Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars You’ll Love

Indulgent Nutella swirl cheesecake bars offer a rich treat that chocolate and cream lovers can’t resist.

These mouthwatering bars mix the smooth texture of classic cheesecake with the well-loved hazelnut-chocolate spread, Nutella.

The beautiful swirls on top make each slice look as good as it tastes, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Layers of creamy cheesecake blend perfectly with tasty Nutella streaks, creating a delicious flavor experience for everyone to enjoy.

Both baking enthusiasts and dessert fans find these bars ideal for many different events and celebrations.

The true magic of these bars is how they turn simple ingredients into an elegant and incredibly tempting sweet delight.

Why Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Are A Sweet Treat

  • Quick and Effortless Dessert: Whip up these Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars with minimal kitchen skills, requiring just basic mixing and baking techniques perfect for beginners.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella, creating a dessert that will delight both kids and adults at gatherings.
  • Time-Saving Delight: Prepare these bars in under an hour of active cooking time, with a simple chilling process that allows for make-ahead convenience for parties, potlucks, or weekend treats.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Cut into neat squares for easy portion control, making them ideal for casual family desserts, picnics, or elegant dinner parties with minimal presentation effort.

Everything In Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Crust Base:

Graham Crackers: A classic, crispy foundation that adds a sweet and slightly nutty base for the cheesecake bars.

Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: The smooth, creamy heart of the cheesecake that provides a rich and tangy flavor.

Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tanginess.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set with a silky texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake filling.

Swirl Topping:

Nutella: A decadent chocolate-hazelnut spread that creates a beautiful marbled pattern and adds rich, sweet flavor to the cheesecake bars.

How To Make Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

How To Make Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Craft The Crumbly Base

Grab graham crackers and pulverize them into fine dust using a food processor. Drizzle melted butter over the crumbs and pulse until thoroughly mixed. Transfer the mixture into a lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Press down firmly with hands or a measuring cup to create an even foundation. Slide the pan into an oven preheated to 325°F and bake for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar. Blend vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy. Introduce eggs one by one, beating thoroughly between each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and continue mixing until the batter transforms into a silky smooth consistency with zero lumps.

Step 3: Create Nutella Swirl Magic

Gently warm Nutella until it becomes pourable. Cascade generous spoonfuls of Nutella across the cheesecake filling. Take a knife and softly dance it through the surface, creating mesmerizing marble patterns.

Step 4: Bake And Chill

Bake the bars for 30 minutes. The center should have a slight wobble but mostly appear set. Remove from the oven and allow complete cooling. Refrigerate for 3 hours or freeze for 1 hour to accelerate setting. Once chilled, lift out using parchment paper and slice into 9 delectable squares.

Tips To Bake Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Right

  • Soften Nutella Gently: Warm Nutella in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make swirling easier and prevent tearing the cheesecake batter.
  • Perfect Swirl Technique: Use the tip of a knife to create delicate, artistic Nutella swirls without overmixing the cheesecake base.
  • Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours to ensure clean, precise slices and a firm, creamy texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
  • No-Crack Secret: Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake when the center is slightly jiggly, which prevents surface cracking.

Keep Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover bars with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Thaw: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents moisture loss.
  • Reheat: For best results, enjoy these bars chilled. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Best Pairings With Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Savor Rich Red Wine Complement: Full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon balances the creamy cheesecake’s sweetness, cutting through Nutella’s decadent chocolate notes while enhancing dessert’s luxurious texture.

Brew Espresso Harmony: Strong Italian espresso provides perfect bitter contrast to the sweet cheesecake, cleansing the palate and highlighting Nutella’s hazelnut undertones with its robust coffee profile.

Create Fresh Berry Accent: Serve with mixed berry compote or fresh raspberries, which add bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the dessert’s richness and provides a delightful color contrast on the plate.

Match Hazelnut Liqueur Pairing: Frangelico liqueur echoes Nutella’s nutty essence, creating a sophisticated adult dessert experience that amplifies the cheesecake’s complex flavor layers.

Switch Up Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars With These Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut milk instead of eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Swap: Replace Nutella with sugar-free chocolate spread or mashed avocado with cocoa powder to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Nutella Modification: Use sunflower seed butter or chocolate spread without hazelnuts for those with nut allergies, maintaining a similar rich chocolate flavor.

Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars FAQ

  • What ingredients make the Nutella Swirl special?

Nutella brings a rich hazelnut chocolate flavor that creates beautiful marbling in the cheesecake bars, adding both visual appeal and delicious taste to the classic cheesecake base.

  • Can I use a different type of nut crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with other crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or replace with ground almonds or pecans for a different nutty base flavor.

  • How do I get the perfect Nutella swirl?

Warm the Nutella slightly so it’s more fluid, then drop large spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake batter. Use a knife to gently drag through the drops, creating a marbled pattern without overmixing.

  • Is this recipe good for make-ahead desserts?

Absolutely! These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them perfect for planning ahead for parties or gatherings.

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Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars bring Italian chocolate-hazelnut magic to classic dessert bars. Rich cream cheese and swirled Nutella create an irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring slice by delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (2 bars) full-fat cream cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 9 graham crackers
  • ½ stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup Nutella, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F and positioning a rack in the center. Protect an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light butter coating.
  2. Transform graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, ensuring a consistent texture for the crust foundation.
  3. Incorporate melted butter into the cracker crumbs, pulsing until the mixture achieves a cohesive, moldable consistency.
  4. Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact, solid base.
  5. Briefly toast the crust in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to enhance its structural integrity and flavor profile.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and substantially increased in volume.
  7. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each one to maintain a smooth, homogeneous texture without lumps.
  8. Infuse the cheesecake batter with vanilla extract, blending until the mixture appears silky and completely uniform.
  9. Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
  10. Gently warm the Nutella to improve its spreadability, then dollop generous spoonfuls across the cheesecake surface.
  11. Create an artistic marbled effect by delicately dragging a knife through the Nutella and cheesecake layers, generating elegant swirls.
  12. Bake the cheesecake bars for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
  13. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the delicate texture.
  14. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or expedite the process by freezing for 1 hour to achieve optimal consistency.
  15. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into nine equal, decadent portions.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks and maintain a silky consistency.
  • Warm Nutella slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make swirling easier and create beautiful marbled patterns.
  • Use a clean, sharp knife wiped between cuts for
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 301
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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