Two‑Ingredient Lemon Bars

Why You’ll LoveTwo‑Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

• With only two ingredients, it’s effortless to put together and perfect for busy days or last‑minute guests.

• The bright lemon filling paired with a soft, cake‑like base creates a treat that tastes more complex than it looks.

• Budget‑friendly and pantry‑easy: you likely already have the ingredients on hand.

• It’s flexible—easy to adapt based on cake mix flavor or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box angel food or yellow cake mix

• 1 can (15 oz) lemon pie filling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cake mix and add the entire can of lemon pie filling. No eggs, oil, or water needed!

3. Stir until just combined—the mixture will be thick and gooey, which is expected.

4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish using a spatula.

5. Bake for 25‑30 minutes or until the top is golden and the bars are set in the center.

6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, you may dust with powdered sugar if you like.

7. Slice into bars, serve and enjoy the sunny lemon flavour.

Servings and timing

• Yields about 12 bars

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25‑30 minutes

• Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

• Use a white cake mix for a lighter‑colored base, or try a spice cake mix for a fun twist.

• Add about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the batter for extra lemony punch.

• Swap the lemon pie filling for another flavour like cherry or blueberry if you want to experiment.

• For a gluten‑free version, choose a gluten‑free cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten‑free too.

Storage/Reheating

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• To enjoy warm, microwave individual bars for about 15 seconds.

• For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer‑safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?

You can use a slightly smaller dish, but the baking time may change. The bars will be thicker and may require a few extra minutes.

Can I use a homemade lemon filling instead of the canned version?

Yes—you can substitute your own lemon pie filling, but be aware that texture and sweetness might differ from the canned product.

Why did my bars come out gooey?

Under‑baking or incomplete mixing can lead to gooey bars. Be sure to bake until the top is golden and the center is set, then allow to cool fully before slicing.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes—they’re great made a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, and bring them to room temperature or gently warm before serving if desired.

Can I use a different flavour cake mix?

Absolutely. You can try white, chocolate, or other flavours; the lemon filling will still shine.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

As written, it uses a standard cake mix and lemon filling which may contain eggs or dairy, so it may not be vegan. To adapt, use a vegan cake mix and check the pie filling ingredients.

Can I increase the batch size?

You can double the ingredients and use a larger pan, or bake the same amount in two pans. Make sure to adjust baking time if needed.

What toppings go well with these lemon bars?

Powdered sugar, a light lemon glaze, whipped cream, or fresh berries all pair beautifully.

Can I make this with fresh lemons instead of canned filling?

You can create a homemade lemon filling, but this changes the ease and simplicity of the recipe. You’d need to adjust sweetening, thickening and possibly the cake mix ratio.

Are these bars freezer‑friendly?

Yes—they freeze well for up to 2 months when individually wrapped and stored in a freezer‑safe bag. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

This effortless two‑ingredient lemon bars recipe is proof that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, simple ingredients and a bright lemon flavour, these bars are ideal for busy bakers, beginners or anyone craving a sweet and tangy treat. Try them for your next gathering or simply as an easy weekday dessert—you’ll likely find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy!