Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich, creamy charm of cheesecake fused with the irresistible flavor of Nutella, then this Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those desserts that feels luxurious but surprisingly easy to whip up—perfect when you want to impress guests or treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ve found this cheesecake hits the spot every single time: creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness with the perfect crumbly base.

What makes this Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe so special for me is how it balances the smoothness of cream cheese with the indulgence of Nutella, crowned with a glossy Nutella topping and crunchy hazelnuts. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a cozy night in, or just because, it’s wonderfully versatile and satisfying. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it along to gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but they come together beautifully—each one plays a part in building that signature creamy texture and rich taste. When shopping, pick the best quality Nutella and fresh cream cheese you can find, because they truly make a difference.

• Digestive biscuits: They create a sturdy yet tender biscuit base—crush them finely so they hold together well with the butter.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the crushed biscuits to form that gorgeously rich crust—use unsalted so you can control the saltiness perfectly.
• Double cream: Adds lusciousness and lightness to the cheesecake mix, making it smooth and airy.
• Full fat cream cheese: The heart of any cheesecake—make sure it’s softened for a creamy blend without lumps.
• Nutella spread: The star ingredient that brings that beloved hazelnut-chocolate flavor; don’t skimp, use your favorite brand.
• Hazelnuts: Roughly chopped for that perfect crunch amid all the creamy indulgence on top.

Variations

I love how flexible this Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. I sometimes switch things up depending on what I have at home or who I’m serving. Feel free to make it your own!

• Gluten-free base: Swap digestive biscuits for gluten-free cookies; I’ve done this with almond flour crackers and it works wonderfully.
• Lower sugar: If you want it less sweet, try using a light cream cheese and reduce Nutella slightly, adding a bit more cream to balance.
• Vegan version: I haven’t tried this yet, but using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream could be an exciting experiment to keep that flavor intact.
• Seasonal twist: Add a few raspberries or strawberries on top for a fresh contrast during berry season.

How to Make Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Start by crushing your digestive biscuits finely—either bash them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin or blitz them in a food processor. You want fine crumbs, but a little texture is nice for that crumbly bite. Then, mix the crumbs with melted unsalted butter until everything looks evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan. I find using the bottom of a glass works great to compact it tightly and evenly. Pop the base in the fridge to chill while you prep the filling; it sets up beautifully and keeps the cheesecake sturdy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Mixture

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Then gently fold in the double cream, whisking until you get a silky mixture. Finally, add in the Nutella and give it a good mix until it’s fully combined and looks like a dreamy chocolate-hazelnut mousse. A tip from my kitchen: don’t overmix once the cream is added to keep it light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour that luscious cheesecake mixture over your chilled biscuit base and smooth out the top with a spatula. Cover with cling film and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better—it’ll firm up perfectly, giving you that rich, creamy texture you crave. Patience here really pays off!

Step 4: Add the Nutella Topping and Hazelnuts

When you’re ready to serve, melt some extra Nutella gently—just a few seconds in the microwave is all it takes. Drizzle the warm Nutella over the set cheesecake and sprinkle with roughly chopped hazelnuts for that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor. This final touch really elevates the dessert from great to showstopper.

How to Serve Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

I adore topping mine with a handful of toasted hazelnuts because they brighten the texture with their crunch. Sometimes, I add a few fresh mint leaves for a hint of freshness or a light dusting of cocoa powder to bring extra chocolatey vibes. It never hurts to get a little creative here!

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a simple espresso or even a berry compote for contrast. On chilly evenings, I like serving it alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or a glass of chilled dessert wine. It’s a fantastic treat that feels like a celebration no matter what you pair it with.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried slicing the cheesecake into mini portions in individual ramekins, decorated with swirling Nutella and whole hazelnuts on top—everyone loved their own personal serving! Another fun idea is to layer the Nutella topping with whipped cream ribbons and a dusting of crushed biscuits for a rustic-chic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I always store any leftovers covered tightly with cling film or in an airtight container in the fridge. The cheesecake keeps its texture and flavor beautifully for up to 4 days, so there’s no rush to finish it all at once. I actually enjoy it even more the next day when everything has melded perfectly.

Freezing

If you plan ahead, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to a month. I recommend freezing it without the Nutella topping and hazelnuts, then adding those fresh after thawing. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t really necessary. However, if you want that melty Nutella effect, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just be careful not to overheat, or it’ll lose its creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Nutella Cheesecake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the go-to dessert I reach for when I want to wow with minimal fuss. It’s rich and creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and it never fails to bring smiles. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—once you do, it’ll probably become your beloved cheat-day indulgence too!

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