Nothing beats the convenience of a no-bake dessert, especially when it’s as luscious and indulgent as these Nutella cheesecake bars. This recipe combines a creamy, fluffy cheesecake base with rich Nutella swirls, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Almost too easy!

Don’t worry, we also have a recipe for the standard deliciousness of a regular no-bake cheesecake.

Why Our Recipe

  • Keep the oven off and still get your dessert fix!
  • A light and fluffy cheesecake with Nutella goodness swirled right in.
  • Cut into 9 decadent bars or smaller bite-sized treats for a party.
Nutella Cheesecake Bars in a nine by nine metal pan.

No-bake desserts are a staple dessert in our house. Know what else is a staple in our house? Nutella! We always have massive jars of Nutella in our pantry because we absolutely love it. This year for National Cheesecake Day I developed a no-bake cheesecake designed for Nutella lovers. The result is a light and fluffy cheesecake that is swirled with my favorite chocolate hazelnut spread. It’s not dense like a baked cheesecake. No bake usually means it’s hot outside so I’ve keep this nice and airy. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day, and still gives you your cheesecake fix.

Ingredient Notes

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can buy pre-crushed graham crackers or crush your own. It takes about 1 sleeve of graham crackers.
  • Butter: You can use salted or unsalted.
  • Cold Water and Unflavored Gelatin: You buy this in the baking isle and it is often sold in packets.
  • Heavy Cream: Use anything labeled as heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
  • Cream Cheese: Can also use Neufchâtel.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a little sweet.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a little tang.
  • Vanilla Extract: Gives the smooth finish.
  • Nutella: Provides that rich, chocolate-hazelnut swirls that make these bars irresistible. we prefer Nutella brand itself.

Unflavored Gelatin

You can find unflavored gelatin in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. It is often sold in small boxes containing multiple packets. Common brands include Knox, but any brand of unflavored gelatin will work for this recipe. Each packet typically contains about 2 1/4 teaspoons of gelatin.

Light and fluffy cheesecake swirled with creamy Nutella sits on top of a graham cracker crust. Your tastebuds will swoon over this No Bake Nutella Swirl Cheesecake.

Working with Unflavored Gelatin

Blooming: First things first, you need to bloom the gelatin. Just sprinkle it over some cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step is key because it lets the gelatin absorb the water and dissolve evenly when you heat it up.

Heating: Once it’s bloomed, pop the gelatin mixture in the microwave for about 15 seconds. You’re looking for it to turn clear. Be careful not to overheat it, though—too much heat can mess with its gelling powers.

Incorporating: After blooming and dissolving, the gelatin sets pretty quickly. So, it’s best to use it right away before it starts to firm up. This helps avoid any clumps and makes sure everything blends smoothly.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate in an airtight container in the fridge or cover the pan tightly. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freeze individual pre-cut servings on a small baking sheet or plate. Once frozen wrap in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Serving Tip: For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. If the bars are too firm straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

More no-bake desserts…