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