Introduction
Are you a lemon lover in search of a simple, delicious dessert that delivers bright, zesty flavor in every bite? Look no further! These 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a dream come true for anyone who craves the tangy sweetness of lemon. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to make, but they also come together with just two ingredients! That’s right—no need to run to the store for a long list of items. With a box of lemon cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you’ll have a delightful, tangy treat ready to enjoy in no time. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, family events, or just a cozy dessert at home, these bars pack a punch of lemony goodness.
Let’s get baking and enjoy the simplicity of this fuss-free recipe that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can lemon pie filling (about 21 oz)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the entire box of lemon cake mix. Add the can of lemon pie filling into the bowl. The pie filling is what provides all the moisture, so no additional liquid or eggs are required!
Step 3:
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the cake mix and pie filling together until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky but well blended.
Step 4:
Once the ingredients are mixed together, spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 5:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Be sure not to overbake, as this will help maintain the soft and chewy texture of the bars.
Step 6:
Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
COOKING Note:
- You can customize these lemon bars by dusting the top with powdered sugar once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice if you want an added layer of lemon flavor!
- These bars are naturally soft and chewy. For a firmer texture, you can store them in the fridge after cooling to allow them to set further.
Serving Suggestions:
These zesty lemon cake bars are ideal for serving at picnics, potlucks, or afternoon tea parties. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade to complement their vibrant lemon flavor. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Tips:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter before baking.
- If you prefer a slightly lighter treat, you can use a lemon cake mix that is labeled as “reduced sugar” or “sugar-free.”
- These bars store beautifully! Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Make sure the lemon pie filling is evenly mixed with the cake mix, so there aren’t dry patches after baking.
- You can experiment with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or cherry for a fun twist on this recipe!
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
30-35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 220-240
- Protein: 2-3g
- Sodium: 250-280mg
- Fat: 5g (varies slightly by brand of cake mix)
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 30g
Conclusion:
These 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a delightfully easy and quick dessert option for anyone who loves citrusy, tangy flavors. The simplicity of using just lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling makes it a go-to recipe for busy days when you need a treat that impresses without the hassle. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only are they bursting with lemony goodness, but their soft, chewy texture also makes them incredibly moreish.
With this recipe, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious, homemade dessert. Enjoy these bars warm, chilled, or even frozen—you really can’t go wrong!
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Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can lemon pie filling (about 21 oz)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the entire box of lemon cake mix. Add the can of lemon pie filling into the bowl. The pie filling is what provides all the moisture, so no additional liquid or eggs are required!
Step 3:
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the cake mix and pie filling together until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky but well blended.
Step 4:
Once the ingredients are mixed together, spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 5:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Be sure not to overbake, as this will help maintain the soft and chewy texture of the bars.
Step 6:
Remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220-240
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250-280mg
- Fat: 5g (varies slightly by brand of cake mix)
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 2-3g