Cherry Kuchen Bars

As delicious as it is pretty.

If you agree with the adage “we eat with our eyes”, then this treat is truly a feast for the senses. Yes it’s very pretty to look at, but it’s also delicious; the bars have a soft and slightly chewy texture like a just-baked sugar cookie, and the tart pie filling is perfectly balanced against the icing drizzle.

This is also one of those recipes I love for its versatility— you can easily swap out pie fillings from cherry to cranberry or even rhubarb with the same great results. I’m currently working on a lemon curd and blueberry variation, and I can’t wait to share those with you, too. — CFG

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Ingredients:

• 1½ cup butter, softened

• ½ cup shortening

• 1¾ cup sugar

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 3 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 can cherry pie filling

• 1½ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ tsp almond extract

• Splash of milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl beat 1½ cup of softened butter and ½ cup shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed for ~30 seconds.

3. Add in 1¾ cup sugar, ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt to the bowl and beat together until fully combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Next, beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, and 1 tsp of vanilla, then blend together until fully combined.

5. Slowly beat in 3 cups of flour with the mixer, and use a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour.

6. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the dough, and spread the remaining dough in the bottom of an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for ~12 min and remove from the oven.

7. Spread 1 can of pie filling over the crust in pan, then spoon the reserved dough into small pieces on top of pie filling.

8. Bake for ~30 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15min.

9. In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to blend together stir together 1½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ tsp almond extract, and just enough milk to make a smooth icing of drizzling consistency.

10. Drizzle the icing over the bar, then allow to cool completely.

11. Cut into squares, serve and enjoy!