These 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars are the perfect quick treat with minimal fuss. With just a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can create a light, fluffy dessert with a bright lemony flavor. The result is a soft, airy bar with a hint of tangy sweetness that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Dust with powdered sugar or enjoy as-is for a refreshing and effortless dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Only 2 Ingredients: Just mix and bake—no need for additional eggs, oil, or complicated steps.
Quick and Simple: This dessert is ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Bright and Tangy Flavor: The lemon pie filling adds a refreshing citrus twist that’s perfectly balanced by the light angel food cake.
Key Ingredients:
Angel Food Cake Mix: This mix is naturally light and fluffy, creating a soft, airy texture in the bars. Be sure to use a one-step mix (just add water) rather than a two-step angel food cake mix for the best results.
Lemon Pie Filling: The lemon pie filling brings tangy, citrusy sweetness to the bars, turning the simple angel food mix into a flavorful dessert. Look for a smooth, creamy lemon pie filling to achieve the best texture.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) or the temperature on the angel food cake mix box.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, cooking spray, or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine Cake Mix and Lemon Pie Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir the ingredients until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 3: Bake the Lemon Bars
Pour the Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Bake for about 25 minutes or as specified on the cake mix box, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Cool the Bars: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to set.
Cut into Squares: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife between slices for clean cuts.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Optional Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream if desired.
Serve: Arrange the bars on a platter or plates. These lemon bars are ideal with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions:
As a Dessert: Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white chocolate for added indulgence.
At Brunch: These bars are perfect for brunch spreads, especially when garnished with fresh berries.
With Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh lemon zest, or sprinkle with toasted coconut for extra flavor and visual appeal.
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Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations:
Lemon-Blueberry Bars
Add a 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter before baking for a sweet and tangy combination that pairs well with the lemon.
Lemon Glaze
Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the bars once cooled for an extra layer of sweetness and lemon flavor.
Coconut Lemon Bars
Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds texture and enhances the lemony taste.
Cream Cheese Lemon Bars
Swirl in softened cream cheese before baking for a creamier, richer lemon bar. Simply dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the batter and swirl with a knife.
Conclusion:
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the refreshing flavor of lemon and the ease of a simple recipe. With a soft, cake-like texture and a sweet-tart flavor, they’re a fun twist on traditional lemon bars. Serve them at gatherings, as a weekday treat, or whenever you’re in the mood for something light 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.