Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Assemble the bars:
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter randomly over the top of the filling.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool & serve:
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
If you want, I can also give you a crumbly streusel topping version so the bars have an extra buttery crunch. That would make them even more bakery-style.