These 2-Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves bold, zesty lemon flavor without any complicated steps. With just two ingredients—angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling—you get soft, moist bars that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
Perfect for lemon lovers, busy bakers, or when you need a quick dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍋 Pure Lemon Joy: Every bite bursts with sweet-tart lemon flavor.
- 🥣 No Mixer Needed: Just stir, press, and bake—no extra bowls or tools required.
- ⏱️ Super Quick & Easy: From pantry to oven in under 10 minutes.
- 🧁 Moist & Light: Angel food cake mix gives a fluffy texture without being heavy.
- 🎉 Great for Gifting: Wrap them up for neighbors, co-workers, or friends who love lemon desserts.
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 bars):
- 1 box angel food cake mix (about 15 oz)
- 1 can (22 oz) lemon pie filling (do not drain – use the whole can)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
- The entire box of angel food cake mix
- The full can of lemon pie filling , including the thick syrup
Stir until well combined. The mixture will be thick and gooey—that’s normal!
Step 3: Press Into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
The mixture will be sticky, so lightly dampen the spatula or your hands to help smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly moist.
Let cool completely before slicing.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Once cooled, slice into bars or squares.
Serve as-is or dust with powdered sugar for a prettier finish.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Add Butter for Richness: Stir in ¼ cup melted butter for a richer, denser bar.
- 🍋 Extra Zest: For even more lemon flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to the mix.
- 🧁 Make Ahead Magic: These keep well in the fridge or can be frozen for future snacking.
- ❄️ Chill Before Cutting: Letting them rest in the fridge helps create cleaner slices.
- 📦 Gifting Tip: Wrap individually in clear bags tied with ribbon—it makes a sweet homemade gift.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Pair with hot tea, black coffee, or cold milk.
- Perfect for school snacks, potlucks, or afternoon treats.
Nutritional Information (per bar, makes 16 servings):
(Without optional additions – approximate)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~6g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~16g
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are proof that amazing desserts don’t always require long ingredient lists or hours in the kitchen. With just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling , you get a light, lemony treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
