Name: Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487488H48M2S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15–16 oz) angel food cake mix; 1 can (21 oz) lemon pie filling

Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

August 10, 2025

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a homemade dessert but didn’t have the time (or the patience) to gather a long list of ingredients, these Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars are about to become your new go-to treat. With just a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, you can whip up a light, fluffy, and wonderfully tangy dessert in under an hour—no fancy tools, no complicated steps, and no stress.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The angel food cake brings that airy texture we love, while the lemon pie filling delivers a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert you can throw together for unexpected guests, a school bake sale, or just because you deserve a little something sweet. Once you see how quick and foolproof it is, you’ll keep these two ingredients stocked in your pantry at all times.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Easy to Make – This recipe requires only two ingredients and one bowl. It’s practically impossible to mess up, even if you’re new to baking.
Light and Fluffy Texture – The angel food cake mix ensures the bars are airy and soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Bright Lemon Flavor – The lemon pie filling adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite refreshing and irresistible.

Suitable For

These bars are perfect for so many occasions:

Busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert fix.
Potlucks and picnics where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Beginner bakers who want to build confidence with a guaranteed success recipe.

Ingredients for Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Core Ingredients

1 box angel food cake mix (15–16 oz) – This is the foundation of your bars, providing a light and airy texture.
1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz) – Sweet, tangy, and creamy, this is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe.

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re avoiding gluten, swap in a gluten-free angel food cake mix.
Want a richer lemon flavor? Use homemade lemon curd instead of store-bought pie filling.
Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.

Best Lemon Pie Filling for Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Not all lemon pie fillings are created equal. Look for one that has a natural lemon flavor, a smooth consistency, and a good balance between tartness and sweetness. Brands like Lucky Leaf and Comstock are popular for their reliable flavor, but if you prefer a homemade touch, you can use your own lemon curd—just keep in mind it will be slightly richer and more intense.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

Mixing bowl – Large enough to combine the cake mix and pie filling without spilling.
Spatula – Ideal for folding the batter gently.
9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for evenly baked bars.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Parchment paper – Makes it easy to lift the bars out in one piece.
Microplane – For adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top before serving.

How to Make Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

These bars come together so quickly that by the time your oven is preheated, your batter will already be ready to bake. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. If you choose parchment, leave a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out in one piece once they’ve cooled.

Step 2 – Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and the lemon pie filling. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently until no dry mix remains. The batter will be thick yet airy—this is exactly what you want. Resist the urge to overmix, as this can deflate the batter and affect the final texture.

Step 3 – Spread and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 4 – Cool and Slice

Once baked, place the dish on a wire rack and let it cool completely. This step is important—if you cut them too soon, they can become messy and lose their shape. Once cooled, slice into bars of your preferred size.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter. Gentle folding keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Check for doneness early. Every oven runs a little differently, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.
Make it more zesty. Stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest before baking for a brighter flavor.
Dress them up. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze after cooling.

How to Store Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars

At Room Temperature

Place bars in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. This is perfect if you’re serving them shortly after baking.

In the Refrigerator

To extend freshness, refrigerate the bars in a covered container for up to 5 days. This also helps them firm up slightly for cleaner slices.

Freezing Tips

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use a gluten-free angel food cake mix and proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pie filling?
Absolutely. Homemade lemon curd will give a richer, more intense lemon flavor. Just note that it may be slightly denser than canned filling.

Why did my bars sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or the bars are underbaked. Make sure the center is set before removing from the oven.

How do I make them extra tangy?
Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter before baking.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars, you might enjoy these other sweet treats:

Peach Dump Cake – A quick and fruity dessert with minimal ingredients.
Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes – Light cupcakes bursting with citrus and berry flavor.
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes – A tropical twist on a classic dessert.

Conclsion

These Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars are proof that great desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and under an hour of your time, you can have a tray of sweet, tangy bars ready to share—or keep all to yourself. Once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite for busy families, casual get-togethers, and lemon lovers everywhere.