These 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a quick and easy dessert that’s bursting with bright lemon flavor. Made with just a box of cake mix and lemon pie filling, they are soft, chewy, and irresistibly tangy. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a pinch, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only two ingredients and minimal effort.
- Bright, tangy lemon flavor that’s refreshing and satisfying.
- Great for potlucks, picnics, or last-minute dessert needs.
- No special equipment or baking skills required.
- Can be easily customized with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lemon cake mix
- Lemon pie filling
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a lemon glaze.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until fully combined—no dry mix should remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 bars
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Coconut Lemon Bars: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity variation.
- Glazed Bars: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese into the batter and swirl for a creamy surprise.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free cake mix and pie filling for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, yellow or white cake mix will work, but the lemon flavor will be less intense.
What if I can’t find lemon pie filling?
You can use a can of lemon curd or make your own lemon pie filling as a substitute.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Blueberries, poppy seeds, or white chocolate chips make great additions.
Do I need to prepare the cake mix as directed on the box?
No, just use the dry mix and combine it directly with the lemon pie filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure the lemon pie filling is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these bars taste great the next day and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Why are my bars too dense?
The bars are meant to be dense and chewy, but if they’re overly thick, make sure you’ve mixed the batter well.
How do I make a lemon glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of lemon juice until you reach a drizzling consistency.
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream and a slice of fresh lemon for a fancy touch.
Conclusion
2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are proof that simplicity can be delicious. With their vibrant lemon flavor and chewy texture, they’re an effortless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or dress them up with toppings, these bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
Print
2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These light and zesty cake bars are made with just two ingredients, resulting in a moist and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until well blended. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch or drizzle with a simple glaze (optional). Enjoy!
Optional Glaze:
- Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled bars for added sweetness and tang.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- These bars are also great topped with whipped cream or a dollop of lemon curd.