There's nothing quite like a dessert that requires no baking yet delivers indulgent, creamy goodness in every bite. These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the rich hazelnut flavor of Nutella with a velvety cheesecake filling, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust.

I first made these bars when looking for a quick dessert for a last-minute dinner party. They were an instant hit, disappearing from the tray faster than I could set them out. Now, they’re my go-to treat for any occasion. Let’s dive into why these are bound to become your favorite, too.

Why You'll Love These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to fall in love with this dessert that checks all the right boxes. Whether you’re short on time, an avid Nutella fan, or simply love a decadent treat, these bars are a must-try.

First off, these cheesecake bars are effortlessly easy to make. There’s no need to turn on the oven, making them perfect for warm days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have an irresistible dessert chilling in the fridge.

They’re incredibly rich and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweet Nutella and tangy cream cheese. The velvety texture practically melts in your mouth, while the crunchy graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of contrast.

This recipe is also perfectly portioned. Instead of a full cheesecake, you get individual bars that are easy to serve, share, or even sneak one for yourself when no one’s looking.

Lastly, the recipe is totally versatile. Want to add a layer of whipped cream or sprinkle on some chopped hazelnuts? Go for it! These bars are a blank canvas for your creativity.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

The graham cracker crust is the perfect base for these bars. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and provides a sturdy foundation for the creamy layers above. Don’t have graham crackers? Digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreos work wonderfully, too.

The star of the show is, of course, Nutella. This hazelnut spread is blended into the cheesecake filling for that signature rich and nutty flavor. For an extra Nutella kick, reserve a small amount to drizzle on top before serving.

Cream cheese gives the cheesecake its luscious texture and tangy flavor. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the best consistency and to avoid lumps in your filling.

To add sweetness and stability, you’ll need powdered sugar. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the filling, creating a smooth and sweet base.

Finally, a touch of vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, while whipped cream (or whipped topping) is folded into the filling to make it light and airy. You’ll also need a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.

For equipment, you’ll need an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper and a food processor or rolling pin to crush your crackers.

How To Make These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Creating these bars is a breeze, and the best part is, there’s no oven involved. Here’s how to make them step by step.

Start with the crust. In a food processor, pulse your graham crackers until finely ground. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined pan, ensuring an even layer. Pop the crust into the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.

For the filling, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the Nutella, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue mixing until everything is well combined. The mixture should be velvety and thick at this stage.

Gently fold in whipped cream using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This step gives the filling its light, mousse-like texture. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing out the top with an offset spatula.

Let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Once set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. If desired, drizzle with extra Nutella or sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts before serving.

Storage Options

These cheesecake bars are just as convenient to store as they are to make. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you want to make them ahead, these bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a creamy, dreamy treat.

For leftovers (if there are any!), reheating isn’t necessary. Simply grab a fork and enjoy straight from the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some fun ideas to make these bars your own:

Swap the graham cracker crust for Oreo crumbs if you love a chocolatey base.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for an ultra-decadent twist.
Mix in some chopped toasted hazelnuts for added crunch and nuttiness.
Replace Nutella with another favorite spread, like cookie butter or a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.

Experiment with flavors and textures to find your perfect version of these no-bake bars.

These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are proof that a show-stopping dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. With their rich flavor, creamy texture, and no-bake convenience, they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve it!