If there’s one dessert that combines creamy indulgence, irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor, and stress-free preparation, it’s the No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake. This dessert is as rich and satisfying as any traditional cheesecake, but without the need to turn on the oven—a true blessing during hot months or when you’re short on time. With a buttery cookie crust and a silky, mousse-like filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress, this Nutella cheesecake delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and ease. It’s a luxurious treat that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy patisserie, but takes minimal effort and only a few ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake
-
No oven needed – perfect for summer or small kitchens
-
Only a few ingredients – and all pantry staples
-
Decadent and smooth – like a chocolatey cloud on a cookie crust
-
Make-ahead friendly – great for prepping the day before events
-
Customizable – top it with hazelnuts, whipped cream, or berries
This cheesecake is all about the balance of textures—the buttery crunch of the crust meets the airy richness of the Nutella cream filling, creating a contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe keeps it simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients:
For the Crust:
-
1½ cups (about 150g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
-
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
-
1½ cups (375g) Nutella
-
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature
-
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
-
Whipped cream
-
Crushed toasted hazelnuts
-
Chocolate shavings or curls
-
Extra drizzle of Nutella
-
Berries or sliced bananas
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
-
In a medium bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
-
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan (8- or 9-inch works well), using the bottom of a glass to flatten it evenly.
-
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
-
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
-
Add Nutella and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined and silky.
-
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture in batches to maintain the airy texture.
-
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
❄️ Step 3: Chill the Cheesecake
-
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the firmer and more sliceable it becomes.
✨ Topping Ideas & Final Touches
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and set, it’s time to dress it up. Presentation is key—after all, we eat with our eyes first!
-
Whipped Cream Rosettes: Pipe rosettes around the edge and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
-
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Melt chocolate with a bit of cream and drizzle over the top for a dramatic finish.
-
Nutella Swirls: Warm a spoonful of Nutella slightly and drizzle in a spiral pattern.
-
Fruit Garnish: Add fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even figs for contrast.
-
Ferrero Rocher: For extra flair, top with halved Ferrero Rocher candies.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
-
Make ahead: You can prepare this cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
-
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
-
Freezing: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Freeze the whole cheesecake (wrapped tightly) or individual slices. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun spins on the classic:
-
Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin with paper liners to make bite-sized versions—perfect for parties!
-
Nut-Free: Swap Nutella for a chocolate spread that doesn’t contain nuts.
-
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and whipped coconut cream, and a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread.
-
Cookie Crust Twist: Try Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or chocolate wafers for a different flavor.
When to Serve No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake
This dessert is incredibly versatile and well-suited for a variety of occasions:
-
Birthday celebrations – especially for chocolate lovers
-
Dinner parties – an elegant yet easy make-ahead dessert
-
Holiday gatherings – no oven frees up space for other dishes
-
Valentine’s Day or anniversaries – romantic and indulgent
-
Potlucks and BBQs – easy to transport and serve
Serve it with a strong espresso, a chilled glass of dessert wine, or a simple cold glass of milk for the ultimate pairing.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create a show-stopping dessert. It’s rich without being heavy, simple yet impressive, and customizable for any taste or occasion. The creamy Nutella filling melts in your mouth, while the buttery crust adds just the right amount of crunch.
This dessert is more than just easy—it’s an indulgent escape in every slice. Whether you’re treating guests or satisfying a personal sweet craving, this cheesecake is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
