Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fast, flavorful, and almost impossibly easy, you’re going to love these Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars. With just a box of cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can create a tangy, sweet, and zesty treat that tastes like it took hours to make — but really only takes 40 minutes from start to finish.

Perfect for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or a last-minute treat, these lemon bars are a no-fuss way to enjoy a refreshing citrus dessert that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: Only two ingredients required — no eggs, oil, or extra water.
• Quick Prep: Ready in 10 minutes, baked in 30.
• Bright, Tangy Flavor: Lemon pie filling gives a perfect zesty punch.
• Versatile: Serve as-is, dusted with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet, citrusy taste, and adults love the simplicity.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, school events, or an easy dessert to keep on hand.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Base & Filling

• 1 box Angel food cake mix or yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling

Optional Topping

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Zest of one fresh lemon for extra brightness

Tip: Choose a high-quality cake mix and genuine lemon pie filling for the best flavor and texture.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon for mixing
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Optional: Microplane for lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, pour the cake mix and add the entire can of lemon pie filling.
Stir gently until just combined. The mixture will be thick and gooey — that’s exactly how it should look.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. Smooth the top for even baking.

Step 4: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 5: Cool

Remove from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is crucial for easy slicing.

Step 6: Optional Toppings

Dust the top with powdered sugar and/or sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for extra zing.

Step 7: Serve

Cut into 12 bars, serve, and enjoy the tangy, sweet, citrus goodness!

Tips & Variations

• Add Lemon Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for extra brightness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled bars for a fun twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the lemon pie filling is gluten-free.
• Mini Lemon Bars: Bake in a mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
• Tart Lovers: Add a few drops of lemon juice to intensify the tang.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars are sweet yet tangy, with a light, airy texture thanks to the cake mix and a creamy, citrusy filling. The lemon flavor brightens the richness of the cake, making it a refreshing dessert that isn’t overly heavy.

Serving Ideas

• Drinks: Pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling wine.
• Dessert Plates: Serve alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for extra flair.
• Afternoon Treats: Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-day indulgence.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	25 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	5 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Sodium	200 mg
Potassium	50 mg
Sugar	10 g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and should be used as a general guideline.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cooled lemon bars in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Serving: For best results, serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of cake mix?
Yes! Yellow or angel food cake mix works best, but you can experiment with white or vanilla cake mix for subtle flavor variations.

2. Do I have to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare, bake, and store for up to 4 days in the fridge. These bars also freeze well.

4. Can I make them more tart?
Yes — add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or extra lemon zest to the mixture.

5. Can I make smaller portions?
Yes — bake in a muffin tin for individual mini lemon bars. Reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Mix ingredients	10 min
Bake	Oven	25–30 min
Cool	Room temp	5–10 min
Serve	Slice and garnish	5 min
Total Time		40 min

Serving Suggestions

• Simple: Serve as-is for a tangy, sweet bite.
• Fancy: Dust with powdered sugar, add lemon zest, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Party-Ready: Arrange on a dessert platter for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Use gluten-free cake mix and pie filling.
2. Mini Lemon Bars: Bake in muffin tins for small, portable treats.
3. Lemon-Coconut Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking.
4. Extra Zesty: Add a teaspoon of lemon extract or lemon juice to intensify the flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Lemon Pie Filling

Lemon pie filling provides sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor without needing multiple ingredients. Look for high-quality, genuine lemon pie filling for best results — avoid heavily artificial options.

Pro Tip: Adding a small amount of fresh lemon zest enhances the brightness and creates a fresher taste.

Pro Baking Tips

• Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the bars light and fluffy.
• Cooling Matters: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
• Even Spreading: Use a spatula to spread batter evenly in the pan for uniform baking.
• Optional Garnishes: Powdered sugar or lemon zest adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for 1–2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Tips for Reheating: These bars are best eaten cold or at room temperature; microwaving is not recommended as it may make them soggy.

Expanded Conclusion

With only two ingredients, these Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars prove that simplicity can be extraordinary. Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully easy, they’re perfect for busy days, casual dessert cravings, or when you need a quick but impressive treat.

They’re light, zesty, and the kind of dessert that disappears fast — so make a double batch if you can! The next time you’re in the mood for fast, fuss-free, tangy-sweet dessert, these lemon bars are your go-to recipe.

Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of lemonade, and watch as they become a favorite in your household — all with just a box and a can.

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