If you’re looking for utter simplicity without sacrificing that lively, citrusy burst of flavor, 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are about to become your new obsession. These bars manage to be fluffy, bright, and fabulously tangy, all with just two main ingredients, making them the ultimate quick-fix dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Easy: You’ll be amazed at how these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars come together with just a box, a can, and a quick stir—no fuss, no hassle, just dessert magic!
- Bright, Zesty Flavor: The lemon cream pie filling packs a punch, making every bite burst with sunshine and citrus.
- Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the angel food mix, the bars bake up wonderfully light and airy, balancing tartness with a pillow-soft crumb.
- Crowd-Pleasing (and Kid-Approved!): You’ll love how universally popular these bars are—potlucks, parties, weeknight treats, you name it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can count the core ingredients of these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars on one hand, but don’t let the simplicity fool you! Each component brings its own magic, ensuring a dessert that’s both luscious and delightfully easy to throw together any day of the week.
- Angel Food Cake Mix (16 oz box): This is your shortcut to a fluffy, cloud-like base—and since it already includes leavening, the bars will bake up beautifully airy with minimal effort.
- Lemon Cream Pie Filling (21 oz can): This rich, tangy filling infuses the bars with unmistakable lemony brightness, making each bite irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar (optional, for garnish): A dusting on top takes these bars from simple to bakery-beautiful in seconds.
Variations
One of the best things about 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars is how wonderfully adaptable they are. Whether you want to mix it up for a special diet, a different flavor, or an extra bit of flair, there are countless ways to make this recipe your own.
- Berry Bliss: Swirl a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries into the batter for a pop of color and fruity tartness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free angel food cake mix for a treat that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Substitute some of the lemon cream with lime pie filling, or add a splash of lime zest for a tangy, tropical note.
- Extra Citrus Kick: Stir in a spoonful of lemon zest for even more pronounced lemon flavor.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for that perfect golden bake. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment—this makes serving (and cleanup!) a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the full box of angel food cake mix and the entire can of lemon cream pie filling. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed and beat until the batter is smooth, glossy, and fully blended—about one to two minutes will do the trick.
Step 3: Pour & Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and gently smooth the top for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is puffed, lightly golden, and the center looks set.
Step 4: Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar if you like, then slice into 12 even bars. This is the ultimate step for that “wow” moment when you take your first bite!
Pro Tips for Making 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Room Temperature Matters: Bring the lemon cream pie filling to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, lump-free batter.
- Gentle Folding: After mixing, use a spatula to gently fold the batter to retain that signature angel food fluffiness.
- Watch the Bake: Every oven bakes a little differently—start checking at the 25-minute mark so your bars stay tender and don’t dry out.
- Let Them Cool Completely: These bars hold their shape best when fully cool, so resist the temptation to slice early for picture-perfect squares.
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Garnishes
Go classic with a fluttering of powdered sugar, or brighten things up further with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. For a fancier touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a paper-thin lemon slice right before serving—it’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a fresh berry salad, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or a mug of herbal tea. Their lightness also makes them a great finish after hearty or savory meals—try them beside a spring brunch spread or a picnic lunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars into bite-sized squares for a cheerful dessert platter, layer them parfait-style with berries and whipped cream for individual trifles, or use a round cookie cutter for playful shapes at parties. Dress them up (or down!) for any occasion, from potlucks to elegant afternoon teas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These lemon bars store beautifully: simply cover them tightly in the pan or transfer to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days—or refrigerate for up to five days if you like them extra chilled.
Freezing
Need a make-ahead treat? Freeze the cooled, unsugared bars in a single layer and then stack them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, but if you’d like to soften them up, pop an individual serving in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the fluffy texture intact!
FAQs
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Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of canned lemon cream pie filling?
You can try, but homemade lemon curd is usually thicker and more tart than canned pie filling, so the bars may turn out denser and not as sweet. For the closest result to classic 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars, stick with canned lemon pie filling.
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Is it possible to make these bars with a different cake mix?
Angel food cake mix is special because it creates that signature fluffy texture—the recipe won’t turn out the same with yellow or white cake mixes, as they require eggs and oil. Angel food really is the magic here!
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Why do my 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars look sticky or underbaked in the center?
This is often just the nature of the bars—since there’s lots of moisture, the center will set as it cools. Let them cool completely in the pan and, if needed, pop them in the fridge to firm up before slicing.
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Should I dust with powdered sugar before or after slicing?
For neatest results, dust with powdered sugar after slicing. This way, each bar gets an even sprinkle and you won’t lose that pretty finish when you cut them.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Bright, uplifting, and truly effortless, they’re the kind of treat you can make anytime—just to bring a little sunshine into your day (or someone else’s). Give this recipe a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert!
Print
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 the light and airy texture of angel food cake combined with the tangy sweetness of lemon cream, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 16 oz angel food cake mix
- 21 oz lemon cream pie filling
- powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon cream pie filling. Beat on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Spread batter: Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, dust the bars with powdered sugar, then slice into 12 bars and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
