If you’re the kind of person who believes dessert should always be the star of the show, then this Nutella Cheesecake is about to become your showstopper. Creamy, rich, and full of that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor, this cheesecake is a slice of pure joy, from its crunchy graham cracker crust to the feather-light Nutella-infused filling on top. Even better, it’s a breeze to pull together—no fussy water baths or finicky steps here! Perfect for parties, holidays, or those days when you just want to treat yourself, Nutella Cheesecake is one recipe that always leaves friends asking for seconds…and the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Nutella Cheesecake shine is the short, smart ingredient list—no fancy specialty items, just kitchen staples that join forces for something unforgettable. Each piece plays its part, whether bringing crunch, creaminess, or that swoon-worthy chocolatey swirl.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base for a luscious, slightly salty, and buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle, balanced sweetness to the crust that ties all the flavors together.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients and adds indulgent richness and flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The MVP of the filling, giving it structure, tang, and unbeatable creaminess. Make sure it’s truly soft for the smoothest texture.
- Nutella: The star of the show—bringing pure chocolate-hazelnut decadence and making this cheesecake unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves quickly into the filling, sweetening without any grittiness for that perfect silky smooth bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor, deepening the warmth and complexity of the cheesecake.
- Heavy whipping cream: When whipped and folded in, it gives the filling a light, mousse-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Chocolate shavings or chopped hazelnuts (optional): For the finishing touch—a little extra crunch, color, and visual flair!
How to Make Nutella Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is moistened and evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan—I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the crust is golden and fragrant. Remove and let it cool completely. (Tip: If you’d rather skip the oven, see the note at the bottom for a no-bake version!)
Step 2: Make the Nutella Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat your softened cream cheese until it’s ultra-smooth with no lumps in sight. Add in that glorious cup of Nutella, along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then keep beating until everything looks rich and fluffy. Take a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl—no Nutella left behind!
Step 3: Whip and Fold in Cream
In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks (think airy and cloud-like). Gently fold this whipped cream into your Nutella-cream cheese mixture. The goal is to keep as much air in the filling as possible, so use a light hand. Soon, you’ll have a dreamy, mousse-like mixture that’s impossible to resist sneaking a taste of.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spoon the Nutella cheesecake filling over your cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Now, patience! Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or better yet, overnight. Letting it fully chill is the secret to those clean, picture-perfect slices.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, unleash your inner artist. Scatter chocolate shavings or chopped hazelnuts over the cheesecake, or both for extra crunch and color. Remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and enjoy a forkful of heaven!
How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake
Garnishes
This is your chance to make every piece a masterpiece! Sprinkle dark chocolate curls, a handful of toasted hazelnuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder for classic elegance. Or, drizzle with extra Nutella (thinned with a touch of cream) for pure indulgence—each choice gives Nutella Cheesecake a custom, swoon-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
A rich dessert deserves thoughtful pairings: serve each slice alongside fresh berries, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These simple, fresh sides balance out the cheesecake’s richness and add pops of fruity color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Dare to be different! Try making mini Nutella cheesecakes in muffin tins for a party, or layer the components into cute mason jars for an eye-catching parfait. For an extra-festive touch, pipe whipped cream borders and dot with hazelnuts. However you serve it, Nutella Cheesecake always steals the dessert table spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nutella Cheesecake (if you’re lucky enough to have any) should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and velvety for up to 4 days—the flavors deepen even further with time, making those next-day slices extra dreamy.
Freezing
Yes, Nutella Cheesecake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake snugly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the perfect chilled treat.
Reheating
Unlike some cheesecakes, Nutella Cheesecake is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat—just slice, garnish, and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust besides graham cracker?
Absolutely! Try chocolate cookie crumbs, digestive biscuits, or even crushed Oreos for a unique twist on the classic base. Each option pairs beautifully with the creamy Nutella filling.
Is this Nutella Cheesecake gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the graham crackers, but you can use gluten-free cookies or crackers to make it safe for gluten-free guests. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just watch the label on your Nutella and cookies!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Nutella Cheesecake is even better when made a day in advance. The flavors meld, and the texture becomes irresistibly creamy. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
Don’t worry—you can still make Nutella Cheesecake in a deep-dish pie plate or a square baking dish. Lining the dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift out slices cleanly, even without the removable sides.
How do I get perfectly clean slices?
For those Instagram-worthy slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest results. This tip works with any cheesecake, but it’s especially helpful for the creamy filling in Nutella Cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to indulge, let this Nutella Cheesecake be it! With its effortless prep and unforgettable flavor, it’s truly a dessert that turns any moment into something special. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to sweet treat!
Print
Nutella Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Nutella Cheesecake, a decadent dessert that combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and hazelnut in every bite.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate shavings or chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Nutella, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip the heavy cream separately and fold into the Nutella mixture.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or hazelnuts if desired.
Notes
- For a no-bake version, refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (or Baking for crust only)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
