Why You’ll Love This Recipe
2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are the definition of effortless baking. With just two simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that tastes fresh, sweet, and delightfully citrusy. These bars are soft, lightly chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor, making them perfect for spring gatherings, summer parties, or anytime you need a quick homemade treat. I often make these when I want something sweet without spending much time in the kitchen, and they never fail to impress despite their simplicity. What makes this recipe truly special is how adaptable it is. You can dress the bars up with a dusting of powdered sugar or enjoy them as-is for a no-fuss dessert. If you love easy recipes with maximum payoff, these lemon cake bars are a must-try.
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2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars (Bright, Easy, and Foolproof)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ultra-easy lemon cake bars made with just two ingredients, creating soft, tangy, and sweet bars perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling until fully blended.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and lightly golden on top.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
- Bars will firm up more as they cool.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lemon Cake Mix
Lemon cake mix provides the structure, sweetness, and bright lemon flavor for the bars, making baking incredibly simple.
Lemon Pie Filling
Lemon pie filling adds moisture, tanginess, and a rich citrus punch that keeps the bars soft and flavorful.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir until fully combined and smooth. The batter will be thick.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Slice into bars and serve plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 bars.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store lemon cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
These lemon cake bars are easy to customize. You can sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a classic finish. I tested them with powdered sugar, and it added just the right touch of sweetness.
For extra lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the batter.
You can also drizzle a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled bars.
If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the bars and allow them to set while cooling.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per bar:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use the Correct Pan Size
An 8×8-inch pan gives thicker, softer bars.
Do Not Overbake
Overbaking can dry out the bars.
Cool Completely Before Cutting
This helps them set cleanly.
Stir Until Smooth
Fully combined batter ensures even texture.
Serve with Fresh Berries
They pair beautifully with lemon flavor.
FAQs
Can I use yellow cake mix instead of lemon?
Yes, but the lemon flavor will be milder.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they keep well for several days.
Are these bars very sweet?
They are sweet with a pleasant lemon tang.
Can I freeze lemon cake bars?
Yes, freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Do I need eggs or oil?
No, the two ingredients are sufficient.
What topping works best?
Powdered sugar or lemon glaze works perfectly.
Conclusion
2 Ingredient Lemon Cake Bars are a bright, cheerful dessert that proves baking does not have to be complicated to be delicious. With minimal effort and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create soft, flavorful bars that are perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime a lemon craving strikes. This recipe is simple, reliable, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your easy-dessert collection.
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