Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust :
- 1½ cups (about 10 sheets) graham cracker crumbs – Crushed into fine crumbs. You can also substitute with crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies for a richer crust.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter – This binds the crumbs together and creates a buttery base.
For the Cheesecake Filling :
- 16 ounces (two 8-ounce packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened – Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness while balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs provide structure and help set the cheesecake layer.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake.
For the Nutella Swirl :
- ½ cup Nutella – Spoonfuls are dropped onto the cheesecake filling before swirling to create a marbled effect.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Crush 1½ cups of graham crackers (about 10 sheets) into fine crumbs.
- Mix with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat 16 ounces (two 8-ounce packages) of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of Nutella (about ½ cup total) onto the surface.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the Nutella into the filling, creating a marbled design.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps in your filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the cheesecake batter only until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Swirl Gently: When adding Nutella, use a knife or skewer to create swirls rather than mixing completely. This creates a marbled effect that looks stunning.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Baking the crust before adding the filling ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy.
- Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely in the fridge before slicing for clean, neat edges.
- Prep Time: 15–25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 130 to 348 calories
- Sugar: 9g to 27g
- Sodium: 105mg to 199mg
- Fat: 8g to 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g to 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g to 53g
- Fiber: 0g to 2g
- Protein: 1g to 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg to 64mg