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Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

These Nutella Cheesecake Bars feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a smooth and creamy Nutella-infused cheesecake layer. Perfectly baked for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, these bars are an indulgent treat ideal for dessert or special occasions. The recipe includes tips to ensure ultra-clean cuts and presentation, making these bars both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Brownie Base

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, diced
  • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon espresso powder

Nutella Cheesecake Layer

  • 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese (block style), softened to room temperature
  • 1½ cups Nutella® spread
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Brownie Base: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a 9" x 13" metal baking pan with nonstick spray, then line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the two long sides for easy removal. If you don’t require perfect cuts, simply spray the pan without a liner.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, stir together the diced butter and chopped unsweetened chocolate until fully melted and smooth, being careful not to scorch. Remove from heat.
  3. Mix Brownie Ingredients: Whisk the granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and espresso powder evenly over the chocolate mixture and gently fold them in until just combined. Pour this batter into the prepared baking pan.
  5. Bake Brownie Layer: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After baking, remove the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Prepare Nutella Cheesecake Layer: While the brownie base bakes, in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and Nutella on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add Remaining Cheesecake Ingredients: Add the eggs, granulated sugar, and sour cream to the cream cheese mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to incorporate.
  8. Layer Cheesecake Mixture: Evenly spread the Nutella cheesecake mixture over the warm brownie base. Tap the pan gently on the counter a couple of times to settle the layer.
  9. Bake Cheesecake Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer wobbly with slightly golden edges. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to set. For best results, chill them for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
  11. Cut and Serve: If using parchment paper, run a knife around the inside perimeter of the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out onto a cutting board. Cut into 2¼" squares using a long, non-serrated knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts to achieve clean edges.
  12. Optional Garnish: Serve bars topped with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper helps achieve clean, neat cuts and makes removal easier.
  • Dipping and wiping the knife between cuts prevents sticking and ensures tidy slices.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cheesecake layer to avoid cracking or dryness.
  • Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
  • Allow bars to chill thoroughly before slicing to help them set properly.