There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy dessert to cap off your day, and these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a game-changer. With a crunchy cookie crust, velvety Nutella cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate drizzle, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for any occasion.
I first made these bars for a potluck, and they were an instant hit. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven, making them ideal for warm-weather gatherings or last-minute dessert prep. Ready to wow your friends and family? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to add a new favorite dessert to your repertoire. These cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and convenience.
First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With no baking required, you’ll have these bars chilling in your fridge in no time, leaving you free to focus on other things.
The flavor is absolutely irresistible. Creamy Nutella, a touch of tang from the cream cheese, and a buttery cookie crust create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
They’re also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a sweet treat after dinner, these bars fit the bill. Plus, they travel well, making them great for potlucks or picnics.
Lastly, they’re freezer-friendly. You can make them ahead of time and store them for weeks, so you’re always prepared when the dessert cravings strike.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these cheesecake bars lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
The crust forms the base of these bars. I recommend using crushed graham crackers or Oreo cookies for a rich, chocolatey twist. Combine the crumbs with melted unsalted butter to create a sturdy, flavorful foundation.
Nutella is the star of the show. Its creamy hazelnut chocolate goodness blends perfectly with the cream cheese for a filling that’s smooth and decadent.
For the cheesecake layer, cream cheese is essential. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to ensure a silky texture without lumps.
To sweeten things up, you’ll need powdered sugar. It dissolves effortlessly into the filling, giving you that perfect balance of sweetness.
Don’t forget the heavy cream. Whipped to soft peaks, it adds an airy lightness to the Nutella mixture.
Finally, for the topping, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or an extra dollop of Nutella elevates these bars to the next level of indulgence.
You’ll also need a square baking dish and parchment paper to make assembling and serving these bars a breeze.
How to Make These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Creating these bars is as simple as layering flavors and letting your fridge do the hard work. Follow these steps for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Start by preparing the crust. Crush the graham crackers or Oreos in a food processor until fine. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking dish. Pop it in the fridge to set while you work on the filling.
Next, make the Nutella cheesecake layer. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fully combined.
Now, it’s time to add the Nutella. Fold it into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the whipped heavy cream. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture. Spread this luscious filling evenly over the chilled crust.
For a stunning finish, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or swirl in additional Nutella. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.
Once ready, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve immediately.
Storage Options
These cheesecake bars are just as delightful the next day, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making them even more irresistible.
If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
For reheating or softening, a quick 10-minute sit at room temperature is all it takes to bring back their creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some ideas to make these bars uniquely yours.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Want to add a nutty crunch? Fold in chopped hazelnuts to the filling or sprinkle them over the top for extra texture.
If you’re a fan of fruit, swirl in a layer of raspberry jam before adding the Nutella filling. The tartness pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors.
Craving a coffee twist? Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the Nutella mixture for a mocha-inspired treat.
Finally, for a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The bars will be less rich but still delicious.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
PrintNo Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a rich and decadent dessert with a creamy Nutella cheesecake layer on a buttery cookie crust. Perfect for Nutella lovers and quick dessert enthusiasts, this no-bake treat is easy to prepare and full of indulgent flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into a lined 8x8-inch pan to form the crust. Chill in the fridge.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in Nutella, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream gently until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, freeze for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Garnish with whipped cream, hazelnuts, or a drizzle of Nutella for added flair.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
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