Cherry Crescent-Roll Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Makes about 15 bars

Have you ever been in a bind and needed to pull together a quick dessert for surprise guests? This one, with its layers of flaky crescent rolls, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling, will save the day. You can also substitute canned biscuits for the crescent dough or your favorite pie filling for the cherry filling.

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 (8-ounce) cans crescent rolls
• ½ stick butter, melted
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle. Butter a 9-x-13-inch baking pan.

2. In a small bowl, combine the pie filling and almond extract. Set aside.

3. Unroll 1 can of crescent rolls along the bottom of the pan, pressing it to the edges. Brush the dough with half of the melted butter and then sprinkle with half of the sugar.

4. Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 1 minute, or just until it begins to melt. With an electric mixer, beat the cheese until smooth. Spread evenly over the dough and top with the cherry mixture.

5. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place over the top of the dish, stretching it to the edges. Brush with the remaining butter and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.

6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.