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These 2 ingredient lemon bars are one of the quickest and easiest desserts you can make. You can make these soft, cake like lemon bars with no fuss, no complicated steps, and no long ingredient list. They’re perfect for last-minute get togethers, bake sales, or when you just need something homemade in a hurry.
“When you need a dessert, it doesn’t get easier than this. You only need two ingredients!”
-Becky
Lemon angel bars always impress my guest. People are always shocked when I tell them it only took two ingredients. They taste delicious, and come together so quickly that they feel like my own little baking secret. Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd or just want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, these lemon bars are perfect!
If you need more easy recipes, be sure to try this no bake Coconut Delight, easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 2 Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake, or this simple Cherry Dump Cake.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 box of angel food cake mix – Use a 1 step mix (just add water version). It gives these bars their light, fluffy texture.
- 1 can of lemon pie filling (21 ounces) – The base that gives these bars their lemon flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional) – A light dusting adds a pretty finish once they’re cooled.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Try other fruit fillings – Swap the lemon for strawberry, cherry, or blueberry pie filling. Puree chunky fillings first for a smoother texture.
- Add a citrus boost – Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Top it off – Serve with whipped cream or a dollop of Homemade Lemon Curd for added richness.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before mixing the batter, this helps the bars rise properly and bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir gently until well mixed. The batter will be light and fluffy.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake on the center rack for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. For clean slices, refrigerate for 1 hour after cooling. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Use the right cake mix: Choose a 1 step angel food cake mix that only requires water (no eggs or oil).
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the batter light and airy.
- Watch for doneness: Check with a toothpick at 25 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out.
- Chill before slicing: Cooling in the fridge helps the bars set and cut cleanly.
For more easy lemon recipes, try these fresh Lemon Curd Cookies, Lemon Blueberry Muffins, or these light and fluffy Lemon Pancakes. And for refreshing lemon flavored drinks, try this Watermelon Lemonade or Lemon Drop Martini.
2-Ingredient Lemon Bars FAQs
Yes! These bars work with cherry, strawberry, or blueberry pie filling. Just puree chunky fillings before mixing to keep the batter smooth.
Not exactly. This simple 2-ingredient lemon bar recipe has more sponge cake like in texture, with a soft, crumb and a sweet lemon flavor. They don’t have a buttery shortbread crust like a classic lemon bar recipe.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them between layers of wax paper.
Definitely. These lemon bars are great for making a day in advance. Just chill them in the fridge and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
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2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Box angel food cake mix, 15 or 16 ounces
- 1 can lemon pie filling, 21 ounces
Optional: Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before mixing the batter, this helps the bars rise properly and bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir gently until well mixed. The batter will be light and fluffy.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake on the center rack for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. For clean slices, refrigerate for 1 hour after cooling. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use the right cake mix: Choose a 1 step angel food cake mix that only requires water (no eggs or oil).
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the batter light and airy.
- Watch for doneness: Check with a toothpick at 25 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out.
- Chill before slicing: Cooling in the fridge helps the bars set and cut cleanly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love these bars! They are so simple to make!