These easy 2-ingredient lemon bars are the perfect dessert when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, they turn out light, fluffy, moist, and bursting with delicious lemon flavor.
No eggs, oil, or butter needed!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 9–12 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) angel food cake mix (the complete, just-add-water type)
- 1 can (21–22 oz) lemon pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Empty the entire box of dry angel food cake mix into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Filling
Pour the lemon pie filling directly over the dry cake mix. No additional eggs, oil, or water are needed.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until fully combined. The batter should become thick, fluffy, and pale yellow. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with the spatula.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and pan.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful bakery-style finish.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars
- Use a complete angel food cake mix that requires only water, not a separate egg-white packet.
- Choose thick lemon pie filling for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps it airy.
- Let the bars cool completely for cleaner slices.
- Add a little fresh lemon zest for an extra citrus flavor.
Storage
Store the lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
These 2-ingredient lemon bars prove that delicious homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated. With a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can create a wonderfully soft, sweet, and tangy treat that everyone will love.
Just mix, bake, and enjoy!