Enter these 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars, a super simple treat with barely any effort required. You can whip up a light, fluffy dessert with cheery lemony flavor from a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling. The end product is a light, pillowy bar with a touch of tangy sweetness sure to appease an any sweet tooth. Sift with icing sugar, or enjoy asis for a light and easy dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
2 Ingredients: Mix and bake—no eggs, oil or anything.
Quick and Simple: This dessert comes together in under 30 minutes, with very little prep and cleanup.
Bright and Tangy Flavor: The lemon pie filling provides a refreshing citrus twist that’s balanced beautifully by the ethereal angel food cake.
Key Ingredients:
Angel Food Cake Mix: Naturally light and fluffy, this mix produces a soft and airy texture in the bars. Make sure to use a one-step mix (just add water) rather than a two-step angel food cake mix.
Lemon Pie Filling: The lemon pie filling adds a tangy, citrusy sweetness and elevates the humble angel food mix into a tantalizing dessert. Seek smooth, creamy lemon pie filling for best texture.)
Full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Preheat: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) or to the temperature indicated on the angel food cake mix box.
Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray or line with parchment for no-stick.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Making the Better Than Anything Cake: Combine cake mix and lemon pie filling: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
Stir Well: Mix the ingredients together until smooth and slurry-free.
Step 3: Bake the Lemon Bars
Spoon in the Batter: Up to the prepared baking dish, spread the batter evenly.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, if specified on the cake mix box.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Cool the Bars: Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, to set.
Cut Into Squares: Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife between cuts for crisp slices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Optional Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar, or serve with whipped cream, if desired.
Serve: Transfer the bars to a platter or plates. These lemon bars are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, too.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white chocolate on top.
At Brunch: These bars make a great end to brunch spreads, especially with fresh berries on top.
With Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh lemon zest, or sprinkle with toasted coconut for flavor and visual interest.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Keep lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week to keep them fresher longer. Cover well with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Freezer: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe bag, up to 3 months. (Thaw at room temperature, then serve.)
Variations:
Lemon-Blueberry Bars
Mix in 1/2 cup blueberries just before pouring into the pan, for a sweet-tart combination that complements the natural lemon flavor.
Lemon Glaze
For an extra layer of sweetness and lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar & lemon juice) over the cooled bars.
Coconut Lemon Bars
For a tropical twist, fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. The coconut gives the cake texture and intensifies the lemony flavor.
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Swirl in softened cream cheese before baking for an even creamier, richer lemon bar. Just dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the batter and swirl with a knife.
Conclusion:
If you love lemon and easy recipes, then these 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars are the perfect dessert for you. With a soft, cake-y texture and a sweet-tart flavor, they’re a fun variation on classic lemon bars. Serve them at parties, as a midweek snack or whenever you want something bright and citrusy! Enjoy!
2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake mix 16 ounces
- 1 can lemon pie filling 21 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or the temperature on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or as specified on the cake mix box, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife between cuts for clean slices.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream. Arrange on a platter or plates for serving.