Nutella Cheesecake is a heavenly dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella. This delectable treat is a dream come true for chocolate and cheesecake enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

The history of Nutella dates back to the 1940s when it was first created in Italy during World War II. The limited availability of cocoa prompted Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker, to use hazelnuts as a filler to stretch the limited supply of chocolate. He created a paste-like spread called “Pasta Gianduja,” which eventually evolved into the delicious and beloved Nutella we know today. After the war, Nutella gained popularity and quickly became a staple in households worldwide.

On the other hand, cheesecake has a rich and ancient history that traces back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. The ancient version was made with simple ingredients like honey, cheese, and wheat. Throughout history, various regions and cultures put their own twists on cheesecake, making it a global dessert enjoyed in many forms.

The combination of Nutella and cheesecake is a modern adaptation, showcasing the creativity and innovation of bakers and dessert enthusiasts. The rich and smooth texture of cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty profile of Nutella, creating a delightful and indulgent dessert loved by many.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Oreo crumbs
• ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, halved and seeds scraped
• ⅓ cup Nutella

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Butter an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, ensuring that the parchment is well pressed into the corners. Set the prepared dish aside for later use.
2. Using a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they turn into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter to the cookie crumbs and pulse again until the mixture is moistened. Press the Oreo mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to create the crust. Bake the crust for about 12 minutes or until it becomes set. Allow the crust to cool.
3. Clean out the food processor and add the cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and the scraped vanilla bean seeds. Pulse the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
4. Take 2/3 of the cream cheese mixture and set it aside in a separate bowl. Add Nutella and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to the remaining 1/3 cream cheese mixture in the processor. Pulse again until the Nutella cheesecake layer becomes smooth and uniform.

Assembly:

1. Spread the plain cheesecake mixture over the cooled Oreo crust, ensuring an even layer.
2. Pour the Nutella cheesecake layer on top of the plain cheesecake layer and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
3. Bake the assembled cheesecake on the center rack of the oven for approximately 35 minutes or until the center slightly jiggles. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a cooling rack. For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours before serving.
4. When ready to serve, lift the Nutella Cheesecake bars out of the pan by gently lifting up the parchment paper. Cut the bars into slices and enjoy the decadent and delightful flavors of Nutella and cheesecake combined!

Nutella Cheesecake is a true celebration of the culinary arts, highlighting the wonderful blend of traditional cheesecake with the iconic and beloved Nutella spread. Enjoy this delightful dessert with friends and family, savoring each heavenly bite!