Let me introduce you to a dessert that’s as zesty as it is simple: 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars! These bars are a ray of sunshine, bursting with tart lemon flavor and soft, cloud-like texture—plus, they truly couldn’t be easier to whip up on a whim. With just two main ingredients and hardly any prep, these bars deliver that sweet-tangy magic you crave, perfect for last-minute gatherings or a spontaneous treat just for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Easy: Just two pantry staples come together for effortless lemon bars with minimal clean-up.
- Bright & Tangy Flavor: Each bite bursts with real lemony zing, perfectly balanced by the airy cake base.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: These bars are naturally dairy-free, and you can easily cut them into smaller pieces for a party tray or serve them up as generous squares for a cozy night in.
- No Fuss, All Flavor: You don’t need special equipment or advanced baking skills—anyone can make these and look like a genius in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be a little skeptical—can two ingredients really turn into something this delicious? Trust me, they’re all you need for bright, fluffy, perfectly sweet 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. Here’s how each superstar ingredient works its magic:
- Angel Food Cake Mix (16 oz): This is the secret to that signature light and airy texture. Make sure you get the type that just needs water, and don’t add anything else!
- Lemon Pie Filling (21 oz): This brings bold lemon flavor, tanginess, and moisture—the perfect partner for angel food cake. Look for a high-quality canned filling or use homemade if you want to go the extra mile.
- Powdered Sugar (for serving): A classic finishing touch, dusted on top for sweetness and a pretty presentation.
Variations
These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are fantastic as written, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them! A few simple tweaks can let you tailor the flavor or accommodate dietary needs—play around and make it your own.
- Pineapple Bars: Substitute lemon pie filling with pineapple pie filling for a tropical twist—sunshine in every bite!
- Key Lime Variation: If you’re lucky enough to find key lime or lime curd, swap it in for the lemon and enjoy zesty, green-hued bars.
- Gluten-Free Version: Find a gluten-free angel food cake mix and double-check your pie filling for a batch everyone can enjoy.
- Extra Lemon Punch: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to intensify the citrusy kick.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven’s heating, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with non-stick spray or a thin layer of shortening. This little extra step will help your lemon bars pop out cleanly and makes clean-up a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
Take out a large mixing bowl and pour in your entire bag of angel food cake mix, then scoop in the lemon pie filling. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, gently stir everything together until just combined—no need for an electric mixer. Avoid overmixing or beating the batter; the goal is to keep things fluffy, not dense.
Step 3: Fill & Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out so it’s even from edge to edge. Slide the pan onto the center oven rack and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—bright and sunny, like baking on a summer day!
Step 4: Cool Completely & Serve
Once baked, remove the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Don’t rush this part—let the lemon bars cool for at least 1 to 2 hours. This helps set the texture and makes it easier to slice tidy squares. When completely cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar, cut, and enjoy your soft, lemony treats!
Pro Tips for Making 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Skip the Mixer: Stir gently by hand—overmixing or whipping can deflate the batter and make it dense instead of delightfully airy.
- Even Spreading: Use a spatula to gently push the batter into the corners of the pan so your bars bake up nice and even without thin, overcooked edges.
- Patience Pays Off: Make sure your lemon bars cool completely before slicing—they’ll set up perfectly and cut cleanly, giving you those picture-perfect squares.
- Powdered Sugar Magic: Wait until just before serving to dust your bars for the prettiest finish, since the topping can dissolve into the warm bars if applied too soon.
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Garnishes
For a classic finish, a generous snowfall of powdered sugar is the perfect touch—simple and stunning! You can also add extra flair with a little grated lemon zest, thinly sliced lemon wheels, or even a sprig of fresh mint, especially if you’re serving these at a special brunch or festive party.
Side Dishes
Pair these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars with fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a light spring dessert. If you want to go all out, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, the combination is dreamy on a hot day!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, cut the bars into bite-sized squares or triangles and arrange them on a pretty platter. Or, stack two pieces with a little whipped cream in between for a fun layered dessert shot. You can even use the bars as a topping for a trifle, layered with berries and more whipped cream for a gorgeous crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers (or just want to stash some away for later)? Simply tuck your lemon bars into an airtight container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and delicious for several days at room temperature or in the fridge—making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into squares and layer in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between each row. You can also seal them in a zip-top bag. When sweet cravings hit, just pull out a few bars and let them thaw on the counter—good as new.
Reheating
While 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are fabulous straight from the fridge or freezer, you can gently warm them (uncovered) in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes if you want them a little toasty. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar after reheating for the prettiest finish.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of canned?
Yes! Homemade lemon pie filling works beautifully in this recipe and will give your bars an even brighter, fresher lemon flavor. Just make sure your homemade filling is fully cooled before mixing with the angel food cake mix for best texture.
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My bars came out sticky in the middle. Did I do something wrong?
If your bars are sticky, they likely need a bit more baking time. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the top—look for a golden brown finish and that the center is set. Letting them cool completely will also help firm up the bars.
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Can I make these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in a gluten-free angel food cake mix (they’re widely available at most grocery stores), and double-check that your pie filling is gluten-free. The bars will still bake up light and tasty.
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Do I need to refrigerate 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars?
You don’t have to refrigerate them unless your kitchen is quite warm, but chilling them does help them set and intensifies the lemon flavor. Either way, make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them soft.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars—whether you’re making them for a potluck, a picnic, or just an afternoon craving for something sweet and citrusy. They’re so cheerful, so foolproof, and honestly, so much fun to bake and share. I can’t wait for you to try them and, hopefully, pass the recipe along to someone you adore!
Print
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, you can whip up a delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Bars:
- 16 oz. angel food cake mix (Duncan Hines)
- 21 oz. lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9 x 13 pan and spread the batter evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the top browns.
- 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 try other pie fillings like pineapple or key lime.
- To store, keep in an airtight container or freeze with wax paper between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 433mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
