Indulge Guilt-Free: Decadent Skinny Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars

Discover the ultimate sweet treat that satisfies your cravings without the guilt! These Skinny Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars are a masterpiece of flavor, combining rich chocolate and fragrant hazelnut with a delightfully creamy texture. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and light cream cheese, they offer a luscious experience that feels utterly decadent. Perfect for any occasion, these bars prove that indulgence can indeed be guilt-free!

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The Allure of Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

There’s something inherently comforting and utterly luxurious about chocolate. It’s a flavor that transcends cultures and truly warms the soul. And when paired with the nutty, aromatic notes of hazelnut, it creates a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible. For years, I’ve been captivated by the magic of chocolate cheesecake. The first time I tasted it, it was a revelation – a creamy, rich, and profoundly satisfying dessert that felt like a special occasion in every bite. It was one of those moments where you realize your perception of dessert has fundamentally shifted.

However, such indulgence often comes with a whisper of guilt, a nagging thought about the richness and calorie count. That’s why I embarked on a mission to create a version that maintains all the luscious flavor and creamy texture of a classic chocolate hazelnut cheesecake but with a lighter profile. The result? These incredible Skinny Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars, designed to let you savor every bite without a single regret.

Crafting the Perfect Guilt-Free Dessert

The secret to these lightened-up cheesecake bars lies in smart substitutions without compromising on taste. We swap traditional heavy ingredients for lighter, healthier alternatives like light cream cheese and Greek yogurt. These ingredients provide the essential creaminess and tang that define a great cheesecake, but with fewer calories and added protein from the Greek yogurt. This intelligent approach allows us to enjoy the rich, velvety texture we adore in cheesecake, transforming it into a treat you can enjoy more often.

What truly elevates these bars, however, is the infusion of hazelnut flavor. I’ve found that using a quality hazelnut creamer, specifically International Delight Toasted Hazelnut creamer, delivers that distinctive nutty aroma and taste that pairs so perfectly with chocolate. It’s a harmonious blend that makes these bars truly special, proving once again that chocolate and hazelnuts are a match made in dessert heaven.

The Irresistible OREO Crust

Every great cheesecake needs a fantastic crust, and for these chocolate hazelnut bars, nothing beats the classic OREO cookie crust. It’s not just about tradition; the deep chocolate flavor of the OREO cookies provides a robust and slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet, creamy filling. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply crush the cookies into fine crumbs, mix with a touch of melted butter, and press firmly into your baking dish. You won’t need any additional sugar here; the cookies themselves provide ample sweetness, creating a balanced and utterly delicious base that’s both crumbly and sturdy.

A Filling That Dreams Are Made Of

The star of the show, the cheesecake filling, is where the magic happens. We start with softened light cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese is an excellent choice for a lighter option) and beat it until it’s wonderfully light and fluffy. The addition of Greek yogurt is crucial not only for its health benefits but also for the subtle tang it imparts, which perfectly complements the richness of the chocolate. Granulated sugar provides the sweetness, while unsweetened cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor, giving it an intense, sophisticated profile.

The International Delight Toasted Hazelnut Creamer is the secret ingredient that ties all these flavors together, infusing the cheesecake with that distinctive, cozy hazelnut warmth. Finally, room temperature eggs are lightly beaten and folded in, ensuring a smooth, uniform texture for baking. The result is a filling that is incredibly creamy, rich, and bursting with chocolate and hazelnut notes, without feeling heavy.

The Decadent Ganache Topping

To crown these magnificent bars, we create a simple yet elegant ganache using bittersweet chocolate and more of that delightful Toasted Hazelnut creamer. The bittersweet chocolate provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake, while the creamer reinforces the hazelnut theme, making for an even more cohesive flavor profile. This ganache is silky smooth, glossy, and melts in your mouth. For an added flourish, a sprinkle of toasted, chopped hazelnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the nutty aroma. A scattering of chocolate jimmies adds a fun and festive touch, making these bars as visually appealing as they are delicious.

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Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars

These Skinny Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars taste utterly decadent but are made with Greek yogurt and light cream cheese so you can enjoy them without the guilt! The perfect treat!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate hazelnut cheesecake bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 20 bars

Calories: 237 kcal

Author: Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

Crust:
18 OREO Cookies
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
12 oz light cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese), softened
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
1/4 cup International Delight Toasted Hazelnut Creamer (Fat Free and Sugar Free recommended)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

Ganache & Toppings

4 oz bittersweet chocolate
2 Tbls International Delight Toasted Hazelnut Creamer (Fat Free and Sugar Free recommended)
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chocolate jimmies (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
For the crust, place the OREO cookies into a food processor and pulse until they form very fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and continue to pulse or use a fork to combine thoroughly until the crumbs are moistened and resemble wet sand.
Press the OREO mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×9 baking dish, ensuring it’s packed down firmly. This creates a solid base for your cheesecake bars. Bake for 12 minutes to set the crust, then remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
While the crust is baking or cooling, start on the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened light cream cheese (Neufchâtel) with an electric mixer until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy. This step is crucial for a lump-free filling.
Add the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pour in the slightly cooled melted bittersweet chocolate and the International Delight Toasted Hazelnut Creamer. Beat until just combined. Finally, gently fold in the lightly beaten room temperature eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can introduce too much air and cause cracking during baking.
Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked and slightly cooled OREO crust in the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle. The center should still look a little soft but not wet. Overbaking can lead to cracks.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. To help prevent cracking, immediately run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
After cooling at room temperature, cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, until thoroughly chilled and firm. This is essential for the bars to set properly and slice cleanly.
To prepare the ganache, combine the 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of International Delight Toasted Hazelnut Creamer in a heavy medium saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, but ensure it’s still pourable.
Once the cheesecake bars are chilled, spread the cooled ganache evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts and chocolate jimmies for extra flavor and visual appeal. Slice into bars and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars Every Time

Achieving the perfect cheesecake bars is easier than you think with a few simple tips. First, ensure all your dairy ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly without lumps, creating that signature creamy texture. When mixing the filling, beat the cream cheese thoroughly until light and fluffy *before* adding other ingredients. Once the eggs are incorporated, mix only until just combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack as it cools.

For baking, a gentle heat is key. Our recipe calls for 325°F, which is ideal for cheesecakes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the very center still has a slight wobble. It will continue to set as it cools. Running a knife around the edges right after taking it out of the oven is a crucial step to prevent cracks, as it allows the cheesecake to shrink away from the pan evenly. And finally, patience is a virtue: thorough chilling is non-negotiable for perfectly firm, sliceable bars. Resist the urge to cut into them too early!

Still Craving Chocolate? Explore More Delights!

If these Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars have ignited your passion for chocolate, you’re in luck! My kitchen is a haven for chocolate lovers, featuring a variety of recipes that cater to every type of sweet tooth. From rich, fudgy brownies to moist, comforting cakes, there’s a chocolate creation waiting for you. Each recipe is designed to bring joy and indulgence into your home.

Mocha Truffle Brownies: Experience the sophisticated blend of coffee and chocolate in these incredibly rich and fudgy brownies. They’re a grown-up treat that perfectly balances bitterness and sweetness, offering a truly gourmet experience.

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake: This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce with rich chocolate. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting dessert that’s secretly lighter.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake: Don’t let the vegetable fool you! This cake is incredibly moist and tender, with the zucchini adding an undetectable richness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy chocolate cake with an added nutritional boost.

Chocolate Mint Brownies: A classic flavor combination that never disappoints. These fudgy brownies are topped with a refreshing mint layer and a decadent chocolate ganache, offering a cool, crisp, and rich experience.

Mocha Breakfast Shake: Start your day with a chocolatey boost! This shake is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying and energizing breakfast or a post-workout treat.

Looking for more specific treats? For all my delightful fudge recipes, go HERE. And for a comprehensive collection of all my dessert recipes, click HERE. Don’t forget to sign up for email updates to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! For even more delicious ideas and behind-the-scenes fun, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin’.

Wishing you a wonderfully sweet day!

This post is a sponsored conversation written by me in collaboration with International Delight. All opinions expressed and the text content are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience with the product.