Heat oven to 350° F.
Grease an 11x7-inch pan. Mix flour and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar with electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
Beat in egg and lemon peel. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture.
Remove 2/3 cup dough. With floured fingers, pat remaining dough over bottom of prepared pan.
Spread cherry pie filling over dough to edges of pan. Roll reserved dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten balls slightly and place evenly over pie filling.
Bake 30 minutes, or until top is golden.
Apple Kuchen variation: Drain 20 ounces of apple pie slices and mix with 1/2 cup golden rasins and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Spread over dough, using spatula to break up apples if needed to cover doght. Roll remaining dough into long ropes and lay diagonally into ropes and lay diagonally over apple slices to create criss-cross effect.
Servings: 18 bars