Easy two ingredient lemon bars on a plate with fresh lemon slices

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are an easy and delightful dessert that can brighten your day. They require minimal effort and time, making them perfect for anyone, even if you are not an experienced baker. The combination of angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling creates a moist and zesty treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the ingredients are simple to find, so you can whip these up whenever the craving strikes. These lemon bars are refreshing, light, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy—ideal for any occasion.

HOW TO MAKE Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 box (approximately 430 g) angel food or yellow cake mix
  • 1 can (425 g) lemon pie filling

DIRECTIONS

  1. Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Pour in the angel food or yellow cake mix.
  2. Add the lemon pie filling to the bowl.
  3. Mix the two ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture. Make sure there are no lumps, and the ingredients are evenly blended.
  4. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  5. While your oven heats up, grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Pour the batter you prepared into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are ready when the top is golden and the center is set.
  8. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up.
  9. If you like, you can dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
  10. Slice the cooled bars into squares and serve.

HOW TO SERVE Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. You can serve them on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures. A sprig of mint or a few fresh berries can add a lovely touch in terms of presentation. Whether it’s at a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual dinner, these bars will be a hit!

HOW TO STORE Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Storing your Two Ingredient Lemon Bars is easy. Once they are completely cool, you can cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep them in the refrigerator if you won’t be eating them right away. They can last up to a week in the fridge. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight.

TIPS TO MAKE Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

  1. Choose the Right Cake Mix: Using angel food cake mix will provide a lighter texture, while a yellow cake mix will give a richer flavor. Decide based on your preference!

  2. Mix Well: Ensure that the mix and lemon filling are well combined. Lumps can affect the texture of your bars. A hand mixer can be helpful for this.

  3. Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. They’re done when they are firm and the top looks slightly golden.

  4. Let Them Cool: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is crucial. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart when slicing.

  5. Add Flavor: If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding lemon zest to the batter for extra lemon flavor.

VARIATIONS

If you want to mix things up, here are a few fun variations:

  • Fruit Additions: Add blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking for a fruity twist.

  • Lemon Curd Swirl: After spreading the batter in the pan, swirl in some lemon curd for added richness and flavor.

  • Cream Cheese Topping: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top after the bars are cooled for a delicious complement to the lemon flavor.

  • Graham Cracker Crust: Before pouring the batter, press a layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with butter into the bottom of the baking dish for a crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or even chocolate. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor and texture of the bars will change.

2. Can I use homemade lemon filling instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade lemon pie filling recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to store-bought filling.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Look for a gluten-free angel food or yellow cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. The lemon filling is typically gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label to be sure.

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that packs a punch with their bright lemon flavor and soft texture. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or play around with variations, you’re in for a treat!

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