What if I told you that you could have irresistibly gooey, tangy, cake-like lemon bars using just two pantry ingredients? That’s the magic of 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars—whip them up in a flash, and you’ll have a tray of sunshine-sweet treats cooling on your counter before you even finish your tea!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just Two Ingredients: You only need angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling—no extra shopping required!
- Easy Enough for Any Baker: No mixer or fancy skills needed; just stir, pour, and bake.
- Lemony, Cloudlike Texture: Every square is bursting with bright citrus flavor and a soft, almost marshmallowy crumb.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Adaptable: Slice into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or enjoy as big, fluffy bars just for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how quickly these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars come together with such a short grocery list. Both ingredients are essential: one provides all the structure and lift, while the other gifts each bite with that signature citrus zing and luscious texture!
- Angel Food Cake Mix (16 oz): This magical mix brings the light, fluffy base and that hint of vanilla sweetness—no eggs or oil needed.
- Lemon Pie Filling (21 oz): Provides bold lemony flavor and that gooey bar-like consistency; make sure to use pie filling, not lemon curd or pudding mix.
Variations
The real joy of 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars is just how easy it is to twist and tweak the recipe! Don’t hesitate to make it yours—swap flavors, play with toppings, or sneak in extras to suit anyone’s cravings or special dietary needs.
- Pineapple Bars: Try using pineapple pie filling instead of lemon for a tropical riff that’s just as moist and sunny.
- Key Lime or Lime Curd: If you spot key lime pie filling or lime curd at the store, these also make a tangy, zesty variation.
- Berry Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry preserves into the batter just before baking for a pop of color and fruit.
- Gluten-Free Version: Grab a gluten-free angel food cake mix—the method and results are almost identical!
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or a bit of shortening. This ensures your lemon bars turn out golden on the edges and lift out easily—no one likes a stuck bar!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, dump in the entire box of angel food cake mix and the full can of lemon pie filling. Stir together gently with a spatula or a sturdy spoon—just until combined. Don’t over-mix or whip! You want to keep some air to help those bars rise and stay light.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and use the spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Slide the pan onto the center rack and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is just starting to brown and feel springy to the touch. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of citrus and sugar—pure bliss!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the bars cool completely—1 to 2 hours is perfect. This helps them set up and makes clean, neat squares a breeze to cut. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting, and you’ll have a platter of picture-perfect 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars!
Pro Tips for Making 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Angel Food Success: Always use the dry angel food cake mix for this recipe—don’t prepare it as directed on the box! Just add it straight from the package.
- Gentle Hands: Fold the batter instead of whipping to keep everything fluffy and light, so your bars bake up cloudlike (not dense).
- Perfect Doneness: Watch for the golden brown edges and a slightly springy center; over-baking will dry them out and take away that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Clean Slices: Let the bars cool completely before dusting and slicing—it makes for tidier bars and less mess.
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Garnishes
Finish your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars with a generous shower of powdered sugar for that bakery-worthy look. For extra color and flair, scatter a few torn edible flower petals, a handful of fresh raspberries, or some finely grated lemon zest over the top—they’ll make each bar pop off the plate!
Side Dishes
Lemon bars are delightful on their own but downright heavenly with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or paired with a pot of hot tea. If you’re serving these at a shower or brunch, arrange alongside fresh berries or a platter of shortbread cookies for a perfect sweet spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars into fun shapes using a cookie cutter, or serve them in cupcake liners for party-perfect finger food. Layer small squares in parfait jars with whipped topping, or stack alternating with fresh fruit for an eye-catching, no-fuss dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if!) you have any 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars left after the first day, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or chill them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm—they keep their texture beautifully and the flavor stays bright and lively.
Freezing
These bars freeze surprisingly well! Stack them with pieces of wax or parchment paper in between, slide them into a zip-top freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Just let the bars come to room temperature or thaw in the fridge before enjoying again.
Reheating
Lemon bars don’t need reheating, but if you’re craving a just-baked feel, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This will give you a warm, ultra-soft texture that’s perfect with a little scoop of ice cream or a swirl of fresh whipped cream.
FAQs
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Can I use a homemade lemon pie filling for 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars?
Yes! If you have a favorite homemade lemon pie filling, use about 21 ounces. Just make sure it has a thick consistency similar to canned pie filling so your bars set up properly.
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Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free angel food cake mix and follow the same method. The result is just as light and zesty!
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Why do my lemon bars look extra bubbly or crack on top?
This is totally normal with angel food-based batters—they’re airy! Small bubbles and cracks won’t affect taste or texture, and a dusting of powdered sugar covers any cosmetic quirks.
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What’s the best way to cut 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool all the way, then run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice. Wipe your knife after each cut for extra-tidy squares!
Final Thoughts
It honestly doesn’t get easier or more rewarding than these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. With every tangy, fluffy bite, they’re proof that a big splash of flavor and fun can come from the simplest of recipes. Give them a try soon, and watch them disappear from your table!
Print
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 2-ingredient lemon bars are a quick and easy dessert that anyone can make. With a light and fluffy texture, they are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. angel food cake mix (I use Duncan Hines)
- 21 oz. lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. Stir gently to mix, avoiding overmixing.
- Prepare the pan: Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray or grease with shortening. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
- Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool on a rack for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
- These bars can be cut into smaller pieces for larger crowds.
- You can also use pineapple pie filling or key lime as alternatives.
- To store, keep in an airtight container or wrap tightly with cling wrap. They can also be frozen with wax paper between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
