Heavenly 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars Recipe – Foolproof Treat!

Whipping up a delightful lemon cake bars recipe takes minimal effort with just two simple ingredients.

Kitchen magic happens when you combine pantry staples in unexpected ways.

Sweet and zesty flavors mingle beautifully in this surprisingly easy dessert.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone craving something light and refreshing.

Baking novices and seasoned pros will appreciate how quickly these bars come together.

Subtle citrus notes dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

These lemon bars promise to become your new go-to treat when you want something quick and delicious.

Lemon Cake Bars That Keep Things Simple

• Super Simple lemon cake bars make baking a breeze for everyone.
• Just two ingredients create a delightful, tangy treat that requires zero baking expertise.
• Prepare these bars in under 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Guaranteed to delight kids and adults with its bright, zesty flavor and moist, tender texture.

What You’ll Need for 2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars

• Lemon Cake Mix: The base of the recipe with all dry ingredients pre-mixed, perfect for quick and easy baking.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Provides moisture, intense citrus flavor, and helps create a soft, tender texture.

• Parchment Paper: Great for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents cake from sticking to the pan.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds sweetness and elegant presentation.
• Simple Glaze (Optional): Enhances visual appeal and adds extra lemony sweetness.

How to Make Lemon Cake Bars in No Time

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Get a 9×13-inch pan ready by coating it with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter

• Lemon cake mix
• Lemon pie filling

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. The batter will be super thick and rich.

Step 3: Spread the Sunshine

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all corners.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the hot oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Transform

Allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan. This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle with a simple glaze. Slice into bars and enjoy your tangy, sweet treat!

Serve Lemon Bars with These Quick Sides

• Pair this zesty lemon cake bar with a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling lemonade to enhance the bright citrus notes and create a refreshing flavor experience.
• Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to balance the cake's rich texture and add a cool, smooth counterpoint.
• Match the dessert with a light Earl Grey tea or chamomile blend, which complements the lemon's tanginess and provides a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Top or serve with a small side of fresh raspberry or blueberry compote to introduce a subtle fruity dimension that enhances the cake's lemony profile.

Creative Ideas for Lemon Cake Bar Mix-ins

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free lemon cake mix to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Citrus Squares: Swap lemon pie filling with a plant-based alternative using coconut cream and lemon zest for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Treat: Use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free pie filling for a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Almond Flour Lemon Bars: Incorporate almond flour with the cake mix for a nutty, protein-rich alternative suitable for keto diets.

Tips to Get the Texture Just Right

• Boost Lemon Flavor: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter for an extra zingy, bright citrus punch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean cutting of the cake bars without breaking.
• Check Moisture Perfectly: Insert a toothpick at an angle near the center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and won't dry out.
• Customize Texture: For a softer, more pudding-like consistency, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular lemon cake mix with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the delicious lemony taste.

Storage Tips for Lemon Cake Bars That Last

• Store leftover lemon cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Warm slightly in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance the lemon flavor before enjoying.

2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sunshine-kissed lemon cake bars offer a zesty escape into pure dessert bliss. Quick, effortless mixing creates a silky treat that melts in your mouth, promising delightful moments of citrusy happiness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15.25 ounces/432 grams) box lemon cake mix
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can lemon pie filling

Baking Essentials:

(none in this recipe)

Optional Toppings/Garnishes:

(none specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and warm to 350°F, ensuring uniform heat distribution for optimal baking results.
2. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter, then dust lightly with flour to prevent potential sticking.
3. Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine the lemon cake mix with the prepared lemon pie filling, using a sturdy whisk or spatula.
4. Vigorously mix the ingredients until a smooth, dense batter forms with no visible dry powder clusters.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a flexible spatula to create an even, uniform surface.
6. Gently slide the pan into the preheated oven and monitor the baking process for 25-30 minutes.
7. Verify doneness by inserting a clean toothpick near the center – it should emerge without raw batter clinging to it.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest undisturbed, cooling completely within the pan to stabilize its structure.
9. Once cooled, slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife with clean, precise movements.
10. Optional: Enhance presentation by delicately sifting powdered sugar across the surface or drizzling a light citrus glaze.

Notes

• Optimize Mixing: Stir the cake mix and pie filling gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars dense and tough.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice to intensify the citrusy profile and create a more vibrant taste.
• Texture Perfection: Check the bars at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking, ensuring a moist and soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious lemony essence.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg