Saturday Baking – Cherry Squares

On Saturday, I wanted to do and to eat something special.  I really enjoy baking, so I wanted to make something in the morning.  I came across a recipe that sounded a lot like one my mom made when I was growing up and decided to try it.  The Cherry Squares tasted just like I remembered and were a special treat on a sad day.  My husband also liked them!  Here is the recipe and a picture of the finished product.

Cherry Squares

1 c. oleo (I used unsalted butter.)

1 2/3 c. sugar

4 eggs (one at a time)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3 c. flour

1 can cherry pie filling

Mix oleo and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time; add remaining ingredients (except cherry filling).  Spread the mixture in a large sheet cake pan that has been greeased and floured.  Drop the cherry pie filling on top by spoonfuls.  Bake 45-60 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Frost while warm.  (I made 12 squares this time, but they seemed too big.  Next time I think I will try to make them smaller with a yield of 16-20.  The size is dependent on how much cherry filling you include in each spot.)

Frosting:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 T. water

(adapted from Lori Schepmann’s Cherry Bars in “A Century of God’s Blessings, A Collection of Recipes by Bethany Guild St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.”)

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