Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. To prevent any leaks (especially with well-loved pans), wrap the bottom and sides of the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it's completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the 3/4 cup granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add the Nutella to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the eggs are added; overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks.

Pour the Nutella cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet (for easier handling and to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Don't worry if it's not perfectly firm, it will set as it cools.

Once baked, turn off the oven and prop the oven door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for about an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks. Remove from the oven, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to loosen, and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for another 1-2 hours. Once cooled, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving. This chilling time is crucial for the cheesecake to firm up and develop its full flavor.