The Delightful Cherry Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 can cherry pie filling (or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, salt, and baking powder. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
2. Create the Base: Press about two-thirds of the mixture into a greased baking pan to form the crust. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
3. Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling to create the topping.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them as they are, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations and Tips

• Homemade Cherry Filling: For a more authentic taste, use fresh or frozen cherries to make your own filling. Simply cook the cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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