Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

In another bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Stir until well mixed.

Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.

Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the cherry filling.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.