For the Kuchen

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until well-combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of the dough. Spread remaining dough in the bottom of an ungreased 14 3/4x9 3/4 x1-inch baking pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Spread pie filling over crust in pan. Spoon reserved dough into small mounds atop pie filling.

Bake about 30 minutes more or until top is light brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Drizzle top with Powdered Sugar Icing. Cool completely. Cut into bars to serve.

For the Powdered Sugar Icing

In a small bowl stir together powdered sugar, vanilla or almond extract, and enough milk (3 to 4 teaspoons) to make icing drizzling consistency.