There are desserts, and then there are desserts. And trust me, these Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars fall into the second category. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a lusciously creamy cheesecake filling, and swirls of rich, chocolatey Nutella running through every bite. Sounds dreamy, right? This recipe is one of those easy-to-make, impossible-to-resist treats that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you need a little extra sweetness in your life, these bars are a guaranteed hit.
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Why You’ll Love Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Versatile: Whether it’s a weekend treat, a party dessert, or a late-night indulgence, these bars fit the bill.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: No need to be a pro baker—this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Want to add crushed hazelnuts or a drizzle of extra Nutella? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cheesecake. It’s Nutella. Need we say more?
Ingredients in Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Here’s why each ingredient plays an essential role in making these bars irresistible:
Graham Crackers: The perfect crunchy, slightly sweet base for your cheesecake bars.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Cream Cheese: The heart of any cheesecake—make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right.
Eggs: Give the cheesecake structure while keeping it creamy.
Vanilla Extract: A small touch that makes a big difference in flavor.
Nutella: The star of the show! Warm it slightly so it swirls beautifully into the cheesecake.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure an even bake.
Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix them with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish to create a solid base.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth it out evenly. Drizzle the warmed Nutella over the top and use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful swirls.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge for at least 3 hours to set properly.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy every bite of creamy, chocolatey goodness.
How to Serve Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
With Coffee or Tea: A match made in dessert heaven.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A little extra indulgence never hurt.
Drizzled with More Nutella: Because there’s no such thing as too much Nutella.
Paired with Fresh Berries: Adds a tart contrast to balance the sweetness.
Additional Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything mix smoothly without lumps.
Don’t Overbake: A slight jiggle in the center means your cheesecake will stay creamy.
Chill Thoroughly: The longer they chill, the better they taste.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different crust?
A1: Absolutely! Oreo crumbs or digestive biscuits make great alternatives.
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Yes! They actually taste even better after chilling overnight.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A4: Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q5: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A5: You can, but the texture won’t be as rich and creamy.
Q6: How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
A6: Don’t overmix the batter, and avoid opening the oven door while baking.
Q7: Can I make these without Nutella?
A7: Sure! You can swirl in peanut butter, caramel, or even fruit preserves instead.
Q8: What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?
A8: Just place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Q9: Can I add chopped nuts to the crust?
A9: Yes! Chopped hazelnuts or almonds add a nice crunch.
Q10: Do I have to use a water bath?
A10: Nope! These bars bake beautifully without one.
Final Thoughts
Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just treating yourself, they’re bound to impress. Try them out and let me know how much you love them!
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Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the indulgent, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, decadent filling, they are the perfect dessert for chocolate and cheesecake lovers alike!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 9 graham crackers
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (2 bars) full-fat cream cheese, at room temp
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Nutella, warmed
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- Add melted butter and pulse until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan and press down evenly using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- While the crust is baking, beat cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer (or by hand) for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating between each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and beat until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and smooth into an even layer.
Add the Nutella Swirl:
- Drop large spoonfuls of warmed Nutella over the cheesecake filling.
- Use a knife to gently swirl Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake & Chill:
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center slightly jiggles but is mostly set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or freeze for 1 hour for faster setting.
- Once chilled, remove from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 9 bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor: Add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture.
- Want extra crunch? Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones.
- Make ahead: These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg