Nutella Swirled Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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.
- Make the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- 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.
- Cool Crust: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent curdling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- 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.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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