STEP 1: PREPARE THE OVEN AND PAN

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the cheesecake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CRUST

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press into the Pan: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers. Ensure it’s evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan.
3. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

STEP 3: MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient!
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Pour Over the Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

STEP 4: BAKE THE CHEESECAKE BARS

1. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.

STEP 5: MAKE THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Pour Over Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Chill Again: Place the pan back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

STEP 6: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Slice the Bars: Once the ganache has set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares.
2. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, consider garnishing with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries before serving.