Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cherries and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix well and set aside.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs and almond extract and beat on medium speed until creamy and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Gradually add to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined.
Using your fingers, press approximately half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the cherry mixture. Drop the remaining dough in clumps over the top and bake for an addition 25-30 minutes, or until cherries are bubbling and the dough is golden brown. Let cool.
Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine the confectioner’s sugar and milk. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl if necessary. Drizzle the glaze over the bars, cut into squares and serve!