If you're looking for a fool-proof, can't-fail, easy dessert recipe that is sure to hit the spot, look no further than this 2 ingredient lemon bars recipe. It's soft, sweet, tangy, and so good you'll want to finish the pan's worth to yourself.
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These easy cake mix lemon bars are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only a minute or two to mix. The most challenging part is patiently waiting for the oven to preheat and bake.
It's the perfect recipe to keep in mind for last-minute party requests. But if you prefer homemade, try my Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust or The BEST Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.
The aroma of these angel food cake lemon bars baking in the oven is heavenly. Your home will be filled with a delightful scent for hours, and the taste is equally satisfying.
They're light, fluffy, moist, and tangy, a perfect lemony treat. However, if you're craving a traditional lemon cake, I recommend trying this Raspberry Lemon Bundt Cake.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients. With just two ingredients, this recipe could not be easier. A dusting of powdered sugar on top is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
- Quick prep. Simply mix, pour, and bake. It is nearly foolproof and almost as easy as our Lemon Mug Cake with Lemon Curd.
- Minimal cleanup. You only need a bowl and a pan, which means very little cleanup after baking.
🛒 Ingredients
Angel Food Cake- The angel food cake will give us all of the leavenings we need to make this cake puff up and rise as it bakes.
Lemon Pie Filling- The lemon pie filling will help to moisten and activate those ingredients for a wonderful flavor and texture in every bite.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Watch for canned filling sales. Pie fillings often go on sale around holidays, making this an easy dessert to stock up for.
Mix in the baking dish. Stirring everything together right in the pan saves time and reduces dishes, which also cuts down on cleanup costs.
Skip the topping. A dusting of powdered sugar is optional and purely decorative, the cake is flavorful on its own.
Swap flavors based on deals. Use whichever pie filling is cheapest that week to keep this dessert budget-friendly year-round.
🥄 Instructions for 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 2: Combine the angel food cake dry mix and the lemon pie filling inside of the baking dish.
Step 3: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a butter knife can be inserted into the center and come out clean.
Step 4: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Cake or Bar? These lean more cakey than classic lemon bars, with a soft top and a slightly gooey finish. They fall somewhere between a cake and a bar.
- Mixing Tip: Mix thoroughly so the lemon filling and cake mix fully combine. A whisk works, but a wooden spoon helps with the thicker filling. Switch between the two as needed.
- Easy Prep: Mix in a greased bowl or right in the baking pan to reduce cleanup. I prefer mixing in the pan for fewer dishes.
❄️ Storage
Storage: Store these lemon bars for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
These lemon bars pair well with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light fruit salad. They're also great alongside coffee, tea, or iced lemonade for a simple dessert spread.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
These lemon bars taste incredible on their own but they also pair very well with a light dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh berries. Adding a little raspberry sauce or berry compote over the top would be a wonderful summer-time treat. Even adding a dollop of whipped topping could be a nice surprise.
Yes, absolutely! This 2 ingredient lemon angel food cake recipe can be modified for different flavors. You can use canned cherry filling, canned apple filling, or even canned blueberry for a great new flavor experience every time.
These lemon bars can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. That is, of course, assuming that they can last that long. You may find yourself eating these squares by the handful (I know I did.)
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🐝 If you tried these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) angel food cake mix, dry mix only - ($3.44)
- 1 can (21 ounces) lemon pie filling - ($3.58)
- Powdered sugar, optional for topping
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix: In the baking dish, combine the dry angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling until fully mixed.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a butter knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Mixing: Mix thoroughly for best texture. Alternating between a whisk and a wooden spoon works well, and mixing directly in the baking dish saves cleanup.
- Flavor swaps: Other canned pie fillings like cherry, apple, or blueberry can be used in place of lemon.
- Storage: Store bars at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information
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