No Bake Nutella Cheesecake with a Gluten Free Hazelnut Oreo Crust

Hello, my fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious—and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Picture this: a creamy, dreamy Nutella cheesecake sitting on a crunchy, gluten-free hazelnut Oreo crust. The best part? It’s a no-bake recipe, meaning you can whip it up without ever turning on your oven. Sound tempting? Let’s just say this cheesecake will definitely make your taste buds sing!

Personal Story

Ah, Nutella. The mere mention of this chocolate-hazelnut spread evokes sweet memories from my childhood. I still vividly remember digging into a simple bowl of Nutella with a spoon or slathering it on warm toast while sitting at my grandmother’s rickety kitchen table. It was messy, it was indulgent, and it was oh-so-satisfying. I could inhale the chocolatey goodness with a blissful smile on my face.

Fast forward to my culinary adventures as an adult, and I wanted to recreate that joy but with a twist. Thus, my No Bake Nutella Cheesecake was born! This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it also combines the nostalgia of my childhood with the sophistication of a classic cheesecake. It’s become a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, dinner parties, and casual get-togethers alike. Get ready for some serious kitchen magic!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent cheesecake:

• 14 gluten free Oreos: This will be the base of our crust. If you can’t find gluten-free Oreos, you can substitute them with any gluten-free chocolate cookies.
• ½ cup chopped roasted hazelnuts: These add crunch and a lovely nutty flavor. If you have allergies, you can omit them or replace them with chopped walnuts or pecans.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted): This helps bind the crust together. You can use unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand, just add a pinch of salt.
• 24 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): For that rich, creamy cheesecake texture. Make sure it’s softened so that it blends easily.
• 1 cup Nutella: The star of the show! You can also try a different chocolate spread if you’re looking for a change.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: This helps lighten the cheesecake filling and adds a deliciously creamy texture. If you are dairy-free, you can use coconut cream.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without the graininess of granulated sugar.
• ¼ cup Nutella (for drizzle): A dollop of extra Nutella on top takes this dessert to the next level!
• ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts: For garnish, adding a nice crunch and visual appeal. Again, feel free to substitute if needed.
• ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder: This is for dusting. It provides a nice touch and a hint of chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for the whipped cream): As if the cheesecake wasn’t indulgent enough, right?
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream): To sweeten our whipped cream to perfection!
• 1 tablespoon Nutella (for whipped cream): A touch of Nutella makes the whipped cream extra special!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients lined up, let’s get to the fun part—making the cheesecake!

1. Prepare the crust.

1. In a food processor, pulse the gluten-free Oreos until they’re finely crushed. You want that sandy texture, similar to graham cracker crumbs.
2. Add the chopped roasted hazelnuts and melted butter to the processor, and pulse again until everything is combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch springform pan or a pie dish and press it down firmly using the back of a measuring cup. Make sure to pack it tightly so it holds together!

Chef tip: If you want extra crunch in your crust, leave some pieces of hazelnuts uncrushed for a delightful texture!

2. Make the cheesecake filling.

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
2. Add in the Nutella and mix until fully combined and silky.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until medium peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to whip until the mixture is stable and holds its shape.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture. This will keep your cheesecake light and fluffy!

Chef hack: If you want to add a hint of coffee flavor, feel free to fold in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules when mixing in the Nutella!

3. Assemble the cheesecake.

1. Spoon the Nutella cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
2. For the finishing touch, drizzle that extra ¼ cup of Nutella on top, and sprinkle the remaining hazelnuts and cocoa powder for decoration.

Chef’s note: Feel free to go wild with the drizzle! More Nutella never hurt anyone!

4. Chill to perfection.

1. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set perfectly.

Kitchen wisdom: The longer you let it chill, the better the flavors will be! But let’s be honest—who can wait that long?

Serving Suggestions

When it’s finally time to dig in, slice up your gorgeous cheesecake and serve it cold. I recommend placing a dollop of whipped cream on each slice and garnishing it with a few more chopped hazelnuts. A pinch of cocoa powder on top adds a beautiful touch as well.

Pair this dessert with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgent experience! Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun twists you can add to this basic recipe:

1. Add Fruit: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries on top for a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
2. Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Swirl a bit of extra Nutella through the filling before chilling for a marbled look.
3. Peppermint Twist: During the holiday season, add a few drops of peppermint extract into the cheesecake mixture for a minty flavor!
4. Mocha Delight: Mix in a tablespoon of coffee liqueur for an adult-only version.
5. Dairy-free: Use almond or soy cream cheese and coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free treat!

Chef’s Notes

This No Bake Nutella Cheesecake has been a treasured recipe in my kitchen for years. It started as a fun experiment to see if I could combine my love for cheesecake with my obsession with Nutella, and let me tell you—I’m so glad I did! The friends and family who’ve enjoyed this dessert are always clamoring for seconds.

I once made this cheesecake for a potluck, and my friend’s three-year-old son declared it “the best thing ever.” In that moment, surrounded by laughter and crumbs, I realized that food truly brings people together—much like the warm kitchens of my childhood.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Q1: My cheesecake didn’t set! What went wrong?

A: If your cheesecake is too soft, it may need more chilling time. Be sure to let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of crust?

A: Absolutely! You can use any kind of gluten-free cookie crust, or even a traditional graham cracker crust if gluten isn’t an issue.

Q3: How can I tell when the cheesecake is ready to eat?

A: It should be firm to the touch but still hold its form when sliced. If it’s too wobbly in the center, it needs more chilling time.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! This cheesecake can be made up to two days before serving. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Nutritional Info (Optional)

This delightful dessert is rich and indulgent, so be mindful of the portion sizes! Here’s an estimate of what you’re looking at per slice (serving size: 1 slice, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~320
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 69mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

There you have it, folks! A no-bake Nutella cheesecake that combines simplicity and flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it out! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring a little rustic flavor into your life. Happy baking (or, in this case, assembling)! 🍰✨

Print