There is something truly magical about whipping up a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and delight, and these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are exactly that kind of treat. Combining the light, airy texture of angel food or yellow cake mix with the bright, tangy sweetness of lemon pie filling, this recipe transforms two simple pantry staples into a heavenly, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a quick and impressive dessert, these bars are sure to become your new favorite go-to!

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars rely on just two simple components, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The cake mix provides structure and a tender crumb, while the lemon pie filling delivers the zesty burst of citrus that makes these bars irresistible.

Angel food or yellow cake mix: Choose angel food for a lighter, fluffier texture or yellow cake mix for a richer base that complements the lemon tang.
Lemon pie filling: This adds the bright, sweet and tart lemon flavor, making the bars vibrant and refreshing without any extra effort.

How to Make Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in your box of cake mix and the can of lemon pie filling. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix them together thoroughly until you get a smooth, evenly blended batter. No lumps, no fuss—just a lovely, lemony mixture coming to life in your bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Next, prepare your baking dish by greasing it with nonstick spray or a thin swipe of oil. This step ensures the bars will come out cleanly once baked and keeps the edges perfectly tender without sticking.

Step 3: Bake

Transfer your batter into the prepared 33 by 23 cm baking dish, spreading it out evenly to get consistent thickness throughout. Pop the dish into a preheated oven set to 175°C. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden hue, and the center sets firmly—your kitchen will start to fill with that irresistible citrus aroma.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling period lets everything set up perfectly so you can slice clean, pretty squares. For a delightful finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving—it adds a little something special that looks as lovely as it tastes.

How to Serve Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Garnishes

Lemon bars are a canvas for creativity! Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries make a colorful, tangy contrast, while a sprig of mint adds a hint of freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling can also boost the visual charm and sweeten every bite a bit more.

Side Dishes

These lemon bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to go a little further, a cup of herbal tea or a sparkling lemonade can make the whole lemon-themed experience extra refreshing and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try arranging the Two Ingredient Lemon Bars on a beautiful platter lined with lemon leaves or edible flowers to impress your guests visually. You can also cut them into small, bite-sized squares and serve them on cocktail sticks for easy sharing at parties or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover lemon bars, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. The coolness helps maintain their texture without drying out the lemony moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and can last up to three months, making them perfect for batch prepping.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen lemon bars, thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them come to room temperature. If you like your bars warmed slightly, give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to soften but not melt the structure.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix for these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! While angel food and yellow cake mixes create the best texture and flavor, you could experiment with other flavors like white or lemon cake mix for a twist. Just keep in mind the flavor balance.

Do I need to add any eggs or oil to the recipe?

Nope! One of the best parts about this recipe is that the two ingredients alone are enough to form the perfect batter, making it quick and foolproof.

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling?

You certainly can. Homemade lemon curd will add a fresh, intense lemon flavor but might affect the texture slightly, so results may vary, and you might want to adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have a 33 by 23 cm baking dish?

Any baking dish of similar size will work fine. Just spread the batter evenly and keep a close eye on baking time since thickness can vary, potentially affecting how long it needs in the oven.

Are these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars gluten-free?

Traditional cake mixes contain gluten, so unless you use a gluten-free cake mix, these bars are not gluten-free. Using a gluten-free mix makes this recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars have quickly become a cherished, effortless dessert that brings sunshine to any day with all their bright, tangy, buttery goodness. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re so beloved—simple ingredients, straightforward prep, and that delightful lemon pop make them nothing short of sensational. Go ahead and give this recipe a whirl; your taste buds will thank you!