Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits

Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits are an easy no-bake dessert perfect for a quick treat. Cream cheese and Nutella are whipped together and layered with cookie crumbs and whipped cream. This recipe is unbelievably simple and delicious.

When I originally shared this recipe, it was late July 2015, and I had just announced that we would be moving to Scotland. This time around, we’ve been here over five years. With the exception of one visit to a friend in Cumbernauld before lockdown, we haven’t left Glasgow 13 months. I’ve been watching my plants grow from this very sofa for nearly half that time.

In those five years, we’ve bought a house, then a cat and a dog. We’ve visited seven countries and gone back to the US twice. I’m so close to having my own business, I can almost taste it. As much as I loved Honolulu, I don’t think we would have been able to achieve any of that from there. We’ll save the discussion of how universal healthcare creates economic opportunity for another day. The point is, wow, a lot can change in five years.

We had vague plans to go to Italy in 2020, but obviously, that didn’t work out. I guess eating all the Nutella will just have to suffice. It is, after all, World Nutella Day. Did you know? That’s why I’m sharing a new and improved version of my Nutella Cheesecake Parfait.

Obviously, this is going to be good any day of the year. The crunch of cookie crumbs blends perfectly with the smooth, rich no-bake Nutella cheesecake. And don’t skip the whipped cream and sprinkles. You need more joy in your life always. It’s a bit rich, but I think you’ll still be sad when it’s over.

How to make Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits

I’ve tried to simplify this as much as possible. Forget melting butter for a graham cracker crust. Just get some crunchy chocolate chip cookies (Famous Amos reminds me of my days in Hawaii, but brand doesn’t matter here) and crush them with your hands right into the bottom of the container to make your first crumb layer. Save some cookies for a second middle crunchy layer later.

Then use your electric mixer to beat together some Nutella and some softened cream cheese until smooth and lightened. Then ditch the mixer and fold in some frozen whipped topping or mix up a pouch of Dream Topping or Dream Whip if you live in a place that doesn’t sell the frozen tubs. Just fold gently until it’s all smooth, and spoon it over your cookie crumbs.

You can layer it up as much as you want. I highly recommend topping with whipped cream. Then to make it pretty, you can add sprinkles, chopped hazelnuts, or chocolate shavings. Whatever floats your boat.

Make it magical

While you’re eating Nutella straight from the jar, you might have forgotten that it’s actually a mix of chocolate and hazelnuts. And of course, hazelnuts come from hazel trees. And hazel trees have been used in magic for centuries.

Hazel is linked to wisdom and associated with a variety of ancient deities, including Thor, Brigid, and Apollo. You can use the nuts in spells for luck, fertility, protection, and granting wishes. Just ponder that the next time you’re feeling guilty about eating another spoonful of Nutella. Are you cheating on your diet, or are you bringing yourself luck and protection? It’s all about your intention. (Source: The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Skye Alexander)

Plenty of things may have changed in the last five years, but Nutella will always be awesome. Make these Nutella Cheesecake Parfaits and try to prove me wrong. It’ll be awesome.

Looking for more awesome Nutella treats? Try these Nutella No-Bake Cookies or a simple Nutella Fairy Toast.

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