Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out the bars easily after baking.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the egg to form a crumbly dough.
Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm, even layer. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.