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Bite into a heavenly combo of smooth cheesecake and nutty chocolate goodness with these Nutella Cheesecake Bars. The luscious cream cheese layer blends wonderfully with ribbons of decadent Nutella, all sitting on a crispy graham cracker foundation that adds the perfect crunch. The chocolate-hazelnut notes play off the tangy cheesecake in this mouthwatering treat.
These bars vanished quicker than anything else at my kid's graduation celebration. My tricks? Making sure everything was room temp and not rushing those gorgeous Nutella swirls.
Key Ingredients and Smart Picks
- Cream Cheese: Go for the full-fat blocks from Philadelphia for that dreamy richness.
- Graham Crackers: Pick honey graham crackers for a crust that sticks together well.
- Nutella: The real deal hazelnut spread works best for flavor and consistency.
- Eggs: Big ones at room temp will mix in much better.
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Step-by-Step Baking Guide
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Put parchment in an 8x8 inch pan with paper hanging over the sides. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Heat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Make Your Base:
- Mix 1½ cups crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter until it looks like damp sand. Push it down firmly into the pan. Pop in the oven for 10 minutes till slightly golden, then let it cool a bit.
- Whip Up The Filling:
- Whip 16 oz room temp cream cheese until it's smooth, about 2 minutes. Throw in ⅔ cup sugar and beat for another 2 minutes. Add 2 tsp vanilla. Drop in 2 eggs one after another, mixing on low just enough to blend them in.
- Add Those Nutella Swirls:
- Pour your cheesecake mix over the crust. Warm up ⅓ cup Nutella for 15-20 seconds in the microwave. Drop spoonfuls on top and run a knife through to make pretty swirls.
- Bake It Right:
- Cook for 35-40 minutes until the edges set but the middle still jiggles slightly. Turn the oven off, open the door a crack, and let it sit there cooling for 30 minutes.
- Let It Set:
- Cool on the counter for an hour, then cover and stick in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut And Enjoy:
- Use the parchment handles to lift it out. Cut into 16 squares using a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for neat edges.
Tasty Serving Suggestions
Try them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, some warm melted chocolate drizzled on top, or a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes to bring out all the flavors.
Keeping Them Fresh
Keep them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to a week. Want to save them longer? Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Making these Nutella Cheesecake Bars isn't just baking—it's creating a delicious mashup of creamy cheesecake and chocolatey Nutella that'll wow everyone at your next get-together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What else can I use instead of a graham cracker crust?
- You could try crushed chocolate cookies (like plain Oreos), vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits. Just follow the same butter and sugar ratios for perfect results.
- → How can I tell when the bars are ready to come out of the oven?
- The edges should be firm and lightly browned, but the center will be slightly wobbly if you gently shake the pan. They'll firm up as they cool.
- → Can I prepare these bars in advance?
- Yes, definitely! They're actually better if made a day or two before. The flavors deepen and the texture gets even creamier after some time in the fridge.
- → Can I store these bars in the freezer?
- Absolutely, they freeze well for up to three months. Slice them into pieces, wrap each in plastic, and place in an airtight container. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
- → What should I do if I don’t have sour cream for the filling?
- You can swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream. The texture may change a little, but it'll still taste amazing.