Instructions
- 1
Crush biscuits, mix with butter. Press into springform. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
- 2
Bloom gelatin in cold water. Warm 3 tablespoons cream, dissolve gelatin.
- 3
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar smooth. Mix in 400g Nutella until fully combined.
- 4
Add gelatin mixture. Mix well.
- 5
Whip remaining cream to stiff peaks. Fold into Nutella filling.
- 6
Pour over crust. Refrigerate 8 hours.
- 7
Make ganache: heat cream, pour over Nutella and chopped chocolate. Stir smooth. Cool 10 minutes.
- 8
Pour ganache over cheesecake. Scatter crushed hazelnuts. Refrigerate 2 more hours.
Baker's Tip
Use full-fat Nutella at room temperature — do not warm it. Cold Nutella is too thick to blend smoothly with cream cheese, creating lumps. Warm Nutella prevents the gelatin from setting properly. Room temperature is the precise condition needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute Nutella with another hazelnut spread?
Yes — any hazelnut chocolate spread works. Generic store-brand versions often have a higher hazelnut content and less sugar than Nutella which actually improves the flavor. Justin s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a popular high-quality alternative.
My Nutella filling is very thick and stiff — how do I thin it?
The cream cheese or Nutella may be too cold. Bring both to room temperature. If still too thick after mixing, fold in an extra 1/4 cup of lightly whipped cream to loosen. The mixture should flow into the pan smoothly.
How do I toast hazelnuts properly?
Spread on a baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until skins crack and nuts are golden. Tip onto a clean towel, wrap and rub vigorously — most skins will come off. Cool completely before crushing. Toasted hazelnuts have dramatically more flavor than raw.
Can I use this filling for a layer cake instead?
Yes — the Nutella filling is stable enough to use between cake layers. Reduce the gelatin by one sheet so the filling remains creamy rather than firm. It pairs perfectly with chocolate sponge, hazelnut dacquoise or plain vanilla cake layers.
About This Recipe
Pure Nutella heaven — hazelnut biscuit crust, silky Nutella cream cheese filling, topped with a glossy Nutella ganache and crushed hazelnuts. Rich, indulgent and dangerously good. The entire jar of Nutella is justified here.
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