Cherry Pie Bars A Slice of Summer Sunshine

Instructions:

1. Line the 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cold butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and almond extract (if using). Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients in a food processor.
3. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly (if using fresh cherries).
5. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the chilled crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the filling.
7. Brush the top with milk or cream (optional) and sprinkle with sanding sugar (optional).
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let the cherry pie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.