The Easiest 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Lemon bars change ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that sparks culinary magic.

These tangy treats blend smooth, bright flavors with irresistible sweetness that dance across your palate.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this delightful recipe that surprises even seasoned bakers.

The simplicity of two ingredients creates a dessert that feels simultaneously sophisticated and wonderfully uncomplicated.

Anyone can master this technique, making it perfect for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute gatherings.

Soft, pillowy textures complement the vibrant citrus notes, promising a delectable experience that delights your senses.

Drinks and Nibbles That Pair Like Sunshine

• Craft a Zesty Citrus Beverage Companion: Pair these lemon bars with a chilled glass of homemade lemonade or sparkling citrus water to enhance the bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Elevate with Creamy Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the bar's intense lemony sweetness.
• Match with Subtle Tea Elegance: Brew a light chamomile or Earl Grey tea to create a delicate counterpoint that softens the dessert's sharp citrus notes while providing a soothing drinking experience.
• Create a Dessert Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Moscato or sweet Riesling to complement the lemon bars' vibrant citrus essence, adding a sophisticated touch to your dessert presentation.

Citrus Twists You’ve Got to Try Next

• Citrus Zinger Bars: Add fresh lemon zest and orange extract to amplify the citrus profile, creating a brighter, more complex flavor experience.
• Berry Burst Edition: Swirl raspberry or strawberry preserves into the batter before baking, introducing a vibrant fruity contrast to the lemony base.
• Tropical Paradise Variation: Incorporate shredded coconut and a splash of pineapple juice to transform the bars into a summery, island-inspired dessert.
• Nutty Crunch Remix: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking, adding a delightful textural element and nutty undertone to the sweet bars.

Why These Lemon Bars Brighten Any Day

• Whip Up Simplicity: This recipe transforms just two ingredients into a delightful dessert, making it perfect for busy bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Zesty Lemon Delight: The bright, tangy lemon pie filling creates a vibrant taste that bursts with citrusy goodness, offering a refreshing twist on traditional dessert bars.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: With incredibly low fat content and a light angel food cake base, these bars provide a surprisingly healthy treat that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, you'll have these lemon bars ready in under 40 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Just Two Ingredients, But All the Flavor

• Angel Food Cake Mix: Light and airy base that provides the perfect texture for these simple lemon bars, ensuring a soft and delicate foundation.

• Lemon Pie Filling: Tangy and sweet ingredient that adds vibrant citrus flavor and moisture to the dessert, creating a bright and refreshing taste profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Delicate dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and creates an elegant finishing look for the lemon bars.
• Whipped Cream: Creamy accompaniment that provides a smooth, rich contrast to the zesty lemon bars, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

How to Make Tangy Bars in a Flash

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Smooth Batter

In a large mixing bowl, pour the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a silky-smooth mixture with no stubborn lumps.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden color and do the toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted.

Step 4: Cool and Slice with Care

Let the bars rest in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Grab a sharp knife and slice into squares or rectangles. Pro tip: Wipe the knife after each cut to get those picture-perfect edges.

Step 5: Dress Up and Serve

For an extra touch of deliciousness, dust the bars with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream. Arrange on a serving plate and get ready to wow your taste buds with this super-simple dessert!

Tips for That Perfect Zesty Snap

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select a high-quality angel food cake mix and bright, zesty lemon pie filling for maximum flavor intensity.
• Perfect Mixing Technique: Stir the cake mix and pie filling gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing, which can deflate the cake's delicate texture.
• Precise Baking Time: Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking, ensuring a moist and tender result.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set and make slicing easier with clean, sharp edges.
• Elegant Finishing Touch: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to create a beautiful, professional-looking dessert that's sure to impress.

How to Keep Bars Tart and Textured When Stored

• Refrigeration: Place leftover lemon bars in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious. Keep the bars separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Room Temperature: Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and soften their texture. Avoid leaving them out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual lemon bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, and the bars will taste just as delightful as when first baked.

2-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Simple lemon bars showcase pure citrus magic with minimal effort. Zesty homemade dessert delivers tangy sweetness you’ll savor in just two ingredients, creating delightful bakery-style treats without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (21 ounces / 595 grams) lemon pie filling
• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) angel food cake mix

Preparation Essentials:

• Cooking spray

Baking Equipment:

• Baking pan

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously greasing with butter or coating with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, pour the entire package of angel food cake mix and add the complete can of lemon pie filling.
3. Vigorously whisk the two ingredients together until the mixture becomes completely smooth and no dry cake mix clumps remain visible.
4. Carefully pour the blended batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes at room temperature on a wire cooling rack.
7. Once partially cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into uniform squares or rectangles, wiping the blade clean between each cut to ensure crisp edges.
8. Optional: Dust the top with a light layer of powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Quick trick to transform a simple cake mix into zesty, melt-in-your-mouth lemon bars with minimal effort.
• Incredibly light and airy texture comes from the unique combination of angel food cake mix and tangy lemon pie filling.
• Foolproof method ensures perfect results every time, even for novice bakers with limited kitchen experience.
• Versatile dessert works great for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or sudden sweet cravings.
• Minimal cleanup required since you’ll use just two ingredients and basic baking tools.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 126 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg