Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dessert that combines rich chocolate with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, and that’s exactly what you get with this delightful treat. Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a scene-stealer at any gathering and a pleasure to indulge in while sitting at home. When you take a bite, you can almost feel the warmth of family gatherings and cozy evenings enveloping you.

At the heart of this recipe are key ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture. Imagine biting into a thick, fudgy crust made from chocolate graham cracker crumbs, perfectly balanced with a smooth, creamy filling made of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and luscious hazelnut spread, like Nutella. The addition of eggs and a dash of vanilla brings it all together, creating a flavor profile that is sweet and nutty with just a hint of richness from the hazelnuts. Optional garnishes, like chocolate shavings or extra hazelnut spread, elevate this dessert even further.

The method for making these cheesecake bars is refreshingly straightforward. You begin by preheating your oven and preparing a pan, only to mix the crust ingredients next. Meanwhile, you’ll whip up a creamy filling that will be poured over the crust, all topped with a sprinkle of hazelnuts if you choose. After a short baking time, you’ll let it chill in the refrigerator, making it the ideal dessert for making ahead of time.

These bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a chilly night spent lounging on the couch, or a festive potluck where you want to impress family and friends with something special.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars

• Quick to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in less than an hour.
• Comfort Food: Rich and creamy, these bars are the ultimate comfort treat that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for sharing at gatherings, or enjoying by yourself with a good book.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
• Customizable: Add or omit ingredients like nuts and toppings to suit your tastes.

Main Ingredient Tips

The main creaminess in this recipe comes from the cream cheese. When selecting cream cheese, opt for full-fat varieties for the best taste and texture. It should be softened before mixing for smooth incorporation into your batter. If it’s too cold, you risk having lumps in your cheesecake mixture. Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you start prepping, or microwave it in short bursts (about 10 seconds) until soft, but not melted.

Options for Substitutions

• Swap chocolate graham cracker crumbs with regular graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
• Substitute vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Utilize almond butter or another nut butter in place of hazelnut spread for a different flavor.
• Replace chopped hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch that still tastes great.
• For a sugar-free version, try using a sugar substitute in place of granulated and powdered sugar.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When making Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars, there are a few common pitfalls to watch for. First, do not overmix your cream cheese mixture. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in cracks as your bars bake. Secondly, take care not to bake for too long. Aim for a slight jiggle in the center, as they will firm up as they cool and chill. If you let them bake until fully solid, they can turn out dry. Lastly, cooling is key—allowing your cheesecake bars to set in the refrigerator is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars?

These scrumptious bars pair beautifully with a few simple accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea for a classic pairing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes an inviting addition, adding a delightful contrast to the richness of the bars. A fresh fruit salad could lighten the meal, providing a refreshing bite against the chocolatey backdrop. For an extra touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the bars when serving.

Storage Instructions

Store: These cheesecake bars can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freeze: If you’d like to enjoy them later, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: To enjoy frozen cheesecake bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They are typically best served chilled, but if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 16 bars

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1,800 – 2,000
• Protein: 28 – 32g
• Fat: 120 – 140g
• Carbohydrates: 170 – 190g

Ingredients

• 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or extra hazelnut spread for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with some butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and have a wet sand-like consistency. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Other Ingredients

To the cream cheese mixture, add the hazelnut spread, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and creamy. Make sure you don’t have lumps in the mixture; it should be well blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly using a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts on top for some extra texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Transfer the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Chill

Once cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for the flavor to develop.

Step 8: Serve

When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake bars from the fridge. Cut them into squares and garnish with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of more hazelnut spread, if you like.

In conclusion, Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of a comforting dessert. Easy to prepare and deliciously rich, they are sure to be a favorite in your household. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your results. Did you make any modifications? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out similar recipes on our blog!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cheesecake bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free chocolate graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumb alternative for the crust.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute a sugar alternative that suits your preference.

Can I use a different nut butter instead of hazelnut spread?

Absolutely! Almond butter, peanut butter, or even cookie butter can be used as delicious alternatives. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will change slightly.

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