Who knew baking something so utterly delicious could be this simple? Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Lemon Bars! These delightful treats are a dream come true for busy bakers or anyone craving a tangy, sweet bite without the fuss. Imagine biting into a light, fluffy, and intensely lemony bar that took mere minutes to prepare – that’s exactly what these bars deliver.
The secret to their incredible ease lies in just two pantry staples: a box of cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling. The humble lemon, a citrus fruit known for its vibrant flavor and versatility, is the star of this simple dessert. Did you know the lemon fruit itself has a fascinating history, originating in Asia?
Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists. This recipe for 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Lemon Bars is your ticket to a stress-free baking experience that yields incredibly satisfying results every single time. Whether you're making them for a potluck, a family dessert, or just a personal indulgence, these bars are sure to impress with their zesty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why You'll Love These 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Unbelievably Easy: With only two core ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
- Quick Prep: You'll have these mixed and in the oven in under 10 minutes.
- Deliciously Lemony: They deliver a bright, zesty lemon flavor that's both sweet and tangy.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the cake mix base, these bars have a wonderful airy consistency.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, picnics, potlucks, or a simple, satisfying family dessert.
- No Special Equipment: All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish!
Ingredients You'll Need
As promised, the ingredient list couldn't be simpler!
- 1 box (15.25 oz) angel food or yellow cake mix: The foundation of our bars. Yellow cake mix creates a slightly denser, richer bar, while angel food cake mix results in a lighter, chewier texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling: This provides both the vibrant lemon flavor and the necessary moisture and binding for the bars.
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting: For a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Lemon Bars (Step-by-Step)
Get ready for the easiest baking session of your life!
Preparation is Key
First things first, gather your two ingredients and your baking dish. Greasing the pan well is crucial for easy removal of the bars later on.
Mixing the Batter
Don't be shy – this batter is thick! You'll combine the cake mix and lemon pie filling and stir until just incorporated. No need for electric mixers here, a sturdy spoon or spatula will do the trick.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once spread into your prepared pan, the bars bake relatively quickly. Keep an eye on them until they're golden and set.
Cooling and Serving
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to baked goods! Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures clean, beautiful slices.
Tips for the Best Lemon Bars
- Don't Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the bars light and tender.
- Grease Your Pan Generously: This prevents sticking and ensures your bars come out easily.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice them warm! Cooling them fully allows them to set properly for clean cuts.
- Optional Zest: For an extra burst of fresh lemon flavor, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest with your batter.
Variations to Try
- Lime Bars: Substitute lemon pie filling with lime pie filling for a tangy lime twist.
- Coconut Topping: Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the bars during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a tropical touch.
- Glaze It: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little lemon juice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These lemon bars are great for making ahead! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy Your Effortless Lemon Treat!
There you have it – a truly foolproof, incredibly delicious, and ridiculously easy dessert that requires almost no effort. These 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Lemon Bars are perfect for any occasion where you need a quick, impressive, and tangy sweet treat. Give them a try, and prepare to be amazed by how simple and satisfying baking can be!
FAQs
Can I use any type of cake mix for these 2-ingredient lemon bars?
While yellow or angel food cake mix is recommended for the best texture and flavor, a white cake mix can also be used. Flavored cake mixes might alter the lemon profile, so stick to plain varieties for a classic taste.
Do I need to add eggs or oil to the batter for these lemon bars?
No, that's the beauty of this incredibly simple recipe! The lemon pie filling provides all the necessary moisture and binding agents, so no additional eggs, oil, or milk are required. Just mix the two main ingredients and bake!
How should I store leftover 2-ingredient lemon bars?
These lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are also freezer-friendly; wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of canned lemon pie filling?
This specific recipe relies on canned lemon pie filling for both its intense lemon flavor and its thick, binding consistency. Substituting with fresh lemon juice would require significant modifications, including adding other ingredients like sugar, eggs, and cornstarch to achieve the correct texture and sweetness, essentially making it a different recipe.
2-Ingredient Cake Mix Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly easy and delicious dessert made with just two ingredients: cake mix and lemon pie filling, resulting in light, fluffy, and perfectly tangy lemon bars.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) angel food or yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of cake mix and the can of lemon pie filling. Stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon or spatula until just combined. The mixture will be thick – no eggs or oil are needed for this recipe!
Step 3: Pour the thick batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it to the edges with your spatula.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your simple, zesty treat!
Notes
For an extra pop of lemon flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter. Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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