Streusel-Topped Key Lime Squares

If you can't find key limes, you can use regular Persian limes. The squares will be just a bit sweeter.

1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp grated lime rind
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp lemon extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
Cooking spray
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 T all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
3 large eggs
1 T powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Place first five ingredients in a medium bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Lightly spoon 1 cup flour into a dry measuring cup, level with a knife. Gradually add 1 cup flour to mixture, beating at low speed until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gently press two-thirds of mixture (about 1 1/3 cups) into bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray; set remaining 2/3 cup flour mixture aside. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until mixture is just beginning to brown.

Combine 2/3 granulated sugar, 3 T flour, baking powder, and 1/8 tsp salt in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add lime juice and eggs, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour mixture over crust. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Remove pan from oven (do not turn off), sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup flour mixture evenly over egg mixture. Bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove pan from oven, cool in pan on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

"The Best of Cooking Light 7" - special edition
Yield: 16 servings