Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet creamy cheesecake with swirls of Nutella. If you love Nutella + cheesecake then these Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a must make!
2bars (8 oz each)full-fat cream cheeseroom temperature
3/4cupgranulated sugar
2largeeggsroom temperature
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1/3cupNutella hazelnut spread
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325℉. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.*I like to spray the pan first with cooking spray and then press the parchment paper in, as the spray helps it adhere better to the pan. You could also skip the parchment paper and just spray the pan lightly with cooking spray.
Make The Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
Firmly press the crust mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes and then set aside to cool.
Make The Nutella Swirl Cheesecake
In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2 bars (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2 large eggs
Add in the vanilla extract and beat on low speed just until combined.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pour the cheesecake mixture over top of the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
Warm the Nutella spread in the microwave, for about 15 seconds, to make it easier to swirl. Drop spoonfuls of the warmed Nutella over top of the cheesecake, and use a knife or skewer, or toothpick to create a fun swirl pattern.
1/3 cup Nutella hazelnut spread
Bake & Refrigerate
Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight is preferred, before slicing.
When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars from the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Don't overmix the Nutella into the cheesecake batter; swirls should remain distinct for the best visual effect.
Place a small pan of hot water on the rack below the cheesecake bars (in the oven) to help reduce the chance of the cheesecake cracking. This is completely optional.
Allow time for the bars to cool to room temperature after baking - about 1 hour - and then time for the bars to refrigerate before serving them, about 4-6 hours but overnight is preferred. The cheesecake bars taste much better chilled once they have had time for all the flavors to settle and meld together.
Variation Tip : Instead of Nutella, this recipe would work using any dessert/sweeter spread such as Biscoff, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, etc. Crust : I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs, however, you can also crush whole graham crackers in a food processor a large bag with something heavy such as a rolling pin. You could also used finely crushed chocolate graham cracker crumbs, Nilla wafer crumbs, or other cookies like Teddy Grahams. Butter : I prefer salted butter when baking because I love that sweet & salty contrast, but you can use unsalted butter if you prefer or if you don't want a higher sodium content.