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Sink your teeth into the ultimate fusion of creamy cheesecake and chocolatey hazelnut with these Nutella Cheesecake Bars. The velvety smooth cream cheese filling marries perfectly with swirls of rich Nutella, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust that provides just the right amount of texture. The nutty chocolate flavor beautifully complements the tangy cheesecake in this indulgent dessert.
At my daughter's graduation party, these bars disappeared faster than any other dessert. The secret was using room temperature ingredients and taking my time with the Nutella swirls.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat Philadelphia-style brick cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Graham Crackers: Honey graham crackers create a cohesive crust.
- Nutella: Authentic hazelnut spread provides the best flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Large, room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
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Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Lightly mist with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Create the Crust:
- Combine 1½ cups crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat 16 oz room temperature cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add ⅔ cup sugar and beat another 2 minutes. Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing on low just until incorporated.
- Create the Nutella Swirl:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust. Warm ⅓ cup Nutella in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl using a knife.
- Bake with Care:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool for 30 minutes inside.
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift from the pan using parchment handles. Slice into 16 squares with a hot, dry knife for clean edges.
Creative Serving and Pairing Ideas
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the contrast of flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before serving.
Creating these Nutella Cheesecake Bars is a rewarding experience that combines the richness of cheesecake with the indulgence of Nutella, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?
- Yes, you can use chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos with filling removed), vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers. Keep the same proportions of crumbs, butter, and sugar for the crust.
- → How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?
- The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center should be mostly set but might have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The bars will continue to firm up during cooling and chilling time.
- → Can I make these Nutella Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These bars actually benefit from being made ahead of time. You can prepare them 1-2 days before serving and keep them refrigerated. The flavors deepen and the texture improves with chilling time.
- → Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → What if I don't have sour cream for the cheesecake layer?
- You can substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.