Decadent Nutella Cheesecake

Few desserts can compete with the decadence and indulgence of a well-made Nutella Cheesecake. This irresistible dessert blends the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the bold, nutty sweetness of Nutella, creating a treat that satisfies every chocolate and hazelnut lover’s craving. The Nutella Cheesecake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, special dinners, or just because you feel like baking something extraordinary.

The beauty of this cheesecake lies in its balance—silky cream cheese filling swirled or infused with Nutella gives each bite a luxurious texture and deep, nutty chocolate flavor. Paired with a chocolate cookie crust and finished with a glossy Nutella topping or whipped cream, the Nutella Cheesecake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

What sets this cheesecake apart from other desserts is not just its flavor, but its ability to feel both comforting and gourmet at the same time. Nutella, with its combination of hazelnuts and cocoa, brings an international flair to the dessert while still feeling familiar and nostalgic to many. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family meal or a fancy celebration, the Nutella Cheesecake adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to your table.

This blog post will guide you through every step of making your own Nutella Cheesecake from scratch. You’ll learn what ingredients and tools you’ll need, how to prepare the crust and filling, how to avoid common baking mistakes, and how to store and serve your cheesecake for maximum flavor and freshness. We’ll even offer tips, variations, and suggestions to make it uniquely your own.

Even if you’ve never made a cheesecake before, don’t worry. This guide breaks everything down in simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can bake a flawless Nutella Cheesecake even on your first try. Whether you like your cheesecake rich and dense or light and fluffy, this recipe provides the foundation for success.

By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to wow your friends, family, and even yourself with an unforgettable dessert that hits all the right notes. Get ready to fall in love with the creamy, chocolatey goodness of the Nutella Cheesecake—it’s about to become your new favorite dessert.

What You’ll Need

Making the perfect Nutella Cheesecake starts with choosing the right ingredients and tools. Each component—from the crust to the filling to the topping—plays a key role in building the ultimate flavor and texture experience. The great news? You don’t need a long shopping list or fancy equipment to make this decadent dessert at home.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without cream)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

The crust serves as the foundation of your Nutella Cheesecake, and using chocolate cookie crumbs adds depth and complements the Nutella flavor beautifully. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can substitute with graham cracker crumbs and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Cream cheese forms the creamy base, while Nutella brings in the signature flavor. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds tang and smoothness, balancing out the sweetness of the Nutella. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, while the optional cornstarch helps firm up the texture for a cleaner slice.

Ingredients for the Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup Nutella, warmed slightly for spreading
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, or berries for garnish

The topping adds an elegant, bakery-style finish to your Nutella Cheesecake. A layer of Nutella spread on top makes the cake look glossy and indulgent, while whipped cream and toppings make it even more festive and flavorful.

Tools You’ll Need:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (for water bath, optional)
• Offset spatula or spoon for spreading topping

Having the right tools on hand makes the process of assembling and baking your Nutella Cheesecake smooth and enjoyable. If this is your first cheesecake, don’t worry—the steps are easy, and the results are worth it.

For a no-bake option, explore our silky Easy Classic Mocha Coffee Cake recipe.

How to Make (Include Full Measurements)

Crafting the perfect Nutella Cheesecake is a rewarding process that’s easier than you may think. With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can create a rich, creamy, and ultra-decadent dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or trying your hand at this dessert for the first time, following this method will lead to success.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo cookies with cream removed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to compact it firmly.
5. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.

This rich, chocolatey crust is the ideal base for your Nutella Cheesecake, complementing the creamy filling with texture and flavor.

Step 2: Make the Nutella Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (optional for structure)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
2. Add the sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition—just until blended.
5. Gently fold in the Nutella and cornstarch (if using). Stir until the mixture is uniformly chocolatey and smooth.
6. Pour the filling over your cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan into a large baking pan and pour hot water into the outer pan (for a water bath) until it reaches halfway up the sides. This helps the Nutella Cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.
2. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the Nutella Cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Remove the pan from the oven, discard the water bath, and refrigerate the cheesecake (still in the pan) for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Nutella
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Spread warmed Nutella over the chilled cheesecake.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream around the edges and top with chocolate curls, chopped hazelnuts, or berries if desired.

Once decorated, your Nutella Cheesecake is ready to impress!

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your Nutella Cheesecake is baked, cooled, and decorated, it’s time to enjoy it—but proper serving and storage can make a world of difference in maintaining its texture and flavor. This section covers how to serve it like a pro and store it for lasting freshness.

Serving Tips:

1. Chill Before Serving: The Nutella Cheesecake should chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
2. Use a Hot Knife: For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. This ensures neat, picture-perfect servings of your Nutella Cheesecake.
3. Serve with Extras: Enhance each slice with fresh whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or chopped hazelnuts. A drizzle of extra Nutella over the top adds a rich, glossy finish that your guests will love.
4. Pair It Right: Offer a cup of hot coffee, a latte, or even a tall glass of cold milk alongside your Nutella Cheesecake for the ultimate dessert experience. It also pairs beautifully with herbal teas or non-alcoholic hazelnut lattes.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store the Nutella Cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cheesecake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
3. Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature, which can cause the texture to soften too much or become watery.
4. Pre-slice Before Freezing (Optional): If you want to freeze portions for easy access later, slice the Nutella Cheesecake before freezing and separate each slice with wax paper.

These simple techniques will help you keep your Nutella Cheesecake tasting fresh, flavorful, and indulgent—even days after baking.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most experienced bakers can run into trouble when making a rich and creamy Nutella Cheesecake. But the good news is that most of these problems are easily preventable with the right know-how. Whether you’re baking your very first cheesecake or perfecting your tenth, avoiding these common errors will help ensure that your Nutella Cheesecake comes out flawless every single time.

1. Overmixing the Filling

One of the most common mistakes when preparing a Nutella Cheesecake is overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs. While it might seem harmless, overmixing introduces excess air into the batter. That air then expands in the oven and contracts while cooling—leading to cracks across the top. To avoid this, mix until the ingredients are just combined, especially once you start incorporating the eggs.

2. Using Cold Ingredients

When you use cold cream cheese or eggs straight from the fridge, your batter can turn out lumpy, and the cheesecake might not bake evenly. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better texture for your Nutella Cheesecake. Let your cream cheese sit out for about an hour, and bring the eggs to room temp before using them.

3. Skipping the Water Bath

Skipping the water bath is another mistake that can cause your Nutella Cheesecake to crack or bake unevenly. The water bath regulates heat and provides steam, which keeps the cheesecake moist and creamy. Even if it seems like an extra step, it’s absolutely worth it for the perfect texture and appearance of your cheesecake.

4. Not Letting the Cheesecake Cool Properly

A sudden drop in temperature can cause your Nutella Cheesecake to crack. Letting it cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked for an hour is essential. After that, chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours (or overnight). This slow cooling process sets the texture and prevents collapsing or sinking in the center.

5. Using Low-Fat Substitutes

Cheesecake is not the place for low-fat substitutions. Using reduced-fat cream cheese or sour cream will result in a watery texture and less flavor. For a rich, indulgent Nutella Cheesecake, full-fat ingredients are essential.

By being mindful of these mistakes, you’ll protect your time and ingredients—and ensure that your final Nutella Cheesecake is every bit as luscious and beautiful as it should be.

Tips and Tricks

Creating a showstopping Nutella Cheesecake doesn’t require a culinary degree—just a few clever baking tips and some thoughtful planning. Here’s how to level up your cheesecake game and guarantee rave reviews every time you serve it.

1. Use a Parchment Circle for Easy Removal

Lining the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes transferring your Nutella Cheesecake to a cake stand or plate much easier. Simply trace the pan on parchment, cut it out, and place it at the base before pressing in the crust.

2. Add Extra Nutella Swirls

For an eye-catching finish and added flavor, reserve a few tablespoons of Nutella and swirl it into the cheesecake batter before baking. Use a toothpick or knife to create pretty patterns on the surface of your Nutella Cheesecake. It’s an easy technique that gives the dessert a bakery-worthy appearance.

3. Enhance the Flavor with a Pinch of Salt

Nutella is sweet and creamy, but adding just a pinch of sea salt to the filling can enhance and balance the flavors. That subtle contrast makes your Nutella Cheesecake more complex and satisfying.

4. Use a Silicone Spatula to Avoid Waste

Nutella tends to stick to bowls and utensils. Using a silicone spatula helps you scrape every last bit of it into your batter or topping, so none of that delicious hazelnut chocolate spread goes to waste.

5. Make It Ahead

Nutella Cheesecake is a perfect make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. You can bake it 1–2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until serving time.

6. Customize the Crust

While chocolate cookies are classic, you can also try hazelnut-flavored cookies, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers with a tablespoon of cocoa powder. Each variation gives the Nutella Cheesecake a unique twist.

Mastering these small but impactful tips will make your baking experience smoother and your Nutella Cheesecake even more delightful.

Suggestions

The wonderful thing about Nutella Cheesecake is its versatility. While it’s absolutely delicious in its classic form, this cheesecake can be adapted in endless ways to suit your personal taste, the occasion, or even the season. Whether you’re a traditionalist or love a creative spin, here are some exciting ideas and variations to try that will take your Nutella Cheesecake to the next level.

1. Nutella Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking for a portable dessert for picnics, potlucks, or lunchboxes, try baking your Nutella Cheesecake in a square or rectangular baking dish and cutting it into bars instead of slices. These bars are easy to transport, serve, and store—and they retain all the indulgent flavor of a traditional cheesecake.

2. No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake

On warm days or when you’re short on time, skip the oven entirely and make a no-bake version. Combine whipped cream with cream cheese and Nutella, pour over a chilled cookie crust, and refrigerate until set. It’s a creamy, mousse-like Nutella Cheesecake that’s light, airy, and deliciously easy.

3. Nutella Cheesecake with Hazelnut Crust

Boost the nutty flavor of your Nutella Cheesecake by adding finely chopped toasted hazelnuts to your crust mixture. The combination of buttery crust and crunchy hazelnuts enhances the depth of flavor and provides a nice contrast in texture.

4. Mini Nutella Cheesecakes

Make individual portions using a muffin tin lined with paper cups or use mini springform pans. Mini Nutella Cheesecakes are perfect for dinner parties or special occasions where presentation matters. Plus, guests love getting their own personal-sized dessert.

5. Swirl in Peanut Butter or Caramel

For an indulgent twist, swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter or a homemade caramel sauce before baking. This adds another dimension of flavor and transforms your Nutella Cheesecake into a layered dessert masterpiece.

6. Nutella Cheesecake with Fruit Topping

Top your Nutella Cheesecake with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even bananas. The natural tartness of fresh fruit balances the richness of the cheesecake and Nutella, while also adding vibrant color and freshness.

Whether you’re changing the crust, adjusting the texture, or getting creative with toppings, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a Nutella Cheesecake. Try a few of these variations and find your favorite way to serve this rich, hazelnut-chocolate delight.

FAQ

If you’re preparing a Nutella Cheesecake for the first time—or even if you’ve made it before—you may have questions about ingredients, techniques, or storage. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions, so you can bake and enjoy your cheesecake with confidence.

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Nutella Cheesecake?

While it’s possible, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended for best results. Low-fat versions contain more moisture and less fat, which can affect the texture and flavor of your Nutella Cheesecake, making it less rich and creamy.

Q2: How do I know when my Nutella Cheesecake is done baking?

Your Nutella Cheesecake is ready when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. The residual heat will finish cooking the center as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as it can lead to dryness and cracking.

Q3: How should I store Nutella Cheesecake?

Store your Nutella Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread?

Yes, if you don’t have Nutella, you can substitute with any good-quality chocolate hazelnut spread. Just be sure it’s creamy and similar in consistency to Nutella to maintain the right texture in your Nutella Cheesecake.

Q5: Do I need to use a water bath?

While not strictly required, a water bath helps prevent cracks and promotes even baking. It’s especially helpful for achieving the smooth, velvety texture that makes Nutella Cheesecake so irresistible.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The filling itself contains no gluten, so it’s easy to adapt this Nutella Cheesecake for gluten-sensitive guests.

Conclusion

The Nutella Cheesecake is a dessert that speaks directly to the soul of chocolate lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike. With its luscious layers of creamy filling, chocolatey crust, and rich hazelnut notes, this cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and showstopper—something you can proudly serve at a dinner party, bring to a celebration, or enjoy as a sweet treat for yourself.

Throughout this article, we’ve walked through every detail you need to master the perfect Nutella Cheesecake—from ingredient selection to baking techniques, presentation tips, storage methods, and even creative variations. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with mini cheesecakes, no-bake options, or fruit toppings, one thing is certain: every slice will be rich, smooth, and full of unforgettable flavor.

The key to a successful Nutella Cheesecake lies in taking your time and enjoying the process. Let the batter rest, allow the cheesecake to cool and chill completely, and don’t skip steps like using room-temperature ingredients or baking in a water bath. These thoughtful touches ensure the texture stays creamy, the surface remains crack-free, and the flavors develop to their fullest potential.

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress, look no further than the Nutella Cheesecake. It’s a dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery but can be made right in your own kitchen.

So go ahead—grab that jar of Nutella, stock up on cream cheese, and preheat the oven. Because once you taste your homemade Nutella Cheesecake, there’s no going back. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a delicious memory waiting to be made, shared, and savored.