Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake Recipe

This Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake is rich, smooth, and unapologetically indulgent. Inspired by Nigella Lawson’s love for effortless luxury, this cheesecake combines creamy cheese with deep chocolate-hazelnut notes that feel both comforting and decadent.

The texture is silky rather than heavy, the flavour is bold but balanced, and the preparation stays refreshingly simple. It’s the kind of dessert that suits dinner parties, celebrations, or those moments when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The baking method is gentle, the ingredients are familiar, and the result feels reliably impressive.

What Exactly Is Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake?

Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake is a baked cheesecake made with cream cheese, Nutella, eggs, and a crisp biscuit base. The Nutella is folded directly into the filling, giving the cake its signature chocolate-hazelnut richness without needing extra cocoa or chocolate.

Think of it as a classic cheesecake dressed in evening wear. The structure remains traditional, but the flavour takes a deeper, more indulgent turn.

Other Popular Nigella Lawson Recipes

• Nigella Flourless Brownies
• Nigella Spaghetti Bolognese
• Nigella Apple and Almond Cake
• Nigella Gluten Free Apple Cake

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Deep chocolate-hazelnut flavour – Nutella adds richness without bitterness
• Creamy, smooth texture – Bakes gently for a soft, even set
• Straightforward preparation – No complicated steps or water baths
• Crowd-pleasing dessert – Familiar flavours everyone loves
• Make-ahead friendly – Sets beautifully overnight

Key Ingredients Needed for Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

• Digestive biscuits – 250 g
• Unsalted butter, melted – 125 g
• Full-fat cream cheese – 600 g
• Nutella – 300 g
• Caster sugar – 100 g
• Eggs – 3 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Double cream – 150 ml

Equipments

• 9-inch (23 cm) springform cake tin
• Baking paper
• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Food processor or rolling pin
• Spatula
• Roasting tray (for baking stability)

Instructions to Make Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

• Prepare the tin – Line the base of the springform tin with baking paper and lightly grease the sides
• Make the base – Crush the digestive biscuits and mix with melted butter until evenly coated
• Press and chill – Firmly press the mixture into the base of the tin and refrigerate for 20 minutes
• Preheat the oven – Set to 160°C (320°F)
• Mix the filling – Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and lump-free
• Add Nutella – Blend in Nutella until fully combined
• Incorporate eggs – Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently
• Finish the batter – Stir in vanilla extract and double cream
• Bake gently – Pour filling over the base and bake for 50–55 minutes
• Cool slowly – Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually
• Chill before serving – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight

Common Mistakes I Made (And How I Fixed Each One)

• Overbeating the mixture – Mixing gently prevented cracks
• Baking at high heat – Lower temperature gave a smoother texture
• Skipping chill time – Overnight chilling improved firmness
• Rushing removal from the tin – Fully chilled cake released cleanly

Healthier Version of Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

For a lighter version, reduce the Nutella to 220 g and replace half of the cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also use a thinner biscuit base to lower overall calories while keeping the flavour intact.

What to Pair With Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

• Fresh contrast – Raspberries or strawberries cut through richness
• Simple finish – Light dusting of cocoa powder
• Elegant serve – Spoon of softly whipped cream
• Coffee pairing – Espresso or strong black coffee

Pro Tips to Get Perfect Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake Every Time

• Room-temperature ingredients – Blend smoothly without lumps
• Gentle mixing – Prevents air bubbles and cracking
• Low oven temperature – Ensures even baking
• Centre wobble check – Slight jiggle means it’s done
• Gradual cooling – Reduces surface cracks
• Overnight chilling – Improves slicing and flavour
• Warm knife slicing – Clean edges every time

Easy Variations of Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

• Nutty crunch – Add chopped toasted hazelnuts to the base
• Chocolate swirl – Marble melted dark chocolate into the filling
• No-bake option – Set the filling with gelatine instead of baking
• Mini cheesecakes – Bake in individual ramekins

How to Store Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake the Right Way

• Refrigerated storage – Keep covered for up to 4 days
• Freezer-friendly slices – Freeze wrapped slices for up to 1 month
• Thawing method – Defrost slowly in the fridge

The Best Ways to Reheat Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake

This cheesecake is best served chilled. If you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving rather than reheating.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Protein: ~7 g
• Fat: ~33 g
• Sugar: ~27 g

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FAQs

How do I stop Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake from cracking while baking?

Bake the cheesecake at a low temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much adds air, which causes cracks as the cake cools. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the switched-off oven with the door slightly open.

Should I use room-temperature cream cheese for Nutella cheesecake?

Yes, room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly with Nutella and prevents lumps in the filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to overmixing, which affects the final texture.

How do I know when Nutella cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The edges should look set while the centre still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. The cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools and chills in the fridge.

Can I prepare Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake the day before serving?

Yes, this cheesecake is best made a day ahead. Chilling it overnight improves firmness, flavour balance, and slicing, making it easier to serve clean portions.

Final Thoughts

This Nigella Lawson Nutella Cheesecake is indulgence done calmly and confidently. It doesn’t shout for attention—it earns it with texture, balance, and flavour. If you want a dessert that feels luxurious but remains achievable, this recipe delivers exactly that.