There’s something irresistible about the combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and the luscious flavor of Nutella. These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true for dessert lovers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety Nutella-infused filling, and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts, they’re as delightful to make as they are to eat.

I first made these bars for a family gathering when I needed a dessert that was simple but impressive. They were such a hit that they’ve become my go-to treat for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike. Let’s dive into why these cheesecake bars are bound to be your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the simplicity of no-bake preparation with the decadent flavors of Nutella and cream cheese. This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons.

First, these bars are ridiculously easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven time required, they come together in a snap. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how hassle-free this recipe is.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just satisfying a midweek craving, these bars strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.

Another bonus is that they’re make-ahead friendly. Prepare them a day in advance, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests without any last-minute fuss. The longer they chill, the better they taste, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.

And, of course, we can’t forget how utterly delicious they are. The creamy Nutella filling paired with the buttery graham cracker crust is a match made in dessert heaven. Every bite is rich, smooth, and perfectly sweet.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make these cheesecake bars so special.

The graham cracker crust is the base of this dessert. You’ll need finely crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter and a touch of sugar for sweetness. If you prefer a different twist, digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies work well as substitutes.

For the filling, Nutella is the star of the show. Its hazelnut-chocolate flavor adds a rich, indulgent touch to the cheesecake. Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

The creaminess of the cheesecake comes from cream cheese. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Be sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

A touch of powdered sugar sweetens the filling without making it overly sugary. If you prefer, you can adjust the sweetness to taste.

For an extra layer of decadence, garnish the bars with chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate. These toppings add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creating these cheesecake bars is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make them perfectly every time.

Start by preparing the crust. Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to create an even layer. Pop the crust in the refrigerator to set while you work on the filling.

For the filling, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the Nutella and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and luscious. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Spread the Nutella filling over the chilled crust, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can swirl extra Nutella on top before refrigerating.

Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until they’re firm and set. For best results, let them chill overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures clean slices.

When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper lining. Slice them into squares, wiping your knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of chocolate, and enjoy!

Storage Options

These cheesecake bars store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts.

To store in the refrigerator, place the bars in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Reheating isn’t necessary for this recipe, but make sure to let them come to room temperature for a few minutes if they’ve been frozen for the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking.

Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo cookie crust for a chocolaty twist. Simply crush the cookies (cream filling included) and mix with melted butter.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the Nutella filling for an ultra-decadent dessert. Simply heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate, then spread it over the chilled filling.
For a nut-free version, use a chocolate spread without hazelnuts as a substitute for Nutella.
Incorporate a swirl of peanut butter into the filling for a Nutella-peanut butter combination that’s absolutely divine.
If you love coffee, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a mocha-flavored cheesecake bar.

No matter how you customize these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment and have fun creating your own signature version of this delightful dessert!