There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy decadence of No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars. These easy-to-make treats combine the velvety smoothness of cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of Nutella, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without even turning on the oven!
I first discovered this recipe when looking for a fuss-free dessert for a family gathering. It quickly became a hit, with everyone begging for the recipe. Now, it’s my go-to for celebrations, lazy weekends, or whenever I need a chocolate fix.
Why You'll Love This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars. They’re indulgent, effortless, and always a crowd-pleaser.
First off, they’re ridiculously simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and no baking required, these bars come together in less than 30 minutes of prep time. All you need is a bit of patience while they chill!
Their creamy, silky texture is downright dreamy. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering the perfect balance of chocolate-hazelnut goodness and tangy cheesecake.
Not only are these bars a treat for your taste buds, but they’re also visually stunning. The layered effect of crust, cheesecake, and Nutella topping makes them look like a dessert masterpiece, perfect for impressing guests.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a casual snack or an elegant dessert, these bars fit the bill. Plus, you can easily customize them with different toppings or crust options.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars lies in their simple yet indulgent ingredients. Each one works in harmony to create a dessert that's both luxurious and easy to make.
The graham cracker crust is the base of these bars, providing a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling. I recommend using classic graham crackers, but you can swap them for chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a twist.
The star of the show is, of course, Nutella. Its rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor shines in both the cheesecake layer and the topping, making these bars utterly irresistible.
Cream cheese is what gives the cheesecake its smooth, tangy character. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a lump-free filling.
To sweeten the cheesecake, I use powdered sugar. It dissolves effortlessly, ensuring a silky texture without any graininess.
Lastly, heavy whipping cream adds lightness and fluffiness to the cheesecake filling, helping it hold its shape once chilled.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a food processor or rolling pin to crush the graham crackers, and an 8x8-inch pan for layering.
How To Make This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Creating these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars is a breeze. Follow these steps, and you'll have a show-stopping dessert ready to wow your friends and family.
Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. Crush about 10-12 graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a resealable bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Chill the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
For the cheesecake layer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add Nutella and continue mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the Nutella mixture. This step ensures a light and airy filling.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, then pour a layer of Nutella over the cheesecake. For an extra-smooth finish, warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave before spreading.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set. For best results, let them chill overnight. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.
Storage Options
These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are just as convenient to store as they are to make. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
If you’re planning to take these bars to a party or picnic, pack them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them chilled and maintain their creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ideas to customize your No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars:
- Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust for extra chocolatey goodness. Simply crush Oreo cookies and mix them with melted butter.
- Add a layer of crushed hazelnuts between the cheesecake and Nutella topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for an even creamier filling.
- Top the bars with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel for a decorative and indulgent finish.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a fun twist, these bars are sure to be a hit!
PrintNo Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgence! Made with a luscious Nutella-infused cheesecake filling on a crunchy graham cracker crust, these bars are easy to make and require no baking. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a rich and creamy treat.
- 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
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Optional: chopped hazelnuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a lined 9x9-inch pan to form the crust. Chill for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, Nutella, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in whipped heavy cream until fully combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Slice into bars, garnish with chopped hazelnuts if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, bake the crust at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, then cool before adding the filling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
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