Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend in 1 cup of chilled cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

Stir in 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of milk until a soft dough forms.

Press half of the dough into the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Toss 4 cups of fresh pitted cherries with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and remaining sugar to taste until well-coated.

Spread the cherry mixture over the crust evenly.

Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry filling evenly.

Bake for approximately 35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into 16 bars.