2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
If you ever find yourself craving a sunny, zesty dessert but lacking the will (or energy) to drag out a pile of ingredients, let me introduce you to a true shortcut marvel: 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars. This treat is pure kitchen magic — light, tangy, and billowy, with a subtle citrus spark and a cloud-like crumb that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just two pantry staples, a bit of stirring, and a dusting of powdered sugar, you’ll have a pan of crowd-pleasing lemony bars ready to brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t get much simpler than this! Each ingredient in the 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars plays a starring role, balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden hue. Here’s what you’ll need for perfection:
- Box of angel food cake mix: This gives the bars their famously light, airy texture while providing just the right structure and sweetness.
- Can of (22 oz) lemon pie filling: The secret weapon for easy lemon flavor; it brings that pleasant tartness and moisture to every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling): A simple finishing touch that adds elegance and a soft pop of extra sweetness.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and give a 9×13 inch baking pan a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. You want to make sure your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars come out clean and perfect, without any sticking or messy corners. This small step is totally worth it and helps create those crisp, golden edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, simply add the angel food cake mix and the entire can of lemon pie filling. Grab a sturdy spoon or a spatula and combine them together. As you mix, the batter will grow thick and slightly foamy, with the citrusy aroma filling your kitchen in minutes. There’s something so satisfying about the transformation from two simple ingredients into a vibrant, silky batter.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pour the creamy yellow mixture into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, until the surface is gently browned and feels just set when lightly touched. The bars should rise nicely, forming a soft and delicate crumb inside while the edges take on a beautiful, inviting hue.
Step 4: Cool with a Pro’s Trick
Here’s an insider move: when you pull the pan from the oven, carefully tilt it on its side. This ensures your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars cool down without collapsing or deflating, preserving their signature fluffiness. Let them cool completely before moving on to the finishing touches.
Step 5: Slice and Sprinkle
Once the cake is fully cool, cut it into even bars — they slice beautifully. Finish with a generous shower of powdered sugar, letting it snow right over the golden tops. Now they’re ready to serve, admire, and devour.
How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars
Garnishes
To dress up your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars, a dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a few curls of lemon zest or a sprig of fresh mint for even more color and aroma. Edible flowers or a drizzle of simple glaze can take things up a notch if you want to impress.
Side Dishes
These bars are a perfect match with light accompaniments like a bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. For a brunch spread, serve them with fruit salad, or pair with a cup of tea or a frosty glass of lemonade for ultimate refreshment.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered dessert tray for parties, or layer with whipped cream and fruit in parfait glasses for a more elegant dessert. You can even wrap individual bars in parchment for a sweet, take-home treat at picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lemon cake bars covered and stored at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers if you’re stacking them to avoid sticking. They stay fluffy and delicious with each passing day.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and dust again with powdered sugar if needed to refresh their look.
Reheating
If you prefer your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars warm and fresh, you can microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds. This revives that soft, cakey texture and releases even more lemon fragrance—a quick, delightful pick-me-up any time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
For classic results, stick with angel food cake mix—it’s what gives the bars their cloud-like lift and delicate crumb. Substituting with other mixes can change both the texture and the flavor dramatically.
Will homemade lemon pie filling work?
Yes, you can use homemade lemon pie filling! Just be sure it’s thick and set like the canned variety to achieve the right consistency in your bars.
Can I make 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars gluten free?
Absolutely! Many stores carry gluten free angel food cake mix, so you can easily make a gluten free version without sacrificing taste or texture. Just double-check your lemon pie filling for gluten-based thickeners.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Let the cake cool entirely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for picture-perfect bars. Chilling the cake slightly can also help make neater cuts if you want bakery-worthy results.
Can I add extras like blueberries or coconut?
Sure! While the base recipe is all about ease, folding in a handful of blueberries or a sprinkle of coconut flakes can personalize your 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars. Be mindful not to overload the batter so it stays light and rises well.
Final Thoughts
You truly won’t believe how something as simple as these 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars can taste so sophisticated. I hope you give them a try the next time you need a quick, cheerful treat. Don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite baking secret!
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2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a delightful treat that’s quick and easy to make. With just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, you can whip up a delicious dessert in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1 can (22oz) lemon pie filling
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- Mix cake and filling: In a bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling until well blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cake is fully cooked and the top is lightly browned.
- Cool and cut: Carefully tilt the pan on its side to prevent the cake from collapsing while it cools. Once cooled, cut the cake into bars and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Cake Bars, 2-Ingredient Dessert, Quick Dessert Recipe
