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.
Dot says
Do these sink in the middle? Thank you.
Retro Potluck says
I’ve made these several times and have not had that happen.
Alexis says
So possibly over mixed maybe? Mine is almost like a foam I feel like. Less batter-y. I used a spatula and basically folded until mix was gone…haven’t baked yet but worried doesn’t look like batter
Sarah Olson says
That’s what the angel food mix looks like.
Shelley says
I can’t find can lemon pie filling. Can I use instant boxed lemon pudding pie filling??
Kim says
I would hink instant lemon pie mix would work as long as you had required amount I’ve never tried but I think lemon pie filling is lemon pie filling If you do attempt please let me know
Denise says
These are simply divine. Thank you for sharing!
Retro Potluck says
Thank you for the feedback. Happy to hear you enjoyed them.
Kim says
Are they cake like texture once baked ?
Retro Potluck says
Not fully cake-like, a mixture of very spongy and cake. It’s hard to describe but they’re delicious.
Cherie says
I’ve been making these for over a year ever since I saw it on Pinterest. It’s perfect for potlucks and a quick dessert when you need it. I’ve received rave reviews and it is one of the most requested desserts I make. I have made them crushed pineapple and coconut and then put a rum glaze on them for pina colada bars. Those got rave reviews as well.
Retro Potluck says
So happy to hear that, thank you. Your pina colada bars sound great too.
Sandy Sider says
Very easy & came out perfect !
Retro Potluck says
Wonderful to hear, thank you.
Nancy says
These were delicious! It raised up pretty much to the top of the pan, but then kind of dropped…..they were perfect!
Donna Weber says
I made this recipe for the first time and it ran over the sides of my 9×13 pan
What did I do wrong? Follow the instructions.
Retro Potluck says
Was it a 9 x 13 baking tray or pan? It shouldn’t have ran over the sides in a regular baking pan.
Connie L Crabb says
Sounds delicious
Jackie says
I have made these for years. I add lemon zest and some fresh lemon juice to the batter. After they have baked and cooled I top with a lemon glaze on it.
Retro Potluck says
That sounds wonderful!