Cherry Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
   • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   • In a saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
5. Baking:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cherry bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or bars.
7. Optional:
   • You can dust the cooled cherry bars with powdered sugar for a decorative touch if desired.

Enjoy your homemade cherry bars! They make a delicious treat for any occasion.