1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the Crust:

• Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
• Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the egg and mix until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two parts, with one slightly larger than the other.

3. Press the Crust:

• Take the larger portion of the dough and press it evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.

4. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• Mix the cherry pie filling with cornstarch (if using), vanilla extract, and almond extract in a bowl. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.

5. Assemble the Bars:

• Spread the cherry filling over the crust layer, ensuring even coverage.

6. Add the Topping:

• Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling. Leave some gaps for a rustic look.

7. Bake the Bars:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Slice into squares or bars for serving.

Optional:
Top with powdered sugar or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Success:

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Customize with fresh or frozen cherries by making your own filling with sugar and lemon juice.
• Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or a sprinkle of nuts.

Enjoy these sweet and tangy Cherry Pie Bars at your next gathering or as a simple treat at home! 😊