1. Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal later. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s even. This will give you a solid foundation for the bars. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until fully combined and silky. Be careful not to overmix, as too much air can cause cracks when baking. Spread this creamy filling evenly over the cooled crust.

3. Add the strawberries

Evenly sprinkle the diced strawberries over the cheesecake layer. Their natural sweetness and juiciness will infuse into the filling as it bakes, creating pockets of delicious fruity goodness.

4. Create the crumble topping

In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly pieces form. Gently sprinkle this mixture over the strawberries, covering them evenly. This will bake into a crisp, golden topping that adds the perfect crunch.

5. Bake to perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles. The top should be lightly golden. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for about an hour, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill completely. This step is crucial for firm, easy-to-cut bars.