Nutella Brownie Cheesecake

Imagine a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the smoothness of cream cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Nutella Brownie Cheesecake is just that, offering layers of fudgy brownie and creamy Nutella cheesecake. If you’re curious about how to make this impressive treat, you’ll find that it’s easier than it looks and requires ingredients you probably already have. Let’s explore what makes this dessert a must-try for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, this Nutella Brownie Cheesecake is a fantastic choice.

You’ll love the decadent combination of a fudgy brownie base, smooth cheesecake swirled with Nutella, and a rich chocolate ganache topping. The recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, making it easy to whip up even for beginners. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. This dessert looks fancy, making it perfect for parties, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. You can even adapt it for gluten-free diets with a quick ingredient swap. Frozen dollops of Nutella enhance the flavor and create a delightful surprise in each bite. Serve it chilled with coffee or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence, and enjoy the compliments from your guests.

History

The history of Nutella Brownie Cheesecake is a blend of creativity and culinary evolution, starting with the introduction of Nutella itself. Nutella was first created in 1964 by Pietro Ferrero as a chocolate-hazelnut spread called Gianduja. While the specific origins of Nutella Brownie Cheesecake aren’t well-documented, home bakers likely began to combine Nutella with brownies and cheesecake in unique ways. Around 2010-2015, bloggers and recipe websites started sharing their variations, leading to diverse adaptations. The celebration of World Nutella Day since 2007 has also boosted the spread’s popularity, inspiring innovative recipes. As ingredients and techniques evolved, Nutella Brownie Cheesecake became a favorite dessert, showcasing the blend of Italian and American culinary traditions, particularly because it utilizes a jar of Nutella that enhances the dessert’s appeal.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 box double chocolate brownie mix (or homemade brownie ingredients: melted dark chocolate, butter, eggs, caster sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, flour, cocoa powder)
– 1 egg (for brownie mix)
– 1/4 cup water (for brownie mix)
– 1/3 cup oil (for brownie mix)
– 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups Nutella
– 3 medium eggs (for cheesecake layer)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 30g plain flour (optional for cheesecake layer)
– 200ml double/heavy cream (optional for cheesecake layer)
– 7 oz Hershey bar (for ganache)
– 1/3 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
– 1 stick butter (for Nutella buttercream)
– 1/4 cup Nutella (for Nutella buttercream)
– 2 cups powdered sugar (for Nutella buttercream)
– 5 tablespoons heavy cream (for Nutella buttercream)
– Optional decorations: chocolate whipped cream, Ferrero Rocher chocolates

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). If using a homemade brownie mix, melt the dark chocolate and butter together, then combine with eggs, caster sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Fold in flour and cocoa powder until just combined. If using a box mix, simply prepare according to the package directions.

2. Grease and line an 8-inch springform pan with baking paper. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes for a fudgey texture or 30 minutes for a more traditional brownie consistency. If using a box mix, bake for 17-22 minutes until the top looks baked.

3. While the brownie layer is baking, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the Nutella, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and optional plain flour and heavy cream, blending until smooth. The Nutella cheesecake layer should be mixed carefully to avoid overmixing.

4. Once the brownie layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the cheesecake mixture over the top. Bake the combined layers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.

5. After baking, cool the brownie cheesecake for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for the best flavor and texture.

6. For added indulgence, prepare a chocolate ganache by heating 1/3 cup heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring it over the chopped Hershey bar. Stir until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over the cooled cheesecake.

7. Optionally, prepare Nutella buttercream frosting by creaming together butter and Nutella, then gradually adding powdered sugar and heavy cream until desired consistency is reached. Use this to decorate the cheesecake along with chocolate whipped cream rosettes and Ferrero Rocher chocolates if desired.

Extra Tips:

When making the Nutella Brownie Cheesecake, verify your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.

If you prefer a no-bake version, simply use heavy cream, cream cheese, Nutella, and powdered sugar, and skip the baking steps.

Be cautious when baking; every oven is different, so keep an eye on both layers to avoid overcooking.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Final Thoughts

When you take the time to create a Nutella brownie cheesecake, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re crafting a delightful experience that combines different textures and flavors. This rich treat merges fudgy brownies with creamy cheesecake and the unique taste of Nutella, satisfying your sweet tooth. World Nutella Day is celebrated on February 5th, making this dessert a perfect choice for any festivities surrounding this beloved holiday.

It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress friends and family. You can customize it with various toppings, like whipped cream or chocolate ganache, to suit your celebration.

For the best results, prepare in advance by freezing Nutella dollops overnight, and guarantee you cool the brownie layer before adding the cheesecake. This way, you’ll achieve a beautiful presentation and a delicious, layered dessert that everyone will love.

FAQ

Have questions about making Nutella brownie cheesecake? You can definitely omit Nutella if you have nut allergies—just add more cream cheese to balance it out.

This cheesecake lasts up to five days in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for a while. If you’re in a hurry, using a boxed brownie mix is a great shortcut.

For baking, you can use various pans like a 10-inch springform or an 8×8 inch pan. Remember, the brownie layer bakes for 15 to 22 minutes, while the complete cheesecake needs 25 to 55 minutes. The total calories for the cheesecake are approximately 1257 kcal, making it a rich indulgence.

To guarantee a fudgy crust, bake for only 15 minutes. Mix on low speed to avoid bubbles in your cheesecake.