Nutella Cheesecake Bars: A Decadent Hazelnut Delight.

Nutella cheesecake bars are a luxurious, multi-textured dessert designed for serious chocolate lovers.¹ This recipe features a buttery Oreo cookie crust topped with a thick, velvety cheesecake layer that is heavily marbled with Nutella.²+1

Unlike a full-sized cheesecake, these bars are designed to be denser and more portable, making them a perfect addition to a party platter. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances the intense sweetness of the hazelnut spread, creating a flavor profile that is rich without being cloying.

Ingredients

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid a lumpy filling.

The Oreo Crust

Oreo Cookies: 24 cookies (creme included), finely crushed.
Unsalted Butter: 60g (4 tablespoons), melted.
Salt: A tiny pinch.

The Nutella Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese: 450g (two 8-oz blocks), softened.
Granulated Sugar: 100g (1/2 cup).
Large Eggs: 2, room temperature.
Sour Cream: 60g (1/4 cup).
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Nutella: 150g (approx. 1/2 cup), slightly warmed for easier swirling.

Instructions

Step 1: The Base

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: The Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Do not overbeat, as this introduces air bubbles that can cause the bars to crack.

Step 3: The Nutella Swirl

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Drop dollops of the warmed Nutella over the top. Use a thin knife or a skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the cheesecake batter in a marble pattern.

Step 4: The Bake

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be slightly puffed and set, but the center should still have a uniform jiggle.

Step 5: The Chill (Essential)

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This is crucial for the bars to firm up enough to be sliced cleanly.

Flavor and Texture Notes

These bars offer a striking contrast in textures. The Oreo base is crunchy and dark, providing a bitter-sweet foundation for the silky, dense cheesecake. The Nutella swirls provide concentrated bursts of roasted hazelnut and cocoa, while the sour cream in the batter adds a subtle tang that keeps the dessert feeling sophisticated.

Tips for Success

Warming the Nutella: Microwave the Nutella for 10–15 seconds before swirling.³ If it is too thick, it will sink to the bottom rather than creating beautiful surface patterns.
Clean Slicing: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. For perfect squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between every cut.
Avoid Cracks: Don’t skip the room temperature ingredients. Cold cream cheese requires more beating to get smooth, which incorporates too much air.

FAQ

Question	Answer
Can I use a different crust?	Yes, a traditional graham cracker crust or a crushed pretzel crust (for a salty twist) works beautifully.
How do I store these?	Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze them?	Yes. These freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Nutella Cheesecake Bars are an effortless way to serve a high-impact dessert. The marble effect creates a professional aesthetic with very little technical skill required. By combining the deep cocoa of the Oreo crust with the iconic hazelnut flavor of Nutella, you create a treat that is consistently a crowd favorite.