Try This Amazing 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars 🍋😋

When it comes to desserts, simplicity and deliciousness often seem like a trade-off.

However, there’s a magical recipe that defies this notion: the 2-ingredient lemon bars.

These delightful treats are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver a burst of zesty flavor that can rival any complex dessert.

Ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned professionals looking for a quick fix, these lemon bars will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Let’s dive into how these two simple ingredients can come together to create such a mouth-watering dessert.

Ingredients

The star of this show is the unexpected combination of two humble ingredients: lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix.

Both ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets and are often overlooked in favor of more complicated components.

However, their simplicity is precisely what makes this recipe so appealing.

1. Lemon Pie Filling

Lemon pie filling is the primary source of flavor in these lemon bars.

This ready-made filling offers a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy taste, capturing the essence of fresh lemons without the need for extensive preparation.

Typically found in the baking aisle, lemon pie filling is a convenient way to infuse your dessert with the vibrant flavor of citrus.

It’s thick, creamy, and has the right amount of tartness to complement the sweetness of the cake mix.

2. Angel Food Cake Mix

Angel food cake mix is the foundation of this dessert, providing the light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy lemon filling.

This type of cake mix is unique because it relies on beaten egg whites for its leavening, resulting in a fluffy and delicate cake.

The mix is usually low in fat and can be easily transformed into various desserts.

In this recipe, it acts as both the base and the structure, allowing the lemon flavor to shine through.

The Recipe

Creating these lemon bars is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The preparation process can be broken down into a few simple steps:

3. Preheat Your Oven

The first step in making these lemon bars is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake, allowing for even cooking and optimal texture.

Proper preheating is crucial for achieving the desired light and airy consistency of the bars.

4. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon pie filling and the angel food cake mix.

Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend the ingredients until they are well incorporated.

The mixture will become frothy and slightly thick, indicating that the two components are thoroughly combined.

The batter will have a light-yellow hue, hinting at the lemon flavor that awaits.

5. Prepare the Baking Dish

While you prepare the batter, take a moment to prepare your baking dish.

A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the batter to spread and rise evenly.

Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking.

This step ensures easy removal and clean-up after baking.

6. Pour and Spread the Batter

Once your baking dish is ready, pour the batter into the pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring that it reaches all corners of the dish.

This even distribution is important for uniform baking, allowing each piece to have the same delightful texture and flavor.

7. Bake the Lemon Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; they should rise and develop a light golden crust on top.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars.

If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready to be removed from the oven.

8. Cool Completely

After baking, allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish.

This cooling period is crucial for setting the texture and making them easier to cut.

Cooling on a wire rack helps speed up the process and ensures even cooling throughout the dessert.

9. Cut and Serve

Once the bars are fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.

Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain neat edges.

Serve the lemon bars on a platter or individually on dessert plates.

They can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Variations and Tips

While the basic 2-ingredient lemon bars are delightful on their own, there are several ways to elevate and customize this recipe to suit your preferences.

10. Add a Crust

If you prefer a bit more texture and complexity, consider adding a crust to your lemon bars.

A simple graham cracker or shortbread crust can be prepared and pre-baked before pouring the batter over it.

This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.

11. Incorporate Zest

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the zest of one or two lemons to the batter.

The zest contains essential oils that intensify the lemony taste, making the bars even more fragrant and flavorful.

Simply grate the outer peel of the lemon and mix it into the batter before baking.

12. Top with Glaze

A light lemon glaze can add an elegant touch to your lemon bars.

To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and allow it to set before cutting and serving.

This adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of lemony sweetness.

13. Serve with Berries

Pairing your lemon bars with fresh berries can create a visually appealing and delicious dessert. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the tangy lemon flavor and add a pop of color to your presentation. Simply arrange the berries around the bars or serve them on the side.