Lightened-Up Lemon Bars

at-a-glance

Crust

Nonstick cooking spray

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Topping

1 whole egg

2 egg whites

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 2 juicy lemons)

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Confectioner's (powdered) sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat an 8-by-8-inch pan with cooking spray. For crust:Cream together butter and sugar; add flour, salt and lemon zest. Beat until crumbly and pat into pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven; let cool.

While crust is baking, prepare the topping: Whisk egg and egg whites until frothy. Add sugar, flour, baking powder, lemon juice and lemon zest; mix until combined. Pour mixture over crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until topping is set and slightly golden. Cool on a wire rack; dust with confectioner's sugar and cut into 16 2-inch squares. Refrigerate if not serving immediately. Serves 8.