Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch greased baking dish to form a solid crust.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in Nutella, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely blended.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, being careful not to over-mix. Just mix until everything is well incorporated.
Optional Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for an added treat.
Pour Into Crust: Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
Cool and Chill: After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares.
What to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars With:
Now that you've made these decadent bars, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take your dessert experience to the next level. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, can add a refreshing tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the cheesecake. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a chocolate or hazelnut-flavored coffee—perfect for those looking to elevate their dessert evenings!
Top Tips for Perfecting Nutella Cheesecake Bars:
To really nail this dessert, here are a few golden tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
Don’t Over Mix: When adding eggs, mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can create cracks in the cheesecake.
Check for Doneness: The center should still be slightly jiggy when you take them out to ensure a creamy texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a big if), store your Nutella Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 4-5 days. If you want to save some for a rainy day, these bars can be frozen! Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then enjoy them chilled, or pop them in a microwave for a few seconds for a slightly warm treat!
With all this deliciousness packed into one easy recipe, there's no reason to wait. Dive into the delightful world of Nutella Cheesecake Bars, and prepare to wow your taste buds! Happy baking!