Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper goes up the sides to help with easy removal later.

Next, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together until it resembles wet sand. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a little extra melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the crumbs stick together.

Once you’ve got your crust mixture, press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or the bottom of a glass to pack it down evenly and make sure it forms a solid base. The crust is the foundation of these cheesecake bars, so make sure it’s pressed firmly enough that it won’t crumble easily after baking. Now, set the baking dish aside while you work on the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, take the room-temperature cream cheese and beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and free of lumps. The key to a smooth cheesecake filling is ensuring the cream cheese is soft, so make sure it’s been left at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you begin mixing.

Once the cream cheese is smooth, add the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Beat everything together on medium speed until you have a creamy and uniform mixture. You want the filling to be thick and silky, with no lumps remaining. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything gets evenly incorporated.

Once the cheesecake filling is ready, spread it evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. You want the filling layer to be thick, so don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the edges completely. This layer will bake into a creamy, luscious filling that’s just the right texture.

Step 3: Add the Strawberries

The next step is where the flavor really starts to shine. Dice your fresh strawberries into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the cheesecake filling. The strawberries add a burst of freshness and a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cheesecake. If you want to get creative, you can try adding other berries or fruit combinations—blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches work wonderfully in this recipe.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined. Then, add in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. The crumble topping should be thick and clumpy, but not too sticky. You want the topping to bake into golden, crisp crumbs that will add a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Once your crumble topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the strawberries, making sure the entire surface is covered. The topping will form a lovely golden crust as it bakes, adding texture and flavor to the bars.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Now that your bars are assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. It’s important not to overbake, as this can cause the filling to dry out. The edges should be firm, and the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about an hour. After that, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 more hour to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Strawberry Cheesecake Bars have chilled, they’re ready to be served! Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish and cut them into squares. Each piece will have a perfect balance of crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy strawberries topped with a crumbly, buttery topping.