Cherry-Vanilla Shortbread Cake Squares

Like my Quick Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, this recipe is an updated version of a childhood favorite. I thought long and hard about forgoing the canned cherry pie filling in favor of homemade cherry compote, but ultimately I gave in to tradition. I adore that this simple, homey dessert has all the kitsch and charm of an old Midwestern lady’s recipe box. Plus, there are some tasty, high-quality commercial pie fillings available these days.