Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars
Rich and velvety gluten-free cheesecake bars with a chocolate hazelnut swirl, combining creamy texture with a nutty, chocolate finish. This american-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes layers gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, softened cream cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 16 oz, softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan to form an even crust.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust, smoothing evenly.
- Step 5: Warm 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread briefly in the microwave for 20 seconds until slightly runny. Drizzle over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top.
- Step 6: Use a knife to swirl the chocolate hazelnut spread through the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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