No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Craving a decadent dessert that requires zero baking? You're in luck! No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new go-to sweet treat. These creamy, indulgent bars combine the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella with a silky cheesecake base, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. If you've ever wanted to impress your friends with a sophisticated dessert that looks complex but comes together in minutes, you'll want to keep scrolling for the ultimate recipe that's sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Highlights

• Create a buttery graham cracker crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressing firmly into a lined baking pan.
• Beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in Nutella and powdered sugar to develop a rich, creamy cheesecake filling.
• Spread the Nutella cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring a consistent layer for optimal texture and flavor distribution.
• Refrigerate the bars for a minimum of 4 hours to set completely, allowing the filling to firm up and flavors to meld.
• Cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, and optionally garnish with cocoa powder or melted chocolate drizzle before serving.

History

Although no-bake desserts have roots stretching back decades, Nutella cheesecake bars represent a modern twist on classic dessert traditions. You'll find this dessert emerged from the intersection of American cheesecake culture and European confectionery innovation, particularly influenced by Italy's rich dessert-making traditions.

Key historical highlights include:

• 1940s: Cheesecake becomes mainstream in the United States
• 1960s: No-bake cheesecake techniques gain popularity
• 2000s: Nutella's global brand expansion accelerates
• 2010s: Social media transforms dessert trends, popularizing fusion recipes

The Nutella cheesecake bar specifically reflects contemporary culinary creativity, blending traditional cheesecake techniques with the beloved hazelnut spread.

You'll appreciate how this dessert represents a delicious evolution of classic recipe techniques, transforming familiar ingredients into an innovative, crowd-pleasing treat that bridges generational and cultural dessert preferences.

Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of Nutella and classic cheesecake. These smooth, creamy bars offer a decadent treat that requires minimal effort and zero oven time, making them perfect for busy home bakers looking to impress.

This simple yet sophisticated dessert delivers rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that's both elegant and incredibly satisfying. With just five ingredients and a few easy steps, you can transform basic pantry staples into a show-stopping sweet that will delight friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Nutella
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Begin by preparing the crust. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Then, press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan, creating an even layer that covers the entire bottom. Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to compact the crust and ensure a solid base.

For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add Nutella and powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy and uniform in color.

Carefully spread the Nutella cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.

Refrigerate the bars for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. The chilling process helps the bars firm up and enhances the flavor melding.

When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares using a sharp knife heated under hot water and dried between each cut.

Pro tips include bringing cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps, using a springform pan for easier removal if available, and storing the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate before serving.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by preparing a buttery graham cracker crust that forms the perfect base for these decadent bars, pressing the crumb mixture firmly into a lined pan.

Next, you'll beat the cream cheese until silky smooth, then fold in the luscious Nutella and powdered sugar to create a rich, creamy filling that'll make your taste buds dance.

Finally, you'll spread the mixture evenly over the crust and let the refrigerator work its magic, transforming your ingredients into a chilled, indulgent dessert.

Step 1. Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring no large chunks remain. For best results, aim for a sandy, consistent texture that'll bind perfectly with melted butter.

Key steps for the perfect graham cracker crust:

• Measure 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs precisely
• Melt 1/2 cup butter completely
• Pour melted butter over crumbs
• Mix thoroughly until crumbs are evenly coated
• Press mixture firmly into a lined 9×13 inch pan

Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to compact the crust. Press down with consistent, even pressure to create a solid, uniform base.

You'll want the crust to be compact enough to hold together when sliced, but not so dense it becomes hard or difficult to cut through.

Step 2. Beat Cream Cheese Smooth

After pressing your graham cracker crust firmly into the pan, the next step involves transforming cream cheese into a silky, smooth base for your Nutella cheesecake bars.

Begin by removing the cream cheese from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before mixing, ensuring it reaches room temperature for optimal smoothness. Use an electric mixer on medium speed, beating the cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically.

Watch for key visual cues:

• No visible lumps
• Creamy, whipped consistency
• Pale, soft texture

Pay attention to your mixer's speed and technique. Gentle, consistent beating prevents over-mixing, which can introduce unwanted air and compromise the cheesecake's dense, rich texture.

The goal is a perfectly smooth foundation ready to embrace the decadent Nutella.

Step 3. Add Nutella Mixture

Once the cream cheese reaches a velvety smooth consistency, gently fold in the Nutella and powdered sugar to create a decadent filling that will transform your no-bake bars.

Use a rubber spatula to incorporate the ingredients, ensuring no streaks remain. Work slowly and deliberately, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform chocolate-brown color with a glossy, luxurious texture.

Key mixing tips:

• Add Nutella gradually
• Scrape bowl sides frequently
• Mix at medium speed
• Watch for consistent color and thickness

The goal is a silky, lump-free mixture that spreads easily across your graham cracker crust.

Don't overmix, as this can introduce air bubbles that'll disrupt the creamy texture. Your filling should look rich, smooth, and temptingly chocolatey—a hallmark of a perfectly prepared Nutella cheesecake bar.

Step 4. Chill in Refrigerator

When your Nutella cheesecake filling reaches that perfect, glossy consistency, you'll want to transfer the pan to the refrigerator for proper setting.

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap, ensuring it doesn't touch the surface of your carefully crafted dessert. Place the pan in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf away from the door.

Chill the bars for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavor melding and structural integrity.

Key chilling tips:

• Maintain a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below
• Avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently
• Allow sufficient time for the filling to completely set and firm up

When fully chilled, the bars will slice cleanly and hold their shape beautifully.

Step 5. Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you're looking to elevate your No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars from delicious to absolutely stunning, a chocolate drizzle provides the perfect finishing touch. Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.

Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Drizzle the melted chocolate in elegant zigzag patterns across the chilled cheesecake bars, creating visual interest and adding a luxurious chocolate layer.

For professional-looking results, work quickly and keep the drizzle light and consistent. Refrigerate the bars for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the chocolate decoration, ensuring a picture-perfect dessert that'll impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

Because these no-bake Nutella cheesecake bars are both delightfully simple and remarkably delicious, you'll want to add them to your dessert repertoire immediately.

These crowd-pleasing bars offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, requiring minimal culinary skill and no baking expertise.

You'll appreciate how quickly they come together, with just five ingredients and a straightforward preparation method.

Consider these key takeaways:

• Refrigeration is crucial for achieving the ideal texture
• Room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth mixing
• Sharp, hot-water-cleaned knife helps create clean cuts
• Proper storage extends dessert life to 5 days

Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or seeking a decadent treat, these Nutella cheesecake bars will undoubtedly impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.