2 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe

If you’re obsessed with easy desserts that taste bakery-level—without the fuss—these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are about to become your new sunshine-filled favorite! With a soft, fluffy texture and a bright, tangy lemon flavor, they come together with only two pantry staples and zero hassle.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is where the magic happens—just two essential ingredients combine to create these dreamy 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. Each one plays a starring role in giving you that signature texture and lemony burst you crave, so use the best you can!

• Angel Food Cake Mix (16 oz.): This is the secret to the airy, cloudlike texture. The egg whites and leaveners in the mix create all the lift and chew of classic lemon bars without extra steps!
• Lemon Pie Filling (21 oz.): Tangy, sweet, and glossy, lemon pie filling gives these bars their punchy citrus flavor (and gorgeous golden hue). Go for your favorite brand for the brightest taste.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Optional, but a gentle snowfall of powdered sugar before serving makes these bars look as irresistible as they taste!

Variations

One of my favorite things about 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars is how ridiculously easy they are to customize. You can swap the filling, jazz up the presentation, or lean into different diet-friendly twists to make them truly your own.

• Tropical Twist: Try pineapple pie filling in place of lemon for a sunny, tangy change that tastes like vacation in every bite!
• Key Lime Dream: Substitute with key lime pie filling, or even a jar of store-bought lime curd, for a cool, tart variation with a pastel green pop.
• Berry Burst: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of blueberry or raspberry preserves before baking for a sweet-tart berry surprise throughout your bars.
• Gluten-Free Option: Many stores carry gluten-free angel food cake mixes—just pair it with your favorite gluten-free pie filling to keep things celiac-friendly.

How to Make 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

First, set your oven to 350°F and let it heat up while you grab your ingredients. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, or lightly grease with shortening, to make sure those tender bars release perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Batter

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the angel food cake mix and then add the full can of lemon pie filling. Gently combine these with a spoon or spatula until just mixed—you want the batter to be well-blended, but don’t over-mix or use a whisk, or you’ll lose that heavenly cake fluffiness!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan. Pop it onto the center oven rack and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is risen and lightly browned. The kitchen will absolutely smell like a lemon orchard right about now!

Step 4: Cool Completely and Dust

Set the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool for 1–2 hours (I know, waiting is the hardest part). Once cool, dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and marvel at your citrusy, cloud-soft masterpiece!

How to Serve 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars

Garnishes

For that classic bakery look, a sprinkling of powdered sugar is all you need. For an extra flourish, try a few curls of lemon zest or a small twist of candied lemon peel on each bar—these little touches make them almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

Side Dishes

These bars are lovely as a standalone treat, but they totally shine alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of softly whipped cream. For brunch, pair them with a platter of fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bars into mini squares for bite-sized party nibbles, or serve larger pieces on vintage dessert plates for a tea party feel. Stack them on a tiered tray with edible flowers or ribboned lemon zest for eye-catching dessert table style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are just as delightful the next day! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week to maintain their pillowy texture.

Freezing

Want to make bars ahead of time or save some for a lemony emergency? Pop cooled bars (with parchment or wax paper between layers) into a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

Lemon bars are fantastic straight from the fridge, but if you like them with a bit of warmth, a quick zap in the microwave (5–10 seconds per square) will refresh their just-baked softness—just wait to dust with powdered sugar until after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Seriously, if you’re craving sweet, citrusy comfort with shockingly little effort, these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are your answer. I hope you’ll give them a try—let their bright flavor and cloud-soft texture put an instant smile on your face (and everyone else’s at the table)!

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