Cherry Pie Bars

 

CHERRY PIE BARS

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz.)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup flour

Preheat oven to 375*.

Prepare a 9 x 9-inch pan with nonstick spray, and line with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy.

Add vanilla and egg and combine well.

Add flour and baking powder and mix all together thoroughly.

Press 2/3 of the dough firmly and evenly into prepared pan.  

Save remaining dough in mixing bowl.

Bake crust for about 20 - 23 minutes, until edges are golden.

Meanwhile, stir 1/4 cup sugar and almond extract into cherry pie filling.

Add additional 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup flour to reserved dough in mixing bowl to create crumbs.

When crust is done, remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 350*.

Spread cherry pie filling over baked bottom crust.

Sprinkle crumbs over cherry pie filling.

Bake an additional 40 minutes until top is golden brown.

Cool before cutting into squares.

About 12 servings.

    Leo and grandpa cook together almost every weekend :)

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Harrowing: extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous; agonizing; heartbreaking

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