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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

These Nutella Cheesecake Bars combine a rich chocolate graham cracker crust with a creamy Nutella-infused cheesecake filling, topped with a silky Nutella glaze. Perfectly balanced, fudgy, and indulgent, these bars make a decadent dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 9 (140 grams) chocolate graham crackers
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (~100°F)

Filling

  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (296 grams) Nutella
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (28 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) or vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Topping

  • ½ cup (119 grams) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (296 grams) Nutella

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a food processor, pulse the chocolate graham crackers until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to create an even layer. Bake until fragrant, about 10 minutes (may need longer if using glass dish). Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
  2. Reduce oven temperature: Lower oven temperature to 325°F to prepare for baking the filling.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and Nutella on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add sour cream and sifted cocoa powder, then continue beating until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping the bowl as needed. Stir in Frangelico or vanilla extract and sea salt, mixing just until combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth texture.
  4. Bake the cheesecake bars: Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake at 325°F until edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly, about 35 minutes. Turn off the oven and crack the door open; let the cheesecake bars sit inside the oven for 10 minutes to finish gently cooking. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack completely.
  5. Chill: Cover the cheesecake bars with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set fully before topping.
  6. Make the topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the Nutella until mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Allow the glaze to cool and thicken slightly before spreading it evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for a neat appearance.
  7. Final chilling and serving: Return the topped bars to the refrigerator to firm up the topping for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, cut into squares. For cleaner slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it between cuts.
  8. Storage: Store cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks and maintain creamy texture.
  • Use a metal baking pan for best heat conduction and even baking.
  • Cracker crumbs must be finely ground and well combined with butter for a sturdy crust.
  • Allow the topping to fully cool and thicken before spreading to avoid melting the cheesecake.
  • For alcohol-free version, substitute Frangelico with vanilla extract.
  • Run a hot knife under water and wipe between cuts for clean, neat slices.

Keywords: Nutella cheesecake bars, chocolate graham crust, Nutella dessert, creamy cheesecake, chocolate dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/nutella-cheesecake-bars-recipe/