Raspberry Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how elegant and easy these bars are. They give me the richness of a classic cheesecake without the fuss of a springform pan or water bath. The Nutella adds a decadent twist, while the raspberry jam keeps things light and fruity. They slice beautifully, chill well, and are always a hit at parties, brunches, or when I just want to treat myself to something special straight from the fridge.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

For the Swirl:
1/3 cup Nutella
1/3 cup raspberry jam

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. In a bowl, I mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and sugar until evenly combined. I press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. I bake it for 8–10 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.

3. For the filling, I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then I stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is creamy and fully combined.

4. I pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.

5. I warm the Nutella and raspberry jam slightly if needed, just enough to make them spoonable. I drop small spoonfuls of each across the surface of the cheesecake, then use a skewer or knife to gently swirl them into a marbled pattern.

6. I bake the cheesecake bars for 35–40 minutes, just until the center is set and no longer jiggly.

7. I let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set fully.

8. Once chilled, I lift the bars out using the parchment and slice them into 12 squares. I serve them cold for the creamiest texture and cleanest cuts.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including chill time)
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 330 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the jam—strawberry, blackberry, or even cherry work beautifully. If I’m in a mood for crunch, I add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the crust or sprinkle some on top. I’ve also tried adding a little orange zest to the filling for a citrus note that pairs really well with the Nutella.

storage/reheating

I store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste best cold, straight from the fridge. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container or bag. They thaw well in the fridge and make a great make-ahead dessert.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, I sometimes use chocolate cookie crumbs or even shortbread crumbs if I want something richer or more buttery.

Do I need to use a water bath?

No, that’s one of the reasons I love this recipe. These bars bake evenly without needing the extra steps of a traditional cheesecake.

How do I get clean slices?

I chill the bars fully, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. This gives me neat edges and keeps the swirl looking sharp.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

I’ve used it in a pinch, but the texture is a bit softer and slightly less rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time might need a few extra minutes—just watch for the center to set.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Nutella Swirl Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy combination of creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and swirls of chocolate and berry. I love how easy they are to make and how elegant they look once sliced. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe always delivers that perfect sweet-tart bite that everyone loves.