Decadent Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars: A Dreamy Dessert That’s Always a Hit
If you’re the kind of person who can eat Nutella by the spoonful, this one’s for you. These Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars combine everything we love about classic cheesecake with the rich, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of Nutella—swirled right into every luscious bite.
The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, the cream cheese filling is silky smooth, and the Nutella adds that signature sweetness in a marbled design that looks as good as it tastes. These bars are a stunning dessert for dinner parties, holidays, or just your average Tuesday.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s nothing complicated here. Just pantry staples, a bit of swirling, and a chilled set that makes slicing and serving a breeze. I love that you don’t need a springform pan or water bath—these cheesecake bars are baked in a simple 9×9 dish but still deliver serious wow-factor.
They store beautifully, travel well, and taste even better the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5–6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks), softened
- ½ to ⅔ cup granulated sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Nutella (or more, for extra swirls)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Sugar: Use ½ cup for a tangier cheesecake, or bump up to ⅔ cup if you like things sweeter.
- Nutella: Warm slightly in the microwave before swirling to make it easier to blend.
- Crust Options: Try crushed Oreos or chocolate graham crackers for a chocolatey base.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle with extra Nutella or sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before chilling.
How to Make Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
2. Make the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of your baking pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
3. Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Swirl in the Nutella
Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth it out. Warm Nutella slightly and stir it into the remaining cheesecake batter. Pour Nutella mixture on top and use a knife to gently swirl the two layers together for a marbled look.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
6. Cool & Chill
Cool completely on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
7. Slice & Serve
Cut into 9 to 12 bars and serve chilled. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with more Nutella.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: This helps avoid lumps and makes mixing smoother.
- Warm Nutella Gently: Just a few seconds in the microwave makes it swirl like a dream.
- Don’t Overbake: The center should still jiggle slightly—this ensures a creamy texture.
- Chill Well: The bars firm up perfectly after a good chill. Plan ahead!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dessert pairs beautifully with light and bright flavors to balance the richness:
- Sip alongside Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity contrast.
- Serve after Baked Brie Appetizer for a rich, crowd-pleasing menu.
- Offer a small platter of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites to go with coffee and these bars.
- Need more cookie-style desserts? Try Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for a fun fall pairing.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Chill overnight and slice just before serving for the cleanest cuts.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more sweet ideas? Here are a few more favorites:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Baked Brie Appetizer
Final Thoughts
These Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy, and irresistibly decadent. They’re the kind of dessert you bring to a party and every single person asks for the recipe. Easy to make, impossible to resist.
Try them for your next gathering or treat-yourself moment—and don’t forget to tag @chefmaniac when you do! Follow along for more creative dessert ideas and irresistible baking inspiration.
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