Cherry Pie Bars

Nesting Corral ~ Cherry Pie Bars

Yesterday was incredibly sunny.  It was so nice to see the sun again after a few months of darkness.  The sun got me thinking about summer, which got me thinking about summer fare, which in turn made me want a fruit pie!  I neither had the time or ambition to actually make a fruit pie, so I did the next best thing.  I made these cherry pie bars.  These are super easy to whip up, no peeling or pitting fruit, and no crust to roll out.  And they taste so delicious!  Of course you could make this with real fruit, and any variety of fruit.  But I wanted something quick and easy, so I went for the canned pie filling.  The only canned pie filling I really like is cherry pie filling, so the choice was easy (plus it was in my pantry).  The sugar cookie type crust with the sweet syrupy cherries topped with a cream cheese glaze is summer in a dish, a quick dish.   Here's the scoop on the lazy mans (but oh so good) version of cherry pie...

Nesting Corral ~ Cherry Pie Bars

*I only made a half batch, full recipe will make twice as much as pictured

Ingredients
1/2 Cup butter, softened
1 Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3Cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1teaspoon baking powder
1 large can (30 oz) cherry pie filling
Cream Cheese Glaze:
     6 ounces cream cheese, softened
     3/4 Cup powdered sugar
     1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Nesting Corral ~ Cherry Pie Bars

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With electric mixer beat butter.  Add sugar and beat until creamy.  Add eggs, one at a time.  Mix in vanilla and almond extract.  Add flour, salt and baking powder.  Press dough evenly into greased 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.  Allow to cool completely before adding glaze.

For the glaze beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.  Spoon into piping bag or sandwich bag with a corner cut off.  Pipe glaze in lattice patter on cooled bars.  Cut into squares and enjoy!