Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Minimal ingredients – Only 2 ingredients needed.
- No special equipment – Just a bowl and a baking dish.
- Bright lemon flavor – Perfectly tangy and sweet.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for potlucks, parties, or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Glaze It – Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze for extra sweetness.
- Add a Crunch – Sprinkle powdered sugar or crushed graham crackers on top.
- Berry Twist – Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
- Extra Tangy – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
- Frosted Version – Spread cream cheese or vanilla frosting on top once cooled.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them soft and gooey.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! Try yellow cake mix for a milder flavor or white cake mix for a lighter texture.
2. Do I need to add eggs or oil?
Nope! The lemon pie filling provides all the moisture needed.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix.
4. What size cake mix should I use?
A standard 15.25 oz box of cake mix works best.
5. Can I use homemade lemon pie filling?
Yes! If you have a homemade lemon curd or pie filling, it will work just as well.
6. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
7. Can I add toppings?
Absolutely! Try powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a lemon glaze.
8. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
They can stay at room temperature for a couple of days but will last longer in the fridge.
9. Can I use sugar-free cake mix?
Yes, a sugar-free cake mix should work fine.
10. Are these bars more like cake or brownies?
They have a soft, slightly gooey texture—like a cross between cake and lemon bars.
Conclusion
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are the ultimate easy dessert—soft, tangy, and bursting with lemon flavor. Whether you need a last-minute treat or a simple sweet fix, this recipe is a must-try. Customize them with toppings, store leftovers for later, and enjoy a quick homemade dessert anytime!
Print
Lemon Cake Bars
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 2-Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are the easiest lemon dessert you’ll ever make! Just mix lemon cake mix with lemon pie filling, bake, and enjoy a soft, tangy treat. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a quick dessert fix!
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mix lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling until well combined.
3️⃣ Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5️⃣ Let cool, then slice into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice for extra sweetness.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle powdered sugar or crushed graham crackers on top.
- Berry Twist: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
- Extra Tangy: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
- Frosted Version: Spread cream cheese or vanilla frosting on top once cooled.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
