Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cheesecake

This Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cheesecake is an absolute showstopper for chocolate lovers and a celebration dessert everyone talks about long after the last slice. Creamy Nutella-rich filling sits atop a hazelnut-kissed crust and is smothered in silky Nutella ganache before being crowned with Ferrero Rochers. I first baked this for a friend’s birthday and now it has become the most requested dessert at every holiday table.

I remember carefully unwrapping the first Ferrero Rocher to put on top and my hands were shaking from excitement This cheesecake never fails to impress guests and brings out that wide-eyed dessert joy

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: contribute a buttery solid base with a subtle crunch Look for fresh crumbs free from staleness for best flavor
• Rice Krispies cereal: adds a light crisp texture that lifts the crust Instead of powdering them crush lightly for a blend of crunch and cohesion
• Roasted hazelnuts: give fragrance and deep nutty flavor Toast lightly for the richest taste then chop as fine as possible
• Granulated sugar: adds binding and just enough sweetness Use cane sugar for cleaner taste
• Butter: binds and enriches the crust Choose unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth mixing
• Nutella: infuses chocolate and hazelnut through both crust and filling Select a fresh new jar for texture and flavor
• Full fat cream cheese: is the backbone for a creamy smooth filling Allow blocks to fully soften for best blending
• Sour cream: brings tang that balances the sweetness Opt for thick 14 percent fat to avoid runny batter
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps achieve silky filling Look for fine texture to dissolve well
• Whipping cream: ensures silkiness Go for fresh and check expiry for top results
• Pure vanilla extract: lifts up the chocolate notes Choose real extract not imitation for depth
• Large eggs: help set the filling Room temperature eggs blend the easiest and avoid lumps
• Corn starch: adds stability so the cake slices neatly Use fresh and sift if lumpy
• Semi sweet chocolate melted: deepens chocolate flavor Pick a quality brand that melts smoothly
• Semi sweet chocolate for ganache: Choose one you enjoy eating alone for best outcome
• More Nutella for ganache: to double down on hazelnut notes
• Additional whipping cream: helps reach a pourable luscious texture
• Butter in ganache: adds shine and richness
• More roasted hazelnuts: scattered into ganache mimic Ferrero’s iconic crunch
• Ferrero Rocher candies for garnish: are the signature finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line the bottom of a nine inch springform pan with parchment paper This makes removal easy and ensures a smooth bottom edge

Make the Crust:

Combine graham crumbs Rice Krispies chopped hazelnuts and sugar in a large bowl In a separate bowl mix softened butter with Nutella then microwave briefly until fluid Whisk until unified Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a large spoon until fully coated Press this blend firmly into the bottom and up three quarters of the sides of the springform pan The more tightly you press the less you worry about crumbling later Set aside

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Boil four cups of water to later create a gentle steam bath for baking In a food processor blend cream cheese sour cream sugar cream and vanilla until absolutely smooth This takes about three minutes and requires scraping the sides once or twice Add the eggs all at once and blend gently until just smooth Next add corn starch and pulse until incorporated about thirty seconds Add Nutella and melted chocolate then mix just until everything is combined

Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:

Wrap the outside of your springform in aluminum foil to keep water out Nest it in a deep roasting pan Pour the cheesecake batter onto the crust and smooth evenly Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches three quarters up the sides for a gentle even bake Bake for twenty five minutes at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit then lower heat to two hundred fifty and bake for another seventy five minutes Turn off the oven prop the door open and let cool inside for one hour This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks Once room temperature run a knife around the edge and refrigerate uncovered for at least six hours or ideally overnight

Make the Nutella Hazelnut Ganache:

Remove the cold cheesecake from fridge but do not unmold yet Combine chopped chocolate Nutella cream and butter in a microwave safe bowl Heat in short bursts stirring every minute until melted and silky Take out one cup of ganache for garnish and chill until thick and fudgy about three hours Stir every so often Add chopped hazelnuts to remaining ganache then pour this over your cheesecake and spread evenly Chill cake again until ganache is set

Decorate Your Cheesecake:

Gently remove the cake ring leaving the parchment under the cheesecake Fill a pastry bag with chilled fudgy ganache and pipe twelve swirls around the edge plus one in the center Top each swirl with a Ferrero Rocher Optional if you have extra ganache melt a little and pipe or drizzle over each candy for dramatic finish Place cake on a serving plate and chill until an hour before slicing

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You Must Know

• Rich Nutella and deep roasted hazelnut flavor in every bite
• Satisfying mix of creamy smooth filling and crunchy crust
• Holds up beautifully for parties even after being made ahead

There is something magical about combining the smooth Nutella with that nutty crispy crust My little cousin calls this the golden birthday cake since each slice has its own Ferrero crown We always laugh and debate about who will get the center swirl

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in the fridge covered with foil or in an airtight cake container The cake stays fresh for up to four days The texture and flavor often improve on day two Wait until close to serving time before garnishing with Ferrero Rochers so candies do not soften Too much moisture can affect the shell

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Rice Krispies use additional graham crackers The result will be slightly denser but still delicious For a gluten free option swap the graham crumbs with gluten free digestive biscuits Mascarpone can replace part of the cream cheese for a milder flavor and a richer texture You can use bittersweet chocolate if you want an even deeper chocolate profile

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with extra ganache drizzle and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts for crunch If you love whipped cream add a small dollop beside each slice For added flair use gold leaf on the Ferrero Rochers to echo the signature gold wrapping A strong espresso or coffee pairs beautifully with every bite

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Cultural and Historical Context

Ferrero Rocher is an Italian confection beloved worldwide and is often gifted for holidays or celebrations Nutella shares those Italian roots and brings a taste of nostalgia to many home bakers This cheesecake fuses Italian inspiration with classic American cheesecake technique creating the ultimate celebration dessert for chocolate and hazelnut fans

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, digestive biscuits or chocolate wafer cookies also make excellent bases for this indulgent cheesecake. Choose your favorite crisp cookie for variation.

→ How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Baking in a bain-marie (water bath), gradual oven cooling, and not over-mixing the batter help maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese for a lighter version?

You may use reduced-fat cream cheese, but full-fat versions provide the richest texture and flavor as intended in the original dessert.

→ How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?

Refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for optimal firmness and flavor development before slicing and serving.

→ What's the best way to slice and serve this cheesecake?

Use a sharp, warm knife and clean it between slices for neat, professional-looking pieces. Allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the cheesecake and ganache layers a day in advance, then garnish with Ferrero Rocher just before serving for best presentation.