Two Ingredient Lemon Bars (Easy Lemon Cake Mix Bars)
These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are soft, fluffy, and packed with bright lemon flavor. Made with just angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, this easy dessert comes together in minutes and bakes into the perfect sweet and tangy treat.
This is one of those recipes I almost didn’t believe would work the first time I made it.
Two ingredients? That’s it?
It felt like one of those things that sounds a little too easy, but I had everything on hand and figured I’d try it anyway. And now it’s one of those recipes I keep tucked away for when I need something quick but still want it to feel like a real dessert.
These lemon bars come out so soft and light, almost like a cross between a cake and a classic lemon bar. They’ve got that bright, fresh lemon flavor, but they’re also sweet enough to feel like a treat without being too heavy.
The first time I made these, I set the pan out to cool and came back to find a corner already missing before I even cut them properly. That’s always how I know something’s worth making again.
What I really love about this recipe is how simple it is. No complicated steps, no long ingredient list, and no overthinking. Just mix, bake, and you’re done.
It’s the kind of dessert that works for everything, last-minute get-togethers, something to bring to a potluck, or just when you want something sweet without making a whole production out of it.
And once you make it once, it’s one of those recipes you don’t even need to look up again.
What Are Two Ingredient Lemon Bars?
Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are an easy dessert made by combining angel food cake mix with lemon pie filling to create a light, fluffy, and flavorful baked bar.
Unlike traditional lemon bars that have separate crust and filling layers, this version bakes into one soft, airy layer with a bright lemon flavor throughout.
They’re a shortcut-style dessert that still delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 main ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Light, fluffy texture
- Bright lemon flavor
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for last-minute desserts
When To Serve This Recipe
These lemon bars are perfect for:
- Summer desserts
- Potlucks
- Baby showers
- Brunch
- Quick family desserts
- Holiday trays
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) angel food cake mix
This is what gives the bars their light, fluffy texture. Make sure it’s the kind that only requires water — but you won’t be adding any.
1 (21–22 oz) lemon pie filling
Adds all the lemon flavor and moisture. This is what transforms the mix into a soft, cake-like bar.
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, fruit, mint, lemon slices
These aren’t required, but they add extra flavor and make the bars look even better when serving.
How To Make Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently stir together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
- Mix until just combined, do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Substitutions
Lemon pie filling → try cherry, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling
Angel food cake mix → must use this type for the recipe to work
Powdered sugar → optional or swap with glaze
Variations
Berry Lemon Bars
Swirl in fresh berries before baking.
Extra Lemon Flavor
Add lemon zest to the batter.
Glazed Lemon Bars
Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Coconut Lemon Bars
Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking.
Tips & Tricks
Use the correct cake mix, this matters.
Do not add water even if the box says to.
Mix gently to keep the texture light.
Let cool completely before slicing.
Storage + Make Ahead Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These can be made a day ahead and still taste great.
You can refrigerate them for a slightly denser texture.
FAQs
Why do I need to use a specific angel food cake mix?
Angel food cake mix is key to this recipe because it already contains the right balance of ingredients to create a light, airy texture. Using a different cake mix won’t give you the same results, and the bars may turn out dense or not set properly.
Do I really not add water to the cake mix?
Yes, that’s correct. Even though the box instructions call for water, you skip it in this recipe. The lemon pie filling provides all the moisture needed, and adding water would make the batter too thin.
Can I use homemade lemon filling instead of canned?
You can, but it needs to be thick enough to match the consistency of canned pie filling. If it’s too thin, the bars may not set properly.
Why are my lemon bars sticky on top?
These bars naturally have a slightly sticky top because of the sugar and filling. Letting them cool completely helps them firm up, and dusting with powdered sugar helps balance that texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double it and bake it in a larger pan or two pans. Just make sure not to overcrowd one dish, or it may not bake evenly.
Serving Ideas
Serve these lemon bars with:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Ice cream
- Lemon slices
Two Ingredient Lemon Bars (Easy Lemon Cake Mix Bars)
These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are to so delicious, full of refreshing lemon flavor and so easy to make! You only need two ingredients lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. These make the most luscious lemon bars that are ready in just 30 minutes. This is such a great recipe to have on hand and you can top it with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fruit or anything you like!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) box angel food cake mix
- 21-22 ounce lemon pie filling
- Powdered sugar, whipped cream, mint, lemon for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray and or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl using a spoon gently mix together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
- Once combined spread the batter out into the pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Set aside to cool.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
- You can add lemon zest if you like.
- Make sure your angel food cake mix only calls for water, that is the kind you need to use. But do not add any water.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 6Total Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gProtein: 0g
The nutrition information provided on this website is an estimate and is offered as a courtesy. Nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, brands, substitutions, and portion sizes. Any nutrition calculations are generated using an online calculator and should not be considered a guarantee.I am not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, and the information on this site is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific dietary needs or health concerns.
If you love these 2 ingredient lemon bars, here are some more easy dessert recipes that are perfect when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss!
- Lemon Icebox Cake — Creamy, cool, and packed with bright lemon flavor, this easy no-bake dessert is perfect for warm days.
- No Bake Creamsicle Lush Cake — Sweet orange flavor layered into a creamy, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
- Cherry Limeade Poke Cake — Bright, fruity, and full of sweet and tart flavor, this colorful dessert is always a crowd favorite.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake — An easy, sweet dessert with layers of strawberry and creamy cheesecake flavor baked into one irresistible dish.
- No Bake Rainbow Sherbet Cheesecake Bars — Creamy, colorful bars packed with fruity flavor that are fun, easy, and perfect for sharing.
- Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies — Soft, easy cookies made with simple ingredients for a lighter twist on a classic favorite.
These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are one of those recipes that proves simple can still be really good. They’re easy, quick, and something you can throw together anytime you need a dessert without overthinking it.
And once you see how easy they are, you’ll probably end up making them more often than you planned.
