Enjoying decadent desserts is a common tradition for celebrating Valentine's Day. Purchasing ready-made items from a local bakery is one way to provide a sugary confection, but crafting a treat oneself can make the gesture even more meaningful. One dessert that is suitable for Valentine's Day is Cherry Pie Bars, a pound cake with a cherry pie filling swirl. The following recipe comes from "Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy" by Danielle Kartes.

Cherry Pie Bars

Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

4 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the pan with parchment paper.

2. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little more than half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It is fine if the cherries show through.

4. Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares.