1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter evenly.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cherry filling, spreading it as best you can.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and dusting with powdered sugar if desired.