restaurant_menu Desserts spa Nut-Free

Effortless Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars: Sunshine in Every Bite

calendar_today October 4, 2026 schedule 3 min read

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Prep

5 minutes

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Cook

25 minutes

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Rest

1 hour

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Cool

1 hour

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Servings

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Calories

150 kcal

These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars redefine easy baking! With just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, you can create a tangy, sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion. These bars are light, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. They are perfect for a simple dessert.

restaurant_menu Ingredients format_list_numbered Instructions

restaurant_menu Ingredients

Servings

Ingredients

check 1 box (15.25 oz) angel food cake mix check 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling check Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

hardware Essential Tools

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9x13 inch baking pan

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Mixing bowl

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Rubber spatula

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Measuring cups

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Measuring spoons

format_list_numbered Preparation

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Mix until smooth.

Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

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Try These Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful textural contrast. The poppy seeds add a visual appeal and a slight crunch that complements the smooth lemon flavor. Be sure to mix the poppy seeds in gently to avoid overmixing the batter.

Lemon Coconut Bars

Incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the bars after baking for added flavor and visual appeal.

Lemon Raspberry Bars

Swirl a layer of raspberry jam over the batter before baking for a fruity and vibrant variation. The raspberry jam adds a burst of sweetness and a beautiful pink hue that contrasts with the yellow lemon. Be sure to use a high-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor.

Lemon Almond Bars

Add 1/4 cup of slivered almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch. The almonds provide a subtle nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that complements the smooth lemon flavor. You can also sprinkle some chopped almonds on top of the bars before baking for added flavor and visual appeal.

Lemon White Chocolate Bars

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled lemon bars for a touch of decadence. The white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that balances the tangy lemon flavor. You can also sprinkle some white chocolate shavings on top for added visual appeal.

Chef's Pro Tips

Use a Light-Colored Pan

Dark-colored pans tend to bake faster and can cause the edges of the lemon bars to overbrown before the center is cooked through. A light-colored pan will help ensure even baking and prevent the edges from becoming too dark. In my kitchen, I always prefer using a light-colored aluminum pan for baking.

Don’t Overbake

Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly lemon bars. Be sure to check for doneness after 25 minutes of baking and remove the bars from the oven as soon as they are set. A trick I learned in Paris is to gently press the center of the bars. If they spring back slightly, they’re ready.

Chill Before Slicing

Chilling the lemon bars before slicing makes them easier to cut and prevents them from crumbling. The cold temperature helps firm up the bars, allowing you to slice them cleanly and neatly. I recommend chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing.

Storage Guide

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Room Temperature

To store Two Ingredient Lemon Bars at room temperature, place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 2 days. Be sure to protect them from direct sunlight and heat, as this can cause them to become soft and sticky. I recommend storing them in a cool, dry place.

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Refrigerator

To store lemon bars in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 5 days. Storing them in the refrigerator will help them stay fresh and prevent them from becoming too soft. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes for the best flavor and texture.

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Freezer

For long-term storage, you can freeze the lemon bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Frozen lemon bars may lose some of their original texture, but they will still be delicious.

Avoid These Mistakes

✕ Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the cake mix, resulting in tough, dense lemon bars. To avoid this, mix the ingredients together gently until just combined. A few streaks of cake mix are perfectly fine. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing.

✕ Using Expired Cake Mix

Using expired cake mix can result in flat, flavorless lemon bars. Cake mix contains leavening agents that lose their potency over time. Be sure to check the expiration date on the cake mix before using it and discard it if it’s past its prime. Fresh ingredients are key to a successful bake.

✕ Not Cooling Completely

Not cooling the lemon bars completely before slicing can result in messy, uneven slices. The warm bars are soft and difficult to cut neatly. Be patient and allow the bars to cool completely, preferably in the refrigerator, before slicing. This will ensure clean, professional-looking slices.

nutrition Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 bar

150 kcal Calories

2g Protein

30g Carbs

2g Fat

flag Conclusion

These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With their bright lemon flavor and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is a winner. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

sell Related Topics

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sugar-free cake mix and pie filling to make these healthier? expand_more

Yes, you can substitute both the cake mix and lemon pie filling with sugar-free versions. This will significantly reduce the sugar content of the lemon bars, making them a healthier option. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Sugar contributes to the bars' moisture and chewiness, so using sugar-free substitutes may result in a slightly drier texture. Be sure to check the labels of the sugar-free products to ensure they are suitable for your dietary needs.

How do I prevent the lemon bars from sticking to the pan? expand_more

To prevent the lemon bars from sticking to the pan, I recommend greasing the pan thoroughly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. For extra insurance, you can grease the pan and then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after they've cooled. Be sure to grease or line the entire surface of the pan, including the corners and edges.

Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time? expand_more

Yes, these lemon bars can be made ahead of time. In fact, they taste even better after they've had a chance to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve them. This makes them a great option for parties and gatherings, as you can prepare them ahead of time and focus on other tasks on the day of the event.

What is the best way to cut the lemon bars for a neat presentation? expand_more

For the neatest presentation, make sure the lemon bars are completely cooled and, ideally, chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife for clean slices. You can also run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut to prevent the bars from sticking. Cut the bars into even squares or rectangles for a professional-looking finish.

Can I add a glaze to these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars? expand_more

Absolutely! A simple glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal to these lemon bars. To make a glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled lemon bars and let it set before slicing. You can also add a pinch of lemon zest to the glaze for an extra boost of lemon flavor.