Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy dessert that will impress your guests every time? Look no further than these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars! With just a box of angel food or yellow cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can whip up a pan of these delightful treats in no time. The bright, citrusy flavor of these bars is perfect for any occasion, from last-minute get-togethers to post-dinner indulgences.

I first discovered these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars when I needed a fuss-free dessert for a summer picnic, and they were an instant hit! The golden top and moist texture of these bars make them a favorite in my household. The lemon pie filling adds a nostalgic touch, reminding me of my grandmother’s kitchen and her love for all things citrus. Whether you serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, these lemon bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy dessert option for last-minute guests or busy days
• Bright, fresh lemon flavor with a light yet moist texture
• Versatile – can be made with either angel food or yellow cake mix
• Can be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator

Why You’ll Love This Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for last-minute guests or when you crave a cheerful treat with minimal effort.
• Bright and Refreshing: The lemon flavor is fresh and tart, making these bars a delightful summer dessert.
• Light and Moist Texture: Thanks to the angel food cake mix, these bars are fluffy and moist, appealing to those who enjoy a delicate dessert.
• Nostalgic Flavors: The lemon pie filling adds a homemade touch with a bright citrus flavor that might remind you of grandma’s kitchen.
• Versatile Options: You can customize these bars by adding lemon zest for extra tang or trying different citrus pie fillings for variety.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Store them at room temperature for a day, refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for a quick treat anytime.
• Classic Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream and fresh berries for an elegant finish that complements various desserts.
• Historical Significance: This shortcut recipe reflects a mid-twentieth-century American classic potluck dessert tradition, making it a nostalgic and economical choice.
• Family-Friendly: Great for baking with kids or when time is limited, making dessert-making a fun and stress-free activity.

Ingredients for Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Main

• 1 box (approximately 430 g) angel food or yellow cake mix
• 1 can (425 g) lemon pie filling

Pro Tips for Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

For optimal results, choose angel food cake mix for a light and airy texture, or opt for yellow cake mix for a slightly denser bar. Both options work well, so use what you prefer or have on hand.

Enhance the lemon flavor by incorporating grated lemon zest into the mix for an extra citrus kick. You can also experiment with different citrus flavors by trying lime or orange pie filling for a fun twist on the classic lemon bars.

To ensure the bars are perfectly baked, look for a golden top and a set center. Inserting a toothpick is a great way to check for doneness. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a classic finish or get creative by adding whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful touch. These lemon bars can be stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to five days for longer freshness.

How to Make Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food or yellow cake mix with the lemon pie filling until smooth and well mixed.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Prepare a 33 x 23 cm baking dish by greasing it with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the batter in the prepared baking dish and bake at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and set in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into squares.

Storage Tips

To store the finished two-ingredient lemon bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to serve them within a day. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to five days. If you want to keep them for an extended period, the bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual squares well and freeze them, pulling out as many as needed for a quick treat.

These lemon bars are versatile and can be made with either angel food or yellow cake mix. Angel food cake mix results in a lighter, fluffier texture, while yellow cake mix offers a richer, more traditional crumb. Additionally, you can enhance the lemon flavor by stirring in some grated lemon zest or using lime or orange pie filling for a citrus twist. To serve, consider dusting the bars with powdered sugar, topping them with whipped cream, or adding a handful of fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have angel food cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with yellow cake mix for a slightly denser texture in the lemon bars. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding some grated lemon zest to the mix or try using lime or orange pie filling for a citrus twist. These variations can add a unique touch to the bars while maintaining their deliciously bright flavor profile.

For those who prefer a more homemade touch, consider making your lemon pie filling from scratch to infuse the bars with a fresher and brighter citrus taste. This substitution can elevate the flavor of the bars and provide a more personalized touch to the recipe. Additionally, if you like a sweeter finish, dusting the bars with powdered sugar before serving can add a hint of sweetness and a visually appealing touch to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive presentation, cut the lemon bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint on top. The vibrant yellow color of the bars will pop against the white powdered sugar, making them visually appealing and irresistible to guests. Additionally, you can serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

To elevate the lemon bars even further, try creating a lemon bar parfait by layering crumbled bars with lemon curd, whipped cream, and fresh berries in individual glasses. This dessert not only looks elegant but also allows each layer of flavor to shine through, creating a delicious and well-balanced treat that is perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings. The combination of tangy lemon, creamy whipped cream, and juicy berries will surely impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

FAQs for Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of angel food cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yellow cake mix will result in a slightly denser bar compared to the light and fluffy texture from angel food cake mix. Both options work well in this recipe.

Can I add grated lemon zest for extra lemon flavor?

Yes, adding grated lemon zest is a fantastic way to enhance the lemon flavor in these bars. It will give them an extra punch of citrus freshness.

How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the top turns golden and the center sets. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean when they are fully baked.

Is powdered sugar necessary for this recipe?

Powdered sugar is optional but adds a nice finishing touch and a touch of extra sweetness to the lemon bars. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful Two Ingredient Lemon Bars with your loved ones. The simplicity and bright flavor of these bars make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re pressed for time or just in the mood for a cheerful and easy dessert, these bars have got you covered.

With just a box of cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can whip up a batch of these sunny lemon bars in no time. The convenience of this recipe combined with the burst of citrus flavor will surely make it a favorite in your kitchen. So, go ahead and indulge in the joy of baking and savoring these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars!

Luscious Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

“Whip up these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars with angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling for a bright, easy, and delightful treat!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (One 33 x 23 cm tray, cut into 12 squares)

Ingredients

Main

• 1 box (approximately 430 g) angel food or yellow cake mix
• 1 can (425 g) lemon pie filling

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food or yellow cake mix with the lemon pie filling until smooth and well mixed.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Prepare a 33 x 23 cm baking dish by greasing it with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil.
3. Bake: Spread the batter in the prepared baking dish and bake at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and set in the center.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into squares.