Creating crème brûlée cheesecake bars with a crunch is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
3. Press the Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
5. Blend Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
6. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually mix in the granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until well incorporated.
7. Incorporate Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, blending until creamy and smooth.
8. Spread the Filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
10. Cool the Cheesecake: Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
11. Caramelize the Topping: Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled cheesecake layer. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown. Alternatively, broil it in the oven for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
12. Slice and Serve: Once the topping has cooled and hardened, slice the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.