Christmas Cherry Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

4. Layer and Add Filling
   Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to form the base. Spread cherry pie filling over the dough.

5. Create the Topping
   Crumble the remaining one-third of dough evenly over the cherry filling.

6. Bake
   Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
   Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

8. Slice and Serve
   Once glaze sets, slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the festive flavors.