I love baking and I enjoy trying out new recipes from famous chefs. I recently tried making Gino D’Acampo’s Nutella Cheesecake. It’s a rich dessert that mixes creamy cheesecake with delicious Nutella flavor.
This recipe is great for people who love chocolate and cheesecake. Here is a full story about how I made this delectable dessert, including some helpful tips and thoughts from my kitchen.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 250g digestive biscuits
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 500g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 100g icing sugar, sifted
- 300g Nutella
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300ml double cream
For the topping:
- 100g Nutella, melted
- Chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Equipment Needed
- 23cm (9-inch) springform cake tin
- Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing biscuits)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cling film
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Preparing the Base
- Crush the Biscuits: I started by placing the digestive biscuits in a food processor to crush them into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix with Butter: Next, I mixed the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter until they were well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
- Form the Base: I pressed the mixture firmly into the base of the springform cake tin, using the back of a spoon to ensure it was evenly spread and compact. Then, I placed the tin in the refrigerator to sit while I prepared the filling.
Step 2: Making the Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, I beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in your cheesecake.
- Add Sugar and Nutella: I added the sifted icing sugar and continued to beat the mixture until it was well combined. Then, I incorporated the Nutella and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture was smooth and uniformly colored.
- Whip the Cream: I whipped the double cream in a separate bowl until it formed stiff peaks. This took a bit of patience, but achieving the right consistency is important to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Combine: Gently, I folded the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture using a spatula. This step should be done carefully to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream, which gives the cheesecake its light texture.
Step 3: Assembling the Cheesecake
- Pour the Filling: I poured the Nutella filling over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: I covered the cheesecake with cling film and placed it in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, although overnight is preferable for the best results.
Step 4: Adding the Topping
- Melt Nutella: Once the cheesecake was set, I melted the additional Nutella for the topping. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 10-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Decorate: I drizzled the melted Nutella over the top of the cheesecake. For an added crunch, I sprinkled some chopped hazelnuts on top. This step adds a lovely texture contrast and enhances the presentation.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Making Gino D’Acampo’s Nutella Cheesecake was a rewarding experience. The process was straightforward, and the result was a beautifully decadent dessert that impressed everyone who tasted it. Here are a few tips from my experience:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This helps it blend more smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Whipping Cream: Be patient when whipping the cream. It’s important to achieve stiff peaks to ensure the cheesecake sets properly.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Letting the cheesecake set overnight yields the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Gino D’Acampo’s Nutella Cheesecake is a must-try for any dessert lover. The combination of a crunchy biscuit base, creamy Nutella filling, and rich topping creates a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cheesecake is sure to delight. Give it a try in your kitchen and enjoy the delicious results!
Gino D'Acampo Nutella Cheesecake Recipe
Equipment
- 23cm (9-inch) springform cake tin
- Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing biscuits)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cling film
Ingredients
For the base:
- 250 g digestive biscuits
- 100 g unsalted butter melted
For the filling:
- 500 g full-fat cream cheese at room temperature
- 100 g icing sugar sifted
- 300 g Nutella
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 ml double cream
For the topping:
- 100 g Nutella melted
- Chopped hazelnuts optional
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Crush the Biscuits: I started by placing the digestive biscuits in a food processor to crush them into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can put the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix with Butter: Next, I mixed the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter until they were well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
- Form the Base: I pressed the mixture firmly into the base of the springform cake tin, using the back of a spoon to ensure it was evenly spread and compact. Then, I placed the tin in the refrigerator to sit while I prepared the filling.
Making the Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, I beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in your cheesecake.
- Add Sugar and Nutella: I added the sifted icing sugar and continued to beat the mixture until it was well combined. Then, I incorporated the Nutella and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture was smooth and uniformly colored.
- Whip the Cream: I whipped the double cream in a separate bowl until it formed stiff peaks. This took a bit of patience, but achieving the right consistency is important to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Combine: Gently, I folded the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture using a spatula. This step should be done carefully to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream, which gives the cheesecake its light texture.
Assembling the Cheesecake
- Pour the Filling: I poured the Nutella filling over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: I covered the cheesecake with cling film and placed it in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, although overnight is preferable for the best results.
Adding the Topping
- Melt Nutella: Once the cheesecake was set, I melted the additional Nutella for the topping. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 10-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Decorate: I drizzled the melted Nutella over the top of the cheesecake. For an added crunch, I sprinkled some chopped hazelnuts on top. This step adds a lovely texture contrast and enhances the presentation.