Lighter Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake will never truly be good for me, but at least it can be better for me!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 18 bars

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup light margarine, softened
• 1  tablespoon light margarine, softened
• 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 1⁄4 cup pecans, chopped
• 8  ounces light cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3  tablespoons  egg whites
• 2  tablespoons 2% low-fat milk
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. With electric mixer at medium speed, cream together margarine & brown sugar.
3. Stir in flour & pecans. Set aside 1 cup of mixture, & press remainder in bottom of 8” baking dish.
4. Bake at 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven & set aside.
5. Beat cream cheese at high speed until smooth. Gradually add ½ c sugar, beating until light & fluffy.
6. Add egg whites & remaining ingredients, mixing well.
7. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over baked crust.
8. Sprinkle reserved flour mixture evenly over batter.
9. Bake 25 minutes.
10. Cool to room temperature; then chill thoroughly.
11. Cut into bars or squares & serve.