Nutella Cheesecake

Introduction

If you love Nutella and you’re obsessed with cheesecake, oh WOW, you’re in for a treat! This Nutella cheesecake is everything you could want in a dessert—rich, creamy, and packed with chocolate-hazelnut goodness. The best part? It’s no-bake, so there’s no fussing over water baths, cracking tops, or oven timers. Just pure, effortless indulgence!

I remember the first time I made this cheesecake. It was a last-minute attempt to impress my family at a holiday dinner, and let me tell you, it was GONE before I even got a second slice. Since then, it’s been my go-to dessert for special occasions (or just when I’m craving something outrageously good).

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything—why this recipe works, how to get that perfect texture, and little tricks that make all the difference. So grab a spoon (because you’re gonna want to lick the bowl), and let’s dive in!

Reasons You’ll Love Nutella Cheesecake

• No-Bake Convenience – No oven? No problem! Just mix, chill, and enjoy.
• Ultra-Creamy & Rich – It’s the perfect balance of Nutella and cream cheese, making every bite smooth and dreamy.
• Minimal Ingredients – You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
• Make-Ahead Friendly – It actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Customizable – Switch up the crust, toppings, or fillings to make it your own.

Honestly, if you haven’t made a no-bake cheesecake before, THIS is the one to start with.

What Makes a Good Nutella Cheesecake?

A good Nutella cheesecake isn’t just about slapping some Nutella into cream cheese and calling it a day. Nope. You need the right balance of ingredients and textures. Here’s what makes this cheesecake DA BOMB!

A Solid Yet Buttery Crust

Oreo cookies are the obvious choice here. The combination of chocolate and Nutella? Chef’s kiss. But if you prefer a slightly less sweet base, digestive biscuits work like a charm.

Smooth, Fluffy Filling

Full-fat cream cheese is non-negotiable. It gives the filling that velvety richness. Whipped cream lightens it up, while a touch of icing sugar enhances the sweetness without overpowering the Nutella.

Stable Yet Light Structure

Nobody wants a cheesecake that turns into a puddle the second you cut into it. Gelatin helps keep everything set while maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Decadent Toppings

A Nutella ganache, a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts, maybe a few Ferrero Rocher pieces—because why not go all out?

The Cultural Significance of Nutella Cheesecake

Nutella and cheesecake both have cult followings, but when you combine them? MAGIC.

Nutella’s Global Love Affair

Nutella was born in Italy, created by the genius minds at Ferrero. Originally a way to stretch cocoa rations during wartime, it quickly became a worldwide obsession. Today, Nutella desserts are everywhere—from pastries in Paris to milkshakes in New York.

Cheesecake’s International Appeal

Cheesecake is one of those desserts that transcends borders. In New York, it’s dense and rich. In Japan, it’s light and airy. And now, with Nutella in the mix, it’s the best of both worlds—decadent yet effortlessly smooth.

A Brief History of Cheesecake

Ancient Greece: The Birthplace of Cheesecake

Believe it or not, cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece! Athletes in the first Olympic games were fed a version of cheesecake to boost their energy.

Roman Influence: Spreading Across Europe

When the Romans conquered Greece, they took the recipe and made it their own, spreading it across their empire.

The Modern Evolution: New York-Style Cheesecake

Fast forward to the 20th century, and we get the classic New York cheesecake—dense, rich, and iconic.

Nutella Meets Cheesecake

Then came the 2000s, when food bloggers and bakers started experimenting with no-bake cheesecakes. Enter: Nutella cheesecake, a game-changer in the dessert world.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups Oreo cookies, crushed
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

The Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Nutella
• ½ cup icing sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1 tsp gelatin + 2 tbsp water (bloomed)

The Ganache & Toppings:

• ½ cup Nutella
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• 8-inch springform pan
• Food processor (for crushing Oreos)
• Electric mixer (for smooth blending)
• Microwave (for melting chocolate)
• Offset spatula (for even spreading)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1: Preparing the Crust

1. Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor.
2. Mix with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

2: Making the Cheesecake Filling

1. Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over 2 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then microwave for 10 seconds until dissolved.
2. Beat the cream cheese, Nutella, and icing sugar until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
4. Stir in the gelatin mixture.
5. Pour over the crust and smooth the top. Chill for at least 4 hours.

3: Preparing the Ganache Topping

1. Microwave Nutella, chocolate chips, and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Pour over the chilled cheesecake.
3. Sprinkle with hazelnuts and garnish with whipped cream.

How to Tell When Nutella Cheesecake is Ready

• The top should be firm with a slight jiggle.
• A clean knife test should leave minimal residue.
• Chilling for at least 4 hours ensures the perfect set.

Variations & Toppings

One of the best things about this Nutella cheesecake—aside from how ridiculously delicious it is—is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to switch up the crust, experiment with different toppings, or even make it fit specific dietary needs, there are SO many ways to make this cheesecake your own. Let’s break it down.

Different Crust Options

While the classic Oreo crust is a no-brainer for a Nutella-based cheesecake, sometimes you just want to mix things up. Luckily, plenty of other crust options work just as well:

• Graham Cracker Crust: If you love that buttery, slightly honeyed flavor, a graham cracker crust is a fantastic alternative. It’s lighter than Oreos and lets the Nutella shine even more.
• Biscoff Biscuit Base: Want a hint of caramelized spice in every bite? Crushed Biscoff cookies make an incredible base, adding warmth and depth to the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Wafer Cookies: If you prefer something more intense but not as sweet as Oreos, try chocolate wafer cookies. Their deep cocoa flavor complements Nutella beautifully.
• Nutty Crust: For a crunchier, gluten-free option, mix ground hazelnuts or almonds with melted butter and a touch of sugar. This enhances the hazelnut notes in Nutella and adds great texture.

Alternative Toppings

Toppings can take this cheesecake from “delicious” to “mind-blowingly decadent.” Here are some ideas to go beyond the standard Nutella ganache:

• Ferrero Rocher Pieces: The ultimate Nutella companion. Roughly chop Ferrero Rocher chocolates and sprinkle them over the top for crunch and extra hazelnut goodness.
• Caramel Drizzle: If you love a bit of sweet-salty contrast, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a luxurious touch.
• Cocoa Powder Dusting: For a more elegant, slightly bittersweet finish, lightly dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate curls from a bar of dark or milk chocolate.
• Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts: A simple but effective way to reinforce that Nutella flavor and add some crunch.
• Fresh Berries: If you love a bit of tartness to balance the richness, add fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even sliced bananas on top.

Nutritional Insights

Okay, let’s be real—this is an indulgent dessert. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely without nutritional benefits! Here’s a closer look at what you’re getting in every delicious bite.

High in Calcium and Protein

Since cream cheese and heavy cream are the main ingredients, this cheesecake is actually a decent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also provides a bit of protein, which helps with satiety—meaning you’ll feel full and satisfied after just a small slice (in theory, at least!).

The Benefits of Hazelnuts

Nutella is made with real hazelnuts, and if you add extra chopped hazelnuts as a topping, you’ll be getting some heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, which supports skin health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten this cheesecake up without losing that creamy texture, here are some easy swaps:

• Use Greek Yogurt: Replace part of the cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt to add protein and lighten the texture.
• Opt for a Lighter Sweetener: Instead of powdered sugar, try a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Reduce the Crust Thickness: The crust is delicious, but it’s also calorie-dense. You can make a thinner crust layer to cut back slightly.
• Use Coconut Whipped Cream: This is a great dairy-free and lighter alternative to heavy cream in the filling.

Of course, at the end of the day, this cheesecake is meant to be enjoyed. So if you’re indulging, go all in and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips & Tricks

Want to make sure your cheesecake turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some foolproof tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and get that bakery-quality texture at home.

How to Get Perfectly Smooth Cheesecake Filling

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold cream cheese is a recipe for lumps! Let it soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
• Beat the Cream Cheese First: Before adding Nutella or any other ingredients, whip the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. This prevents clumps in the filling.
• Fold in the Whipped Cream Gently: Overmixing can deflate the airy texture. Use a spatula and fold in the whipped cream with gentle motions.

Slicing Clean Cheesecake Pieces

Ever cut into a cheesecake only to have the knife drag through the filling and make a mess? Here’s the trick:

• Use a Hot Knife: Dip a sharp knife in hot water, then wipe it dry before slicing. Repeat between cuts.
• Chill it Well: The cheesecake should be fully set before slicing, ideally overnight.

The Secret to a Firm Yet Creamy No-Bake Cheesecake

• Don’t Skip the Gelatin: It helps stabilize the filling so it holds its shape without feeling too dense.
• Chill for the Right Amount of Time: At least 4 hours is necessary, but overnight is best for a perfect texture.

My Take on Nutella Cheesecake

I’ve made a LOT of cheesecakes in my life, but this one? It’s up there as one of my all-time favorites. There’s just something about that smooth, creamy Nutella filling that makes every bite feel like pure indulgence.

I love that it’s so easy to make, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Whether I’m making it for a dinner party, a birthday, or just because I have a serious Nutella craving (which happens often), it never disappoints.

If you’re on the fence about trying a no-bake cheesecake, trust me—this is the one to start with. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered with baked versions!

Storage & Health Tips

How to Store Your Cheesecake

• Refrigeration: Keep your cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store it longer, slice it into portions and freeze them individually in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How to Make It Healthier

• Swap some of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt.
• Use dark chocolate instead of Nutella for a less sugary version.
• Reduce the amount of crust to lower the calorie count.

FAQs

Does The Cheesecake Factory Have Nutella Cheesecake?

While they don’t have a dedicated Nutella cheesecake, they sometimes offer seasonal Nutella-inspired desserts. However, making your own means you can enjoy it anytime!

Why is Cheesecake So Expensive?

High-quality dairy products like cream cheese and heavy cream can be pricey, and cheesecakes require time to set properly. Plus, let’s be honest—cheesecake is a luxury dessert, and it’s worth every penny!

What Makes Cheesecake Taste So Good?

It’s all about the balance of flavors. The rich, tangy cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of Nutella and the crunch of the crust.

What Are the Two Types of Cheesecake?

• Baked Cheesecake: Like the classic New York-style—dense and rich.
• No-Bake Cheesecake: Lighter, mousse-like, and super easy to make (aka this one!).

Before You Go…

If you loved this, you NEED to try my Chocolate Brownies! Trust me, it’s next-level indulgence.

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