No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars Recipe

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about these No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars that totally hits the spot when you’re craving a rich, creamy dessert without the fuss of an oven. Imagine an Oreo cookie crust that’s perfectly crisp and buttery, topped with a luscious, dreamy Nutella-infused cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. They are decadently delicious, and so simple to whip up, making them a go-to treat for everyone from busy home bakers to dessert lovers looking for a quick indulgence. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a favorite at all your gatherings and cozy nights in!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in building the texture, flavor, and iconic look of the bars. From the rich cream cheese that adds a velvety base, to the crushed Oreos that give a satisfying crunch, every element is thoughtfully chosen.

• Oreo cookies (24, crushed): Crushed to form a quintessential chocolate cookie crust with just the right amount of crunch and chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter (5 tbsp, melted): Helps the cookie crumbs bind together smoothly and adds a rich, buttery undertone to the crust.
• Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Provides that creamy, smooth texture essential to cheesecake, with a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling delicately while blending perfectly into the cream cheese for a silky finish.
• Nutella (1 cup): The star ingredient, giving those luscious hazelnut and chocolate notes that make these bars absolutely irresistible.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors, adding warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
• Whipped topping (2 cups, like Cool Whip): Lightens the filling, making these bars airy and perfectly balanced in texture.

How to Make No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing 24 Oreo cookies until fine — you want a nice, crumbly texture without any big chunks. Then, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mix it into the cookie crumbs until the mixture feels like damp sand. Press this cookie crust firmly into the base of a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. This ensures a sturdy base that will hold together beautifully after chilling. Pop your crust into the refrigerator while you move on to the decadent filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese together with half a cup of powdered sugar until you get a silky smooth consistency with no lumps. This step is critical because the cream cheese is the foundation for your cheesecake filling, and you want it perfectly smooth to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 3: Add Nutella and Vanilla

Next up, add 1 cup of Nutella and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your cream cheese mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined and creamy. This luscious chocolate-hazelnut flavor is what elevates these bars into something truly decadent and unforgettable.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) to lighten the filling. This step is key for striking the perfect balance between rich and airy, making the bars delightfully creamy without being too heavy. Take your time and use a spatula to blend just until combined for that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Spread your Nutella cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing out the top with your spatula. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling time allows the bars to set fully, making them easy to slice and enjoy.

How to Serve No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

To make serving these bars even more special, try a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few extra crushed Oreos on top. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a bright contrast that complements the rich sweetness. You can also drizzle a bit more Nutella or even some chocolate ganache to amp up the chocolate indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a coffee lover’s dream, serve alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino—the slight bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves sprinkled around. For parties, consider serving them in small clear cups layered with additional crushed Oreos and berries for a pretty parfait effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled maintains their perfect texture and rich flavor, so they taste just as amazing as the day you made them.

Freezing

If you want to stash some bars for later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

No need to reheat these bars at all—they’re best served chilled. The cold temperature enhances the creamy Nutella filling and keeps the Oreo crust delectably crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreos provide that classic chocolate crunch, you can experiment with graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even Biscoff for a unique twist. Just be sure to crush them finely and mix well with melted butter to form a firm crust.

Is there a dairy-free version of these bars?

Yes, you can try substituting the cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. Nutella itself contains dairy, so a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread would be needed to keep it fully vegan.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars a day ahead lets them set perfectly and makes serving a breeze. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy.

How can I prevent the bars from getting soggy?

Press the crust firmly and chill it before adding the filling, which helps it set well. Also, use well-chilled ingredients and refrigerate the bars fully to maintain texture and avoid any sogginess.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm cloth between cuts for the cleanest slices. This keeps the layers distinct and prevents the filling from sticking to the blade.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both effortless and completely indulgent, these No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake Bars are exactly what you need. The marriage of crunchy Oreo crust and irresistibly creamy Nutella filling makes every bite a little moment of joy. Don’t hesitate—dig into this delightful treat and watch it quickly become your new favorite dessert for any occasion!