This Nutella Swirl Cheesecake is a decadent yet approachable dessert that elevates a classic cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of Nutella.
Its creamy, velvety texture combined with a subtly sweet, buttery graham cracker crust makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
While indulgent, this cheesecake offers some nutritional perks: it’s rich in protein from cream cheese and eggs, and provides good fats from Nutella and butter, making it a satisfying treat that keeps you full.
Perfect for everyday cooking, it’s ideal for meal prep or entertaining, as it can be made ahead and chilled overnight, saving time without compromising flavor.
With a simple water bath technique, it avoids cracks and achieves a smooth, professional finish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9-Inch Springform Pan
Essential for creating a tall, intact cheesecake. Its removable sides allow for easy release, ensuring a flawless presentation. Beyond cheesecake, it’s perfect for layered desserts and molded dishes.
Food Processor
Quickly transforms graham crackers into fine crumbs for a uniform, buttery crust. A versatile tool for chopping, pureeing, and mixing a variety of ingredients efficiently.
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Achieves a smooth, fluffy cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese, sugar, and eggs evenly. Ideal for baking, whipping cream, or mixing batters in everyday cooking.
Roasting Pan (for Water Bath)
Ensures gentle, even baking and prevents cracking by maintaining stable moisture and temperature. Useful for roasting vegetables, meats, or baking delicate desserts.
Spatula
Perfect for folding ingredients without deflating the mixture and scraping bowls clean. A must-have for precise mixing and serving tasks in the kitchen.
Creamy Nutella Swirl Cheesecake
Equipment
- 1 9-inch springform pan
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
- 1 roasting pan
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 30 graham crackers
- 6 tbsp butter melted and cooled
- 3 eggs
- 3 x 8 oz blocks cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking throughout. Line the sides of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil that extends at least halfway up to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath, and lightly coat the interior with nonstick cooking spray to make removing the cheesecake effortless.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they form fine, uniform crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl, pour in the melted butter, and stir until fully combined, creating a moist, sandy texture perfect for pressing into the pan.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, and gently push a small amount up the sides to form a light border. Bake for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Whip the Eggs: In a clean bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the eggs until pale yellow and fluffy, incorporating air for a light texture in the cheesecake. Set aside once whipped, as these will be folded in gently later to preserve their volume.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sugar using a mixer and beat on medium-high speed for at least 5 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, and continue beating until fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Fold in the Eggs: Gently fold the whipped eggs into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, ensuring the mixture remains light and airy while fully combining the ingredients. Take care not to overmix, as this will help maintain a smooth and tender texture in the finished cheesecake.
- Add Nutella Swirls: Pour half of the Nutella into the cream cheese mixture and fold lightly until partially blended for a marbled effect. Transfer the filling onto the baked crust, then add small dollops of the remaining Nutella on top and use a toothpick or small knife to create elegant swirls across the surface.
- Prepare the Water Bath: Pour about one inch of hot water into a large roasting pan, creating a gentle water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracks. Carefully place the cheesecake pan into the water bath, making sure the foil protects the cheesecake from direct water contact.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the roasting pan with the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 60–90 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside for 15–30 minutes to prevent sudden temperature changes.
- Chill and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, then use a hot knife to slice cleanly, revealing the luscious Nutella swirls and creamy texture, ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Lightly coat the pan with nonstick spray and line with foil to prevent leaks in the water bath.
- Beat eggs separately to incorporate air and create a lighter cheesecake texture.
- Fold ingredients gently to maintain a creamy, airy consistency.
- Swirl Nutella with a toothpick or small knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks and promote even cooking.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for optimal flavor and texture.
Chef’s Secrets for Smooth Cheesecake
Achieving a velvety cheesecake requires attention to ingredient temperature and mixing techniques.
Always use softened cream cheese and eggs at room temperature, as cold ingredients can create lumps or uneven texture.
Beating the cream cheese and sugar for several minutes ensures a silky base, while folding in the eggs gently prevents deflating the mixture.
Using a water bath is a small but essential step; it stabilizes temperature, keeps the cheesecake moist, and prevents the classic cracks on top.
Finally, adding Nutella in layers and swirling with precision not only enhances flavor but gives a visually stunning dessert that looks professionally made.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Appeal
This cheesecake shines as a centerpiece dessert for gatherings, holidays, or weekend indulgence.
Serve slices with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added elegance.
Whipped cream on the side provides a light contrast to the rich texture, and toasted hazelnuts sprinkled on top highlight the Nutella flavor beautifully.
For casual snacking, enjoy a chilled slice straight from the fridge—its creamy, smooth texture and chocolate-hazelnut richness make it a satisfying treat anytime.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
Cheesecake stores best in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days while maintaining optimal texture.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cheesecake for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for extended periods, as it may soften excessively and lose its structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Yes, any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a smooth chocolate ganache works, though Nutella gives the classic flavor balance and smooth consistency.
2. Why do I need to use a water bath?
The water bath prevents cracks and ensures gentle, even baking by stabilizing the oven temperature and adding moisture.
3. How can I make the cheesecake lighter?
Use lighter cream cheese or reduce the sugar slightly. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture creamy yet fluffy.
4. Can I prepare this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s ideal for making a day in advance. Chill overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
5. How do I achieve perfect Nutella swirls?
Add dollops of Nutella on top of the filling and swirl gently using a toothpick or skewer in a figure-eight or circular motion. Avoid overmixing to maintain the marbled effect.
This recipe is inspired by fortheloveofgourmet and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
