If you are looking for a lemon bar recipe that is easy to make and only requires two ingredients, this might be the perfect lemon bar recipe for you! Just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling make up these easy lemon bars.
If you love lemon as much as we do, also try my Sour Cream Lemon Pie and 7-up Bundt Cake recipes.
Why this recipe works
In a world of lemon desserts, lemon squares are often overlooked. However, they shouldn’t be! There is something about the lemon flavor in these bars that citrus lovers can’t get enough of. These 2 ingredient lemon bars are so simple to make that anyone could do it!
That’s why I am excited to share this recipe for two-ingredient lemon bars with you today. These lemon bar recipes only require one bowl and two ingredients: angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
How to make easy lemon bars
These bars only use two ingredients: Angel food cake dry mix and a can of lemon pie filling. I used Duncan Hines brand for both, but you can substitute another brand and have great results.
How to tell when lemon bars are done
Lemon bars are so simple to make, but how do you know when they’re done? One thing you should watch out for with lemon bars is making sure that they don’t over bake and become dry or crumbly.
Use the toothpick method to see when your lemon bar will be done in the oven. When the designated bake time is over, puncture the middle with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the dessert is done. If not, put them back in to bake a bit longer, checking the progress frequently.
How to store
- Don’t worry–these lemon bars are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them up tightly with cling wrap and they will be ready to enjoy another day.
- You also can freeze these with wax paper in between the layers, then slip them into freezer ziplock bags.
How long do these last?
- These lemon bars will last for about one week, but they’re best when eaten the day that you make them.
- Make sure to store them properly to extend their freshness.
How to serve
- For best flavor, serve them after they are completely cooled. I personally like them served from the fridge the day after they are baked. Top lemon bars a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- For an extra bit of fun, use a small cookie cutter to make a decorative shape on the lemon bars when you sprinkle the powdered sugar! You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of creamy sweetness.
Flavor variations to try
Instead of lemon pie filling, why not try another pie filling?
- Key lime pie filling (or curd works great)
- Pineapple Pie Filling
I hope you enjoy this easy to make recipe. It’s a great alternative dessert option to chocolate and makes a refreshingly light treat in the summer. They’re perfect for any occasion – even if it’s just because you need a sweet pick me up! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do around here!
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2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. angel food cake mix (I use Duncan Hines)
- 21 oz. lemon pie filling
For Serving:
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl mix together the lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. Use a spoon or spatula to mix this together and don't over mix or whip.
- Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray or grease with shortening. Add the batter to the pan and spread out evenly.
- Place in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 25 minutes or until top starts to brown.
- Place on a cooling rack and cool for 1-2 hours before cutting into squares.
How to Video:
Recipe Notes:
- Don’t worry–these lemon bars are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them up tightly with cling wrap and they will be ready to enjoy another day.
- You also can freeze these with wax paper in between the layers, then slip them into freezer ziplock bags.
Nutrition:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Anita Descourouez says
While I like the idea of just two ingredients, this was not at all what I expected. Way, way too sweet and gummy.
Retro Potluck says
They are definitely meant to be chewy, but sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy them.
Carolyn says
Can you use a different flavor cake mix other than angel food?
What about just a plain white cake mix ?
Retro Potluck says
Honestly, I have never tried it with a plain white cake mix. I’d say experiment and give it a try.
Terry says
I made it with plain white cake mix one time by mistake. It tasted okay but was way too dense and dry for me.
Retro Potluck says
The texture would be different using a white cake mix instead of angel food.
Carolyn says
Was I supposed to make the cake according to the box directions or use just the cake powder and the lemon?
Michelle De La Cerda Nash says
You mix just the lemon and the cake powder, none of the cake ingredients.
Michele Vance says
Was not happy with this one.
It swelled up 9 x 13 pan….made a mess in my oven.
Didnt like the super spongy texture or the flavor of the Lucky Leaf lemon pie filling i bought. I used a Betty Crocker angel food cake mix, store didnt have DH.
Just not what I thought it would be.
Disappointed. :/
Barbara Walsh says
can i add fresh blueberries in the mix before baking
Sarah Olson says
Yes, I think fresh blueberries would work well.
Nina Amer says
That sounds yummy!
Heidi D says
Can you make this using homemade angel food cake batter?
Sarah Olson says
I have not tested, but I don’t see why not!
Kelly says
I’m gonna try a blueberry pie filling
Melanie F Anderson says
I have made the lemon bars several times they are delicious
Susan says
My Angel cake mix has 2 pouches. 1 is cake mix the other is egg white mixture. Should I use both mixes dry then add the lemon filling can?
Sarah Olson says
Yes, I would make it as directed on the box then add the lemon filling.
Christine says
I live in Montreal and can not find lemon cream pie filling is there any substitute such Sherriff lemon pie filling which I would have to prepare first.
Thank you
Sarah Olson says
Is there nothing in a can near the pumpkin pie filling?
Brenda says
I am in the same boat as Christine, stores do not seem to carry canned lemon filling
D. Tardif says
I had a difficult time finding Lemon Cream Pie filling as well. Finally found it at Walmart’s “” Neighborhoood Market”” Store, after looking on line, to see where it was available. Haven’t tried the recipe yet though.
Mel says
You will find the pie filling at Adonis stores
Coreena K says
I used the Sherrif lemon pie filling. Made it according to directions first. Let it cool then added it to the cake mix. It turned out excellent.
Retro Potluck says
Happy to hear you enjoyed it, thank you.
k says
walmart online has the lemon pie filing
Karen says
Can I use this with say blueberry pie filling
Sarah Olson says
I have not tested, I apologize.
Sherry Strohbusch says
Have you ever made them in a bigger pan…like the 11×15 size?
Sarah Olson says
I have not tried, they are already pretty thin in a 9×13.
Beth says
I bought a lemon cake mix.. couldn’t remember what you listed.. do you think that will work? Your recipe looked so easy, I’m gonna try.. never made a cake before.. maybe once.. I told my Mom I would…. she used to bake cake lots.. I am 61 so gonna try!!
Sarah Olson says
Hi, I think it may work, but will be cakeier. If your batter is too thick I’d add in some oil or water.
Beth says
Ok. …. Thanks!
Crystal says
Hi Rita: I have tried this recipe and it is more like a cake than bar, but still delicious. Going to add some lemon zest and lemon juice to enhance it. Happy baking!!
Anne Bogush says
I love lemon .I will definitely try this recipe.Looks so good.
Shelley says
If I can’t find canned lemon filling, should I use pudding made with milk? Lemon curd?
Thanks.
Sarah Olson says
I would do lemon curd if possible.
Gina Evans says
The picture makes it look like a thin cake.
Can you put it in a 8×8 to make it thicker?
Sarah Olson says
I think that should work fine! May need to cook longer though.
Tony Leone says
We made these and they are delicious, now I want to try key lime but can’t find it. Any help, TIA!!!!!
Sarah Olson says
I haven’t been able to find it recently either. If you can find lime curd (jam section), that would work.
Teresa Brown says
You say Lemon Pie Filling but the can says Lemon Creme – What is the correct item
Sarah Olson says
The stuff I used is in the pie filling section. It’s labeled lemon creme.
L.DeFrange says
The can says lemon creme pie filling. Look closer.