Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Fruity & Irresistibly Crunchy

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for a fresh flavor boost)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ cup crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract