Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

When it comes to pure dessert joy with absolute minimal effort, nothing beats the Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe. Imagine zesty lemon sunshine and fluffy, sweet cake joining forces to become a treat that’s vibrant in flavor and feather-light in texture. This is the kind of recipe you can whip up at the last minute and still impress everyone at the table. With only common pantry staples, you’ll have chewy, tangy bars that will vanish in a flash, whether it’s a potluck or a cozy night at home with family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Just two ingredients, but both are key players: one lends an airy structure and gentle sweetness, while the other delivers luscious lemon flavor with a creamy tang. Trust me, there’s no cheating taste with these classics!

• Angel Food Cake Mix: Pick the one-step, just-add-water style for a cloudlike crumb that lifts the lemon right off your spoon.
• Lemon Pie Filling (21 ounces): This provides an assertive citrus burst and creamy texture—the ultimate shortcut to bright, sunny flavor.

How to Make Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Cake Mix and Lemon Filling

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Don’t overmix—use a spatula to blend only until the ingredients are smoothly incorporated and no dry patches remain. You’ll see the mixture start to puff and look light, thanks to the cake mix’s natural lift!

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it, or line with parchment paper for the easiest removal later. Pour your lemony batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it out gently to each corner for even baking.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan into your oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and springs back lightly to the touch. Your kitchen will fill with the happiest, sweetest citrus aroma!

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let your lemon bars cool completely in the pan to set their unique airy texture. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars—the clean lines really showcase the vibrant yellow and fluffy crumb of this Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe.

How to Serve Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of powdered sugar will make these lemon bars look like bakery magic, while a thin lemon slice on each bar adds a pop of fresh color. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of fresh berries takes this Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe to the next level.

Side Dishes

Serve your lemon bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. For a spring gathering, try pairing with fruit salad or a chilled glass of iced tea—these bars are the sunny star of the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a pretty platter for sharing, or tuck parchment squares between each for an irresistible lunchbox treat. Want to wow your guests? Cut the bars into mini bites and arrange on a tiered tray for tea parties or showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavor stays bright and they hold onto that incredible soft texture!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe, wrap individual bars in wax paper and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just what you need for sweet-tooth emergencies.

Reheating

For a warm bite, set a lemon bar on a plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds. It revives the fluffiness and brings out all that sunny lemon fragrance.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Absolutely! While lemon keeps it classic, you can experiment with cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie fillings for a fruity twist on this Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe.

Does it matter which brand of angel food cake mix I use?

Any just-add-water, one-step angel food cake mix works beautifully. The key is not to use a mix that requires separating eggs or additional steps—simplicity is our secret weapon.

Can I add extra lemon zest or juice?

A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest folded into the batter gives a zippier punch of citrus, and a little lemon juice brightens the flavor even more. Just don’t add too much liquid; a teaspoon or two is plenty!

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper or giving it a good spray with nonstick baking spray will ensure easy removal and picture-perfect lemon bars.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

They’re perfectly fine at room temperature for a couple of days, but if your kitchen is warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly amazing how two common ingredients can deliver such sunshine-in-every-bite flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, I can’t recommend this Easy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe enough—it’s a treat worth coming back to time and again. Try it soon, and watch the smiles appear!

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