Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are the perfect bite-sized dessert when you’re craving something rich, creamy, and chocolatey—without the commitment of a full cheesecake. These little treats combine a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling with a buttery chocolate cookie crust, all finished with a beautiful swirl of Nutella right on top. Every bite feels indulgent, yet surprisingly light and perfectly portioned.

What truly makes these cupcakes special is how effortless they are to make. No water bath, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a straightforward process that works every single time. I first made these on a cozy weekend while prepping desserts for a small gathering, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Guests kept asking if they were store-bought (always the best compliment!).

Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday dessert spread, or just a quiet treat at home, these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are foolproof, beginner-friendly, and ideal for making ahead. They’re small, celebratory, and guaranteed to bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love These Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

There’s so much to adore about these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes, and once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re always the first dessert to disappear. They strike that perfect balance between decadent and approachable—rich enough to feel special, yet simple enough to whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this recipe meets you right where you are and delivers bakery-worthy results without the stress.

Rich, Creamy Cheesecake Texture

Each cupcake is filled with a smooth, velvety cheesecake that melts in your mouth with every bite. Because they’re baked in a mini size, you get the ideal cheesecake-to-crust ratio—no overwhelming thickness, just pure creamy perfection. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that there’s no water bath required. That means no cracking drama and no extra steps, just beautifully set cheesecakes with a soft, luxurious center every single time.

Chocolate Cookie Crust for Extra Flavor

The chocolate cookie crust adds a deep, cocoa-rich base that pairs beautifully with Nutella. It’s firm enough to hold together, yet tender when you bite into it—never dry or crumbly. Compared to classic graham crackers, chocolate cookies bring a richer flavor that truly complements the hazelnut chocolate swirl on top, making each bite feel extra indulgent.

Easy Recipe with Simple Ingredients

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple. You won’t need any specialty baking tools or hard-to-find ingredients—everything is pantry-friendly and familiar. The steps are straightforward and forgiving, making these cupcakes perfect for beginners while still satisfying experienced home bakers who appreciate a reliable, fuss-free dessert.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes fit right in anywhere:

Elegant enough for parties and holidays
Sweet and charming for baby showers and birthdays
Convenient as a make-ahead dessert for busy weeks

They’re small, celebratory, and always crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

One of the best parts of this recipe is how each ingredient plays an important role. Nothing feels extra or unnecessary—every component works together to create that creamy, chocolatey magic we all love.

Full List of Ingredients (with Purpose)

Chocolate cookie crumbs – Create a rich, chocolatey crust that adds depth and structure.
Unsalted butter (melted) – Binds the crust together and adds a buttery finish.
Cream cheese (softened) – The heart of the recipe, delivering that classic creamy cheesecake texture.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens gently without overpowering the Nutella flavor.
Eggs (room temperature) – Provide structure while keeping the filling smooth and silky.
Vanilla extract – Enhances and rounds out the chocolate notes.
Nutella – The star of the show, adding a luscious hazelnut chocolate swirl.
Heavy cream – Adds richness and helps create an ultra-creamy consistency.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

This process is simple, comforting, and incredibly rewarding. Take your time, enjoy the steps, and trust the recipe—it’s designed to guide you smoothly from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This small prep step sets you up for easy baking and effortless cleanup later.

In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner, creating a compact crust that will hold beautifully once baked.

Next, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. This step is key—taking the time here ensures a lump-free cheesecake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently and stopping as soon as they’re incorporated to avoid overmixing.

Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt, blending just until the batter looks silky and uniform. Spoon the filling into the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for baking.

Add a teaspoon of Nutella on top of each cupcake and gently swirl it in with a toothpick. Don’t overdo it—soft, simple swirls create the prettiest effect.

Bake until the centers are just set with a slight jiggle. Once done, let the cupcakes cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours. That chilling time is where the magic happens, giving you the creamiest, most satisfying texture imaginable.

Pro tip: Cheesecake always tastes better chilled, so don’t rush this step—your patience will be rewarded.

What to Serve with Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are wonderful all on their own, but pairing them with the right extras can turn a simple dessert into a truly special moment. Whether you’re serving them after dinner, setting up a dessert table, or enjoying one as a cozy afternoon treat, these pairings help balance the richness and elevate every bite.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks

Coffee or espresso – The slight bitterness of coffee beautifully balances the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake.
Hot chocolate – Perfect for chilly days when you want full-on comfort and indulgence.
Cold milk – Simple, nostalgic, and always a classic with chocolate desserts.

Dessert Add-Ons

Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, fresh contrast.
Whipped cream – Light, airy, and perfect for softening each bite.
Chocolate drizzle – Because a little extra chocolate is never a bad idea.

Special Occasion Pairings

Dessert platters – Pair with mini brownies or cookies for variety.
Holiday cookie trays – These cupcakes fit right in among festive favorites.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of baking at home is making a recipe your own. These Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are wonderfully adaptable, so you can tweak them to fit dietary needs, flavor preferences, or pure chocolate cravings.

Nut-Free Version

If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, you can easily swap the Nutella for a nut-free chocolate spread. Look for allergy-friendly chocolate hazelnut–style spreads or smooth chocolate frosting. You’ll still get that rich chocolate swirl without worrying about nuts, making these cupcakes safe and inclusive for everyone at the table.

Extra Chocolate Lover’s Version

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, this variation is for you. Fold mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for little pockets of melty goodness. You can also top the chilled cupcakes with a simple chocolate ganache for a glossy finish, or use chocolate cookie crumbs mixed with cocoa powder to create a double-chocolate crust that’s deeply satisfying.

Gluten-Free Option

Making these cupcakes gluten-free is surprisingly easy. Simply use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust, making sure they’re finely crushed. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are needed. Bake as directed, keeping an eye on texture, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing flavor.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps these cupcakes tasting just as dreamy as the day you made them.

Room Temperature Storage

Cheesecake cupcakes can sit at room temperature for short periods only. If serving within a couple of hours, keep them in a cool, shaded spot. After that, refrigeration is best for both safety and texture.

Refrigeration Tips

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing Instructions & Make-Ahead Tips

These freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake individually, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste just as smooth and delicious—no texture loss at all.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

A few simple tips can take your Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes from good to absolutely perfect. Think of these as little reminders from a friend who’s made this recipe more times than she can count—and learned exactly what works best along the way.

Use room-temperature cream cheese
This is one of the most important steps. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the sugar, giving you that luxuriously creamy texture without any lumps.
Do not overmix the batter
Once the eggs go in, mix gently and stop as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing adds too much air, which can cause sinking or cracking.
Swirl Nutella gently
A light hand is key here. Swirling too deeply can cause the Nutella to sink, while gentle, shallow swirls create that pretty marbled top everyone loves.
Bake until centers are just set
The cupcakes should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you pull them out. They’ll finish setting as they cool, giving you the creamiest texture.
Chill at least 2 hours for best flavor
This rest time allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up beautifully. Cheesecake truly shines after chilling.
Use quality Nutella for best taste
Since Nutella is the star, using a good-quality brand makes a noticeable difference in flavor and richness.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes, you might also enjoy these delicious desserts from Creative Cookery — perfect for cheesecake lovers and sweet treat seekers:

🍓 Cheesecake-Style Desserts

Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Recipe – A creamy cheesecake layered with spiced peaches and crumble topping, perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake – Layered strawberry cheesecake with a tender shortcake base and fresh fruit topping.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake – A decadent mash-up of cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie goodness in one dessert.
Strawberry Cheesecake Turnovers Recipe – Flaky pastry filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry for brunch or dessert.
Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe – Quick, flaky rolls filled with creamy blueberry cheesecake for breakfast or dessert.

FAQs

Can I make Nutella cheesecake cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! These cupcakes are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I know when cheesecake cupcakes are done baking?

They’re ready when the edges look set and the centers still have a slight jiggle. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce or skip the added pinch of salt. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall flavor balance.

Why did my cheesecake cupcakes sink?

Sinking usually happens from overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early. Gentle mixing and steady oven temperature help prevent this.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or large gatherings.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but low-fat can work. Keep in mind the cupcakes may be slightly less creamy.

Conclusion

These Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes truly have it all—creamy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and an easy, approachable process that anyone can master. They’re proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something special and indulgent.

If you’re new to baking, this recipe is a wonderful confidence booster. If you’re experienced, it’s a reliable favorite you’ll come back to again and again. Either way, it’s a dessert worth celebrating.

If you try these cupcakes, I’d love to hear how they turned out!