Name: Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, diced; 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon espresso powder; 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese (block style), softened to room temperature; 1½ cups Nutella® spread; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 81 reviews

If you’re a dessert lover who can’t resist the rich combination of chocolate and creamy cheesecake, then you are in for a serious treat with this Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe. Layers of dense, fudgy brownie paired with a luscious, smooth Nutella cheesecake topping come together to create a dessert that is both indulgent and comforting. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring all to yourself, these bars are a stunningly delicious way to bring joy to any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are three brown eggs placed close together in the upper left area. Nearby to the right, a small white bowl holds a small amount of amber liquid. Above this bowl, another small white bowl contains a dark reddish-brown powder, and just below it, a tiny white bowl has coarse white salt. Below the eggs is a larger white bowl filled with chopped dark chocolate pieces. To the right of the chocolate, a white bowl is filled with white flour, and just below this is another tiny white bowl filled with light yellow butter cubes. At the bottom center, a small white bowl holds white granulated sugar. All the bowls are arranged in a loose grid pattern, showing a variety of textures and warm earthy colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these decadent treats. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor—the richness of butter and chocolate in the brownie, the luxurious creaminess of Nutella and cream cheese for the cheesecake, and a touch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter (½ cup, diced): Provides a rich base and adds moisture to the fudgy brownies.

Unsweetened chocolate (3 ounces, roughly chopped): Intensifies the chocolate depth without extra sweetness.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups for brownies + ¾ cup for cheesecake): Sweetens both layers and balances richness.
Large eggs (6 total): Add structure and help bring the layers together.

Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for brownies + 1 teaspoon for cheesecake): Enhances the complex flavors throughout.
Morton kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Accentuates sweetness and balances flavors.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Provides the sturdy yet tender crumb of the brownie base.

Espresso powder (½ teaspoon): Elevates the chocolate notes to a new level.
Full-fat cream cheese (24 ounces, softened): The silky heart of the cheesecake layer, giving a dense and creamy texture.
Nutella® spread (1½ cups): Infuses hazelnut-chocolate goodness into every bite.

Full-fat sour cream (⅓ cup): Adds moisture and smoothness to the cheesecake layer.

How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and prepping your baking pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper for easy removal—this little trick will ensure your bars come out looking perfect. Gently melt your butter and unsweetened chocolate in a saucepan on low heat, stirring carefully so nothing burns. Once smooth, whisk in the sugar, followed by the eggs one at a time, and then add vanilla and salt to round out the flavor. Sprinkle the flour and espresso powder on top and mix until just combined before pouring this luscious batter into your pan.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Bake your brownie base for 20 minutes. When you pull it from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this rest helps the surface set slightly, creating the perfect foundation for our cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Nutella Cheesecake Layer

While the brownie layer is baking, blend cream cheese and Nutella in your mixer until you get a beautifully smooth and creamy mixture—this step is so gratifying to watch! Slowly incorporate the eggs, sugar, and sour cream until just combined to maintain that silky texture, then add vanilla for the finishing touch.

Step 4: Spread and Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm brownie base. Give the pan a gentle tap on your countertop to smooth out the top and eliminate air bubbles. Pop it back in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the edges have a slight golden hue and the center is just set—no wobbling here! Once baked, transfer to a cooling rack, then chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let flavors meld and textures firm up beautifully.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

If you lined your pan with parchment, carefully run a knife around the edges before lifting the whole block out. On a cutting board, slice into neat 2¼-inch squares. For the cleanest cuts, dip your knife in warm water between each slice and wipe it off before continuing—makes all the difference! These bars are irresistible just as they are, but topping them with whipped cream and chocolate shavings elevates them to show-stopping status.

How to Serve Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe

The image shows a square black baking pan lined with parchment paper. Inside the pan is one thick layer of smooth, rich, chocolate batter evenly spread with swirled textures on the surface, creating a glossy finish. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch brings your Nutella Cheesecake Bars to life. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense bars. Sprinkling chocolate shavings or even chopped toasted hazelnuts on top gives a nice crunch and a little extra flair for your guests.

Side Dishes

While these bars are incredibly indulgent on their own, pairing them with fresh berries can give a refreshing burst of acidity and color. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also elevates the experience, melting luxuriously over the warm edges of the bars for an unforgettable dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, laid-back vibe, or arrange them neatly on a dessert platter for a more formal affair. For a fun twist, stack a few bars and drizzle with warm Nutella or chocolate sauce. You can even present each bar inside decorative cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars keep their texture and flavor beautifully for up to five days, making them excellent for prepping in advance.

Freezing

If you want to make these Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe ahead of time or save some for later, freezing is a smart choice. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to two months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

For a special treat, thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked sensation. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might lose that lovely cheesecake firmness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making the base from scratch?

Absolutely! While the homemade fudgy brownie base is spectacular, a quality store-bought mix can save time and still yield delicious results. Just bake it according to package instructions, then add the Nutella cheesecake topping.

Is it necessary to use espresso powder in the brownie layer?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding any noticeable coffee taste, making your Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe even more rich and complex.

Can I substitute Nutella with another chocolate-hazelnut spread?

You can swap Nutella for a similar hazelnut-chocolate spread, but keep in mind that different brands may vary in sweetness and texture, which could slightly affect the final taste and consistency of the cheesecake layer.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

To minimize cracking, avoid overbaking the cheesecake layer and chill the bars thoroughly before cutting. Also, baking at a lower temperature ensures gentle cooking, which keeps the surface smooth and crack-free.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the brownie base with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure, ensuring the rest of the ingredients like baking tools and chocolate are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a show-stopping Nutella Cheesecake Bars with Fudgy Brownie Base Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for any chocolate and cheesecake lover. The harmony of fudgy richness with creamy Nutella indulgence is genuinely unbeatable. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to impress family and friends with a homemade dessert that looks as spectacular as it tastes. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be making them again and again.