No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars
Decadent no-bake cheesecake bars layered with rich Nutella atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for an easy yet indulgent dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, cream cheese, softened 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 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 1 cup Nutella into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and uniform in color.
- Step 4: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Fold the whipped cream gently into the Nutella cream cheese mixture to lighten it.
- Step 5: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. Cut into 12 bars before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 No-Bake Nutella 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 No-Bake Nutella 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 No-Bake Nutella 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.
What goes well with No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
