Hey y'all! If you’re craving a quick, tangy, and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion—from lazy weekends to last-minute potlucks—these 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars are about to become your new obsession. With just two simple ingredients, you’ll create luscious, gooey bars that taste like sunshine in every bite. Ready to wow your friends and family without breaking a sweat? Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy—no fancy skills or equipment needed.
- The bars are bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor.
- Perfect for bake sales, picnics, or weeknight desserts.
- Minimal cleanup and prep time make this a go-to treat.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for beginner bakers!
Ingredients for 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) angel food cake mix (what is angel food cake?)
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) lemon pie filling
How to Make 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir together until fully blended—the batter will look light, bubbly, and airy.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the lemony batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean).
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this helps them set up for clean cutting. Once cool, slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing to ensure neat, tidy squares.
- Try using a serrated knife for cleaner cuts.
- Check out more baking tips from King Arthur Baking to level up your skills!
3 Delicious Variations of 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free angel food cake mix for a celiac-friendly version.
- Berry Lemon Bars: Fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking for extra flavor.
- Tart Citrus Twist: Swap lemon pie filling for lime or orange pie filling for a fun citrusy variation.
Required Equipment for 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Serrated knife for slicing
Storing 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars: Shelf Life & Tips
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-sweet finish.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert.
- Enjoy with hot tea, coffee, or fresh lemonade for a refreshing treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the bars light and fluffy.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid them falling apart.
- For more on perfect bar desserts, visit Sally’s Baking Addiction.
2-Ingredient Lemon Bars FAQ
- Can I use a homemade lemon filling?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade lemon curd or filling, just use 2 cups in place of the canned pie filling. - Do lemon bars need to be refrigerated?
While they can be stored at room temperature for a couple days, refrigerating them helps them stay fresh longer and preserves their texture. - Can I double this 2-ingredient lemon bars recipe?
Yes! Simply use two boxes of cake mix and two cans of pie filling, and bake in two pans or a larger one, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
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2In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until well blended. Add lemon zest and vanilla extract if using.
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3Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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4Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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5Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
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6Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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