If you love lemon desserts but don’t want to spend hours baking, these 2-ingredient lemon bars are about to become your new favorite treat. With just a box of lemon cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can whip up a batch of soft, chewy, and perfectly tangy lemon bars in no time.
This recipe is perfect for busy bakers, beginners, or anyone who craves a sweet and citrusy treat without the hassle of measuring multiple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these easy lemon bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but doesn’t want to deal with complicated recipes. Here’s why they’re worth making:
1. Incredibly Easy to Make
With just two ingredients, you don’t need to measure multiple ingredients or deal with a long list of steps. Simply mix, bake, and enjoy.
2. Perfectly Soft and Chewy
The combination of lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling creates a texture that’s soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
3. Budget-Friendly
Since this recipe only requires two ingredients, it’s an affordable option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious homemade dessert.
4. Quick Baking Time
These lemon bars take just minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake, making them a great last-minute treat for any occasion.
5. No Special Skills Required
Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can make these lemon bars with ease. They’re practically foolproof.
Ingredients Needed
Making these 2-ingredient lemon bars couldn’t be easier. All you need are:
1. Lemon Cake Mix
A standard box of lemon-flavored cake mix is the base of this recipe. It provides the structure, sweetness, and a light, fluffy texture. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your cake mix:
- Best Brands: Popular options include Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury. Any brand of lemon cake mix should work.
- Size: A standard box is typically 15.25 ounces, which is the perfect amount for this recipe.
- Substitutions: If you can’t find lemon cake mix, you can use a yellow or white cake mix and add lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract to enhance the flavor.
For another lemony dessert, try Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake—a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors!
2. Lemon Pie Filling
The second ingredient is canned lemon pie filling, which adds moisture, tartness, and a rich lemony flavor. Here’s what to consider:
- Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Canned pie filling is the easiest option, but you can make your own using fresh lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Size: A standard 21-ounce can is the right amount for this recipe.
- Alternative Flavors: If you want to switch things up, you can experiment with key lime pie filling for a different citrus flavor.
That’s it—just two simple ingredients, no butter, eggs, or milk required. Now let’s go through the step-by-step process of making these lemon bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these 2-ingredient lemon bars is as simple as mixing the ingredients and baking them to perfection. Follow these easy steps for the best results.
1. Preparation
Before starting, gather everything you need to make the process smooth.
What You’ll Need
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) of lemon pie filling
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and the perfect texture for your lemon bars.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Line your 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal, or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
Combine the Cake Mix and Lemon Pie Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the entire box of lemon cake mix and the can of lemon pie filling.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together. Stir gently until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- The mixture will be thicker than a regular cake batter but lighter than cookie dough. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the final texture.
3. Baking the Lemon Bars
Spread the Batter Evenly
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
Cool Before Cutting
- Remove the bars from the pan and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Cooling helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
Once cooled, they’re ready to serve. In the next section, we’ll cover the best ways to serve and enhance your lemon bars.
Serving Suggestions
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are delicious on their own, but a few simple touches can take them to the next level. Here are some serving ideas to make them even more enjoyable.
1. Dust with Powdered Sugar
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the bars look bakery-fresh. Use a fine mesh sieve to evenly sprinkle sugar over the top once the bars have completely cooled.
2. Add a Glaze or Drizzle
For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the bars. Here’s a quick recipe:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Mix until smooth, then drizzle over the bars before serving.
3. Serve with Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the tart lemon flavor. You can also use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
4. Pair with Fresh Berries
Lemon and berries are a perfect match. Serve your lemon bars with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and added freshness.
Storing & Freezing
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are easy to store, making them perfect for meal prep, parties, or enjoying later. Follow these simple storage methods to keep them fresh.
1. Storing at Room Temperature
- If you plan to eat them within one to two days, you can keep them at room temperature.
- Store them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Refrigerating for Longer Freshness
- For longer storage, place the lemon bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
- This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
For another dessert that keeps well, try Berry Trifle Cake Cup—light, fruity, and perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, while lemon cake mix gives the best lemon flavor, you can substitute it with yellow cake mix or white cake mix and add lemon zest or lemon extract for a similar taste. You can also experiment with other flavors like vanilla or spice cake for a unique twist.
2. Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute. Just make sure to check that the lemon pie filling is also gluten-free.
3. Do I need to add eggs, oil, or water to the cake mix?
No, you do not need any additional ingredients. The lemon pie filling provides all the moisture needed to create a soft, chewy texture.
Conclusion
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are the ultimate easy dessert for lemon lovers. With just a box of lemon cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can create a soft, chewy, and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or need a last-minute dessert, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
If you love quick and simple desserts, be sure to check out Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes for even more effortless sweet treats.
Enjoy these bars at brunch, pack them in lunchboxes, or serve them at parties—everyone will love their bright and zesty flavor! 🍋✨
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2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Description
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are a delightful and effortless dessert, combining the lightness of angel food cake with the zesty brightness of lemon pie filling. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a sweet and tangy flavor profile that lemon lovers will adore.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) angel food cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven : Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish : Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Pan : Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake : Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve : Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days.
- Optional Toppings: Enhance your lemon bars with a drizzle of lemon glaze or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.05g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg