If you’re a lemon lover with a soft spot for quick treats, these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are about to become your new dessert obsession. Imagine bright, sunshiny lemon flavor, a feather-soft crumb, and an impossibly easy process—all you need is a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling. This recipe is the shortcut sweet tooth dream, perfect for last-minute potlucks, bake sales, or whenever a citrus craving hits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just Two Ingredients: No need for a long grocery list—you only need an angel food cake mix and canned lemon pie filling to create these luscious bars.
- Ready in Under an Hour: From mixing bowl to your sweet tooth in just about 35 minutes, these are a dream for busy days and spontaneous cravings.
- Zesty Lemon Flavor: Each bite bursts with bright, refreshing citrus that’s sure to wake up your tastebuds and put a smile on your face.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Foolproof: Bring these to any party or picnic—everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen (while you barely broke a sweat)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Could dessert possibly get any easier? Each ingredient here plays its own essential role, coming together to create the perfect 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. The combination of tangy lemon pie filling and fluffy angel food cake mix delivers big on taste and texture with almost no effort.
- Angel Food Cake Mix (16 oz): Choose your favorite brand (I usually reach for Duncan Hines!). This is what gives the bars their cloud-like, springy base without any need for eggs or oil.
- Lemon Pie Filling (21 oz): Canned lemon pie filling saves tons of time and gives these bars their irresistible, zesty flavor. Look for a brand you like—its tanginess will make or break your bars!
- Powdered Sugar (for serving): A generous dusting on top adds the perfect sweet finish and classic bakery look, though it’s totally optional.
Variations
One of the best parts about these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars is how wildly adaptable they are—don’t be afraid to riff! Whether you want to tweak the flavor or need to meet dietary needs, a tiny swap can yield a whole new treat.
- Pineapple Twist: Swap out the lemon pie filling for canned pineapple pie filling to create tropical, tangy bars packed with fruity flavor.
- Berry Beautiful: Fold in a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries before baking for a burst of color and juicy goodness throughout.
- Key Lime Bars: Try using key lime pie filling (or a tangy lime curd if you can find it) for a punchy citrus variation with a distinctive twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free angel food cake mix to make these bars celiac-friendly, with all that same bright lemony lift.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time your simple batter comes together. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—either with nonstick spray or a swipe of shortening—making sure to coat it well so your bars release effortlessly later.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Together
Grab a large bowl and pour in the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir gently by hand using a spatula or large spoon; the goal is just to combine—don’t overmix or whip, or you might lose that signature lightness. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Pop it on the center oven rack and bake for around 25 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and gently springs back when touched. Your kitchen will smell like pure lemon sunshine!
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for at least 1–2 hours. This helps the bars set perfectly (and makes slicing much easier). Dust lightly with powdered sugar and cut into squares or smaller bites if you’re feeding a crowd.
Pro Tips for Making 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Hand-Mix for the Perfect Texture: Stir the batter gently with a spatula; overbeating can make the bars dense instead of airy.
- Don’t Skip the Cool-Down: Letting the bars cool fully is key to clean slicing—resist the urge to cut too early, even if the lemony aroma is tempting you!
- Check for That Golden Top: Keep an eye out—the bars are ready when the surface is golden brown and springs back gently to the touch.
- Cut Smaller, Serve More: For parties or potlucks, slice the bars into bite-size pieces so everyone gets a taste (and you look like a super host!).
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Garnishes
A snowy dusting of powdered sugar is classic and makes the lemon bars look bakery-fresh. For extra brightness, add thinly sliced lemon wheels or a few curls of lemon zest on top just before serving. If you want a pop of color, scatter a few fresh berries over the bars for a cheerful finish.
Side Dishes
These zesty bars shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries. If you’re serving a brunch spread, pair your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars with coffee, tea, or a platter of fresh fruit for a light and bright dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into tiny squares and arranging them on a tiered cake stand for afternoon tea, or stack them neatly in parchment for picnic-ready treats. For a festive touch, drizzle with a little simple lemon glaze or edible flowers—a quick way to dress them up for showers or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), keep your lemon bars fresh by sealing them in an airtight container or wrapping tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay moist, tender, and just as zingy for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars freeze beautifully! Simply place squares between layers of wax paper and slip into a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a quick, lemony pick-me-up any time you need it.
Reheating
These bars are honestly delicious straight from the fridge or at room temp, but if you love a little warmth, zap an individual square in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds to take the chill off—just enough to refresh the cake without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor of cake mix or pie filling for these bars?
Absolutely! While the classic 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars use lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix, you can experiment with different pie fillings—think pineapple, cherry, or even key lime. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will change, and some fillings may impact the texture slightly.
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Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can deflate the angel food cake mix, resulting in denser, less fluffy bars. For the lightest, most tender crumb, gently combine until just incorporated—lumps are perfectly fine!
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Can I cut the bars into small pieces for a crowd?
Definitely! These bars are rich and flavorful, so you can easily cut them into bite-sized pieces to stretch the batch for parties or gatherings. They hold together well after cooling, making them perfect for a dessert tray.
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Do I need to refrigerate 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars?
You don’t need to refrigerate them if planning to enjoy within a day or two and your kitchen isn’t overly warm. For longer storage, or during hot weather, keep them in the fridge—just be sure to cover them to maintain their moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dessert that gives so much with so little effort, and these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars truly deliver every time. With their cheery lemon flavor, soft crumb, and ease of preparation, they’re sure to brighten up any table. Give them a try—one bite and you’ll see why they’re a go-to favorite in my kitchen!
Print
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a light, fluffy texture and tangy lemon flavor, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Bars:
- 16 oz. angel food cake mix (Duncan Hines)
- 21 oz. lemon pie filling
For Serving:
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9 x 13 pan and spread the batter evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- These bars can be cut into smaller pieces for larger crowds.
- Alternative pie fillings like pineapple or key lime can be used.
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly for freshness. Bars can also be frozen with wax paper in between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 433mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
