Bright, citrusy, and irresistibly simple, these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars redefine what effortless baking can deliver. With just a box of angel food cake mix and a jar of lemon pie filling, you’re minutes away from a golden, airy dessert that delights.
Each bite is a refreshing blend of light sponge and zesty lemon, baked to perfection in under an hour. The texture is tender with a delicate crisp on top—ideal for afternoon gatherings, potlucks, or whenever a quick sweet fix is needed.
No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just straightforward baking that brings big flavor. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream, these bars make lemon lovers swoon.
Ingredients for 45-Minute Lemon Dessert Bars
Lemon Pie Filling: Provides the vibrant citrus tang, delivering bright, refreshing notes that balance sweetness and energize every bite.
Angel Food Cake Mix: Ensures an airy, cloud-like texture, creating the perfect, delicate crumb and golden, lightly crisped surface essential to these dessert bars.
Recipe Tips
1. Mix Until Foamy for Best Texture
Achieving the right batter consistency is key to these lemon dessert bars. Be sure to stir the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling thoroughly until the mixture becomes light, foamy, and smooth. This ensures proper aeration, allowing the bars to rise evenly and bake into that signature fluffy texture. Skimping on the mixing can result in a dense and uneven bake.
2. Use Parchment Paper for Clean Edges
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the sides. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also allows for effortless lifting and cleaner slicing once the bars are cool. Parchment is especially helpful for preserving the soft structure of these delicate bars and avoiding any mess at the bottom of the pan.
3. Let Them Cool Completely Before Slicing
Patience is essential. The bars need to cool fully to room temperature before slicing. This allows the center to set, ensuring the bars hold their shape. If cut too soon, they may crumble or appear underdone—even if fully baked. A completely cooled bar rewards you with a perfect, clean square every time.
What to Serve with 45-Minute Lemon Dessert Bars
1. Fresh Berries and Mint
Pair these zesty lemon bars with a bowl of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. The tartness of the lemon balances beautifully with the sweetness of ripe berries, while a few mint leaves add a refreshing finish that elevates the dessert’s presentation.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or tangy frozen yogurt offers a dreamy contrast to the light, sponge-like texture of the bars. The cold, creamy element enhances each bite and makes this quick treat feel like a plated, restaurant-worthy dessert.
3. Sweet Tea or Sparkling Lemonade
Complement the citrusy flavor of these bars with a chilled glass of sweet tea or homemade sparkling lemonade. The acidity and effervescence refresh the palate, making them the ideal companion drinks for this summery dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Yes, cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling work wonderfully as substitutes. Just ensure the texture is similar to lemon pie filling for best results.
Do I need to prepare the angel food cake mix according to the box?
No, use the dry cake mix as is. Simply combine it directly with the pie filling—no eggs or water needed.
How should I store leftover lemon bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment.
Why are my bars too soft or undercooked?
If the center is too jiggly, they likely need more baking time. Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes but don’t hesitate to extend the baking up to 40 minutes until the top is golden and set.
45-Minute Lemon Dessert Bars
Ingredients
- 22 ounces lemon pie filling 1 jar or can
- 16 ounces angel food cake mix 1 box
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire contents of the angel food cake mix with the lemon pie filling. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes foamy and smooth in texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the corners.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking at the 30-minute mark, but continue baking until the surface is golden and firm to the touch with no wobble in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.