Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan.
• Make the crust: In a medium bowl combine 1/2 cup of the flour, 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar, and a dash of salt. Add 4 tablespoons of the cold butter (cut into pieces). Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender, two forks, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8 x 8-inch pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it firmly and evenly.
• Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until it is just starting to brown at the edges. Remove from the oven and leave the oven on.
• While the crust bakes, make the streusel: In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour and the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into pieces) and cut it in with a pastry blender, forks, or a few quick pulses in a food processor until the mixture is crumbly.
• When the crust is done, evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the hot crust.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and set.
• Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the foil overhang (if used) to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares once fully cooled.