Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides. Set the pan aside.
- Make the crust: Grind the graham crackers into a fine crumb using a food processor or blender. Place the crumbs in a medium bowl and mix them with the melted butter and sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan. Bake the crust for 5 minutes. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which takes about 3 minutes. Spoon the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Drop large spoonfuls of Nutella on top of the filling and use a knife to swirl it gently.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake has set and the edges are lightly browned. The bars will look puffy but will settle slightly as they cool. Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature on a wire rack, then chill them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours. Lift the foil or paper out of the pan and cut the bars into squares.
- Store the bars in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
These bars are a simple treat that brings families together. When I made these for my children after a difficult week of meal planning, the smell drew them right into the kitchen. They are a great way to create a sweet moment during busy times.