Cherry Bars

Steps

1. In a saucepan, combine frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt.
2. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ½ cup oats, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
5. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Reduce speed to low and mix in the flour mixture until no streaks remain and dough is thick and smooth.
8. Reserve ½ cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
9. Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the dough.
10. Mix the remaining ½ cup oats into the reserved dough, then scoop small spoonfuls over the cherry layer.
11. Bake for 35 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
12. Cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into 16 squares.