now it's a go-to for parties, potlucks, or just when I'm craving something indulgent yet simple to whip up. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.
Why You'll Love This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! These Nutella cheesecake bars are everything you want in a sweet treat: rich, creamy, and oh-so-easy to make.
First off, there’s no need to turn on the oven. That’s right – this is a completely no-bake dessert, making it ideal for hot summer days or anytime you want a stress-free dessert option.
The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust and the Nutella-infused cheesecake filling is simply irresistible. The texture is smooth and luscious, with just the right amount of crunch from the crust.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving it at a formal dinner party or packing it for a picnic, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.
Plus, it's surprisingly quick to make. With just 20 minutes of prep and a little chill time, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to create.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these Nutella cheesecake bars lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The graham cracker crust is the foundation of this recipe. Made with crushed graham crackers and melted butter, it adds a crunchy, buttery layer that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can also substitute digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs if you want to switch things up.
Nutella is, of course, the star of the show. Its rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor gives the cheesecake filling a luxurious taste. Make sure to use a fresh jar for maximum creaminess.
For the filling, you'll need cream cheese. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature before mixing to avoid any lumps.
A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling, adding a warm, sweet aroma that complements the Nutella beautifully.
Finally, powdered sugar sweetens the filling without making it too heavy. It also helps achieve that light, silky texture.
How To Make This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Making these Nutella cheesecake bars is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Start by preparing the crust. In a medium bowl, combine your crushed graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Next, whip up the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the Nutella and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is silky and thick.
Pour the Nutella cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top for a neat finish, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Once set, remove the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Slice it into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
Storage Options
These cheesecake bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and creamy, ready to grab whenever you need a sweet treat.
If you want to store them longer, these bars are freezer-friendly. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating isn’t necessary, but if you like your cheesecake bars slightly softer, leave them out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust made with crushed Oreos and butter. It pairs beautifully with the Nutella filling for an extra indulgent twist.
- Add a layer of chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips between the crust and filling for added texture and crunch.
- For a slightly lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the bars before serving for a show-stopping finish.
- Turn these bars into a no-bake Nutella cheesecake pie by using a round springform pan instead of slicing them into bars.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy every bite!
PrintNo Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for Nutella lovers! Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, creamy Nutella cheesecake filling, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into a lined 9x9-inch pan to form the crust. Refrigerate.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Nutella, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in whipped heavy cream until the mixture is fluffy.
- Spread the Nutella filling evenly over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- For extra garnish, top with whipped cream or drizzle additional Nutella over the bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
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