Who doesn’t love a delicious, creamy, and chocolatey treat?
Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of rich cheesecake and everyone’s favorite hazelnut spread, Nutella.
These bars are sure to impress your friends and family, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet.
Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think! Let’s dive into how you can create these delectable bars at home.
Serving Suggestions for Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your Nutella Cheesecake Bars:
Fresh Berries: Serve the cheesecake bars with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the richness of the cheesecake.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar for an extra touch of creaminess.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce or additional Nutella over the top of the bars just before serving for added decadence.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast in temperatures.
Mint Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for an additional layer of sweetness and flavor.
Espresso: Pair with a shot of espresso or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Individual Servings: Serve the bars on individual dessert plates with a small fork for an elegant touch, especially for special occasions or dinner parties.
These serving suggestions will add variety and extra layers of flavor and texture to your Nutella Cheesecake Bars, making them even more enjoyable to eat and serve. Enjoy!
Baking Tips
Here are some baking tips to ensure your Nutella Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
Crust Preparation: Press the graham cracker crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. This ensures a compact and even base for your cheesecake.
Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the cheesecake batter, blend just until smooth to avoid incorporating too much air. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack while baking.
Nutella Swirls: When adding the Nutella layer, use a knife or toothpick to create gentle swirls. Be careful not to overmix the Nutella into the cheesecake layer to maintain a beautiful marbled effect.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cheesecake as it bakes. It’s ready when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.
Cooling Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent cracks.
Chilling Time: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight before cutting and serving. This helps the cheesecake to firm up properly.
Clean Slices: For clean and neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between each cut.
Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly cheesecake. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Pan Lining: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting.
Use a Water Bath (Optional): If you want to further reduce the risk of cracks, you can bake the cheesecake bars in a water bath.
Place the baking pan in a larger pan and fill the larger pan with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the baking pan.
Testing Doneness: To check for doneness, gently shake the pan. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. This ensures a creamy and smooth texture once fully chilled.
By following these tips, you’ll create Nutella Cheesecake Bars that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfectly textured. Enjoy your baking!
Recipe FAQ’s
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
How can I prevent my cheesecake bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and makes cutting easier.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
Yes, you can use other nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter. Just ensure it’s smooth and slightly warmed for easy swirling.
Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 15 full crackers
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 packages 8 oz each cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Nutella Layer:
- 1 cup Nutella
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.Add the 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until well combined.Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the Cheesecake Layer:Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the Nutella Layer:In a small bowl, combine the Nutella and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Create the Swirls:Drop spoonfuls of the Nutella mixture onto the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cheesecake:Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Serve:Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board.Cut into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth cheesecake batter without lumps.
- Even Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
- Nutella Swirls: Don’t overmix the Nutella into the cheesecake layer to maintain a beautiful marbled effect.
- Cooling: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before chilling to prevent cracks.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for cutting the bars, wiping it clean between each cut for neat slices.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.