quick “any flavor” bars

Hey look at that… I took two days off in a row and you still came back… Thank you! Really, I mean it, thank you for all your support and your kind comments, it means so very much to me.  xoxo

These quick and easy dessert bars may be made into any flavor that your heart desires. Use whatever jam, jelly, or pie filling you have on hand – I chose strawberry pie filling to make these. Just drop a teaspoon in the center of each bar and it sinks into the batter as it bakes. I’m thinking of trying Nutella or PB&J next time.

These two look like little hearts. <3

Any Flavor Bars

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1  1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/2 cup canned strawberry pie filling or whatever flavor you decide upon
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 13 x 9- inch baking dish with Pam.

In the bowl of a standing mixer, blend the butter with the sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Reduce mixer speed to medium and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla, then the flour, and mix thoroughly.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread the top evenly with an offset spatula.

Using a paring knife, score the top into twenty-four 2-inch squares.  Place 1 teaspoon of pie filling onto the center of each of the 24 squares.

Bake for 30  to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pan (avoiding the filling) comes out clean. Place pan on a rack and cool to room temperature, Cut into bars and then dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Makes 24 bars