Cherry Chews

1 can cherry pie filling
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup butter
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 17 x 11-inch pan.

Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla extract and eggs; beat well.

Sift dry ingredients, add to batter and mix well. Pour into prepared pan, saving 1 1/2 cups batter. Spread cherries on top, leaving 1/2 inch from edge. Place reserved batter on top by spoonsful. Heat in preheated oven for a short time, then spread batter with a knife. Bake at 325 degrees F for 45 minutes.