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Nutella Swirled Cheesecake Bars Recipe

4.6 from 108 reviews

Delight in these rich and creamy Nutella Swirled Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and luscious Nutella swirls. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a perfect balance of chocolate and cheesecake in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutella Swirl

  • 1/3 cup Nutella, slightly warmed (microwaved for 15 seconds)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
  2. Make the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press and Bake Crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring even coverage. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
  4. Cool Crust: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent curdling.
  5. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  7. Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan.
  8. Add Nutella Swirls: Spoon the slightly warmed Nutella on top of the cheesecake filling. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the Nutella into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect.
  9. Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly near the center.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then refrigerate to chill completely, preferably overnight for best texture.
  11. Serve: Once fully chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into squares—9 larger pieces or 16 smaller squares—and serve.

Notes

  • Warming Nutella slightly makes it easier to swirl into the cheesecake batter.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
  • Using aluminum foil with overhang makes it easier to remove the cheesecake bars from the pan.
  • Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture, making the bars easier to cut.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.

Keywords: Nutella cheesecake bars, cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust, dessert bars, chocolate swirl cheesecake