There's nothing quite like the indulgent flavor of Nutella paired with creamy cheesecake. These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining a rich, velvety filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. They're decadent, easy to make, and don’t require an oven—a win-win for busy bakers.

I first made these bars on a sweltering summer afternoon when turning on the oven wasn’t an option. Since then, they've become a favorite for potlucks, family gatherings, and last-minute dessert cravings. Let’s dive into what makes these bars so irresistible.

Why You'll Love These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to fall head over heels for these deliciously simple cheesecake bars. They’re everything you could want in a dessert and more.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With no baking required, these bars come together in just a few steps, making them a foolproof option even for beginner bakers.

The Nutella flavor is front and center, delivering a luxurious hazelnut-chocolate experience in every bite. Paired with the creamy cheesecake filling, it’s a dessert lover’s dream come true.

These bars are also perfectly portable, which makes them ideal for sharing. Pack them up for picnics, parties, or lunchbox treats—they hold their shape beautifully and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, the recipe is versatile. You can easily customize the crust, adjust the sweetness, or add toppings like whipped cream or crushed hazelnuts for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture.

The graham cracker crust is the foundation of this dessert. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and provides a sturdy base for the creamy filling. If you prefer a twist, you can substitute chocolate wafer cookies or digestive biscuits.

Nutella is the star of the show, lending its signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor to the cheesecake filling. Make sure to use fresh Nutella for the best texture and taste.

Cream cheese is the backbone of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest consistency, but you can use reduced-fat varieties if you’re looking to lighten things up.

Heavy cream is whipped to add lightness and stability to the filling. It balances the richness of the cream cheese and ensures the bars hold their shape when sliced.

Lastly, a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors and adds depth to the cheesecake mixture. You’ll also need a springform pan or a square baking dish to assemble the bars.

How To Make These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Creating these delectable bars is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Start by preparing the crust. Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to form an even layer. Place the crust in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.

For the filling, begin by whipping your heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Set the whipped cream aside while you work on the cheesecake mixture.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the Nutella and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is well combined and luscious. Gently fold in the whipped cream to maintain its airy texture.

Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set. For best results, let it chill overnight.

When you’re ready to serve, remove the bars from the pan and slice them into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped with a damp cloth between slices.

Storage Options

These No Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes them ideal for busy schedules or pre-planning for events.

If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

For reheating, there’s no need—these bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled. Serve them straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths. Here are some creative twists to make it your own:

Swap the crust: Use chocolate sandwich cookies, Oreos, or even a pretzel crust for a salty-sweet twist.
Add toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts, or dollop whipped cream on top for extra flair.
Adjust the filling: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese or use low-fat alternatives.
Make it gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to cater to dietary needs.
Incorporate fruit: Add a layer of sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries on top of the crust before spreading the filling.

Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite variation. These bars are endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to impress.