Mom’s Best Cheesecake Swirled Nutella Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a Nutella bars recipe that’s both delicious and simple, you’ve come to the right place. These cheesecake-swirled Nutella bars combine favorite flavors with simple ingredients, making them the perfect treat for Nutella lovers looking to use up items from their fridge and pantry. Best of all, leftover staples like cream cheese, sour cream, or even the last of the Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread from the jar add richness to this easy dessert.
How to Make This Nutella Bars Recipe
This Nutella bars recipe has three layers: a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a thick layer of Nutella swirl. With basic ingredients and an easy prep, you can bake these Nutella bars to a golden brown perfection. Here’s everything you need to know. They’re a perfectly rich way to end a fall meal, such as after a Turkey Pot Pie dinner or a bowl of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup.
These could also be a good option for a cookie exchange, especially if you find Nutella on sale. Or display them as part of a holiday cookie platter including Christmas wreath cookies, Grandma’s Molasses cookies, and Cranberry White Chocolate Chip cookies.
And if your household is like mine, it includes more than one Nutella fan! That’s why we also make these easy 3-ingredient Nutella cookies. I may also try my hand at making homemade Nutella one of these day.
Want the printable recipe card? It’s down at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¼ cups butter at room temperature
- 2 cups flour
Now the cheesecake filling:
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Nutella swirl:
- ½ cup Nutella
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
Directions
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. You’ll want to line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to make sure these bars release cleanly.
Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add the room temperature butter and use a pastry cutter (or food processor) to blend until it forms a fine crumb.
Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the bottom crust turns golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and white sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined.
Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and continue mixing until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the crust, spreading it into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
Create the Nutella Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the Nutella with heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle this Nutella mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Using a skewer or a wooden spoon handle, swirl the Nutella and cheesecake layers together, making sure not to dip too deep and disturb the crust.
Bake the Bars
Place the pan back into the oven and bake Nutella bars for about 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and lightly golden on top. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate them for 2-3 hours before cutting.
Slice and serve
Once fully chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into individual pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tip: Want Nutella S’mores bars? Substitute graham cracker crumbs for 1 cup of flour in the crust. Then add 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows on top of the Nutella. So good!
Nutella Bars Recipe FAQs
Do you have questions about making these Nutella bars? Below are answers to the most common questions about today’s recipe. If you still have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Can I substitute the crust ingredients with something else?
Yes, this crust is very adaptable. You can swap out some or all of the flour with graham cracker crumbs, crushed chocolate chip cookies, or even a cake mix to create a different flavor base. Each of these options will give a unique taste to the bottom layer of the bars.
How do I store Nutella bars after baking?
The best way to store these cheesecake Nutella bars is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cover the bars with plastic wrap before putting on the container lid to maintain their texture. They should stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze these Nutella bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
These Nutella Cheesecake Bars Are Awesome
Mom’s Best Cheesecake Swirled Nutella Bars are a crowd pleaser that also helps use up leftovers, from a jar of Nutella or cream cheese to sour cream. With their creamy layers, rich Nutella swirl, and buttery crust, these bars make a great recipe to keep on hand for quick, easy desserts.
Nutella lovers will want to bake bars like this again and again. Just grab your ingredients, a mixing bowl, and start swirling!
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Cheesecake Nutella Bars Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- spatula
- 9 inch square pan
- pastry cutter
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- ½ c brown sugar
- 1 ¼ c butter room temperature
- 2 c flour
For the cheesecake filling:
- 1 – 8 oz block cream cheese softened
- ⅓ c sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ c sour cream
For the swirl:
- ½ c Nutella
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add the butter and using a pastry cutter (or a food processor), cut the butter into the flour and mix until you have a fine crumb mixture. Press into the bottom of a 9” square pan that’s been lined with parchment paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the crust is golden. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and beat until combined. Add in the vanilla and sour cream and mix. Pour over the crust in an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the nutella and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the cream cheese layer and using a skewer, swirl the nutella and cream cheese layer together, taking care not to drag too deep and hit the crust. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until set. Remove and allow to fully cooled, even better to allow to chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Slice and serve.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
