Light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these Lemon Cake Bars are the ultimate quick dessert. Made with just two simple ingredients, they’re the perfect treat when you’re short on time but crave something delicious and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Requires just two ingredients—no need for a long shopping list.
Perfectly tangy and sweet, combining the airy texture of angel food cake with the brightness of lemon.
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute dessert.
Versatile enough to enjoy plain or dressed up with powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Stores well for easy snacking or sharing throughout the week.
Ingredients
1 box angel food cake mix
1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix with the lemon pie filling. I like to mix gently until everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. For extra indulgence, I love to dust them with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Lemon-Glazed: Drizzle the cooled bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and tang.
Berry Bliss: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
Coconut Lemon Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the batter before baking for a tropical flair.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free angel food cake mix if needed.
Extra Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for an even more pronounced citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: While these are best enjoyed fresh, I like to warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a slightly fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
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FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, but the texture might differ. Angel food cake mix is light and airy, which pairs perfectly with the lemon pie filling.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste just as good, if not better, the next day. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I add toppings?
Definitely! Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a lemon glaze are great choices to elevate the flavor.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, I recommend greasing or lining the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I use fresh lemon filling instead of canned?
Yes, fresh lemon filling works wonderfully if you have the time to make it. Just ensure it’s a similar consistency to the canned version.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cake Bars are a delightful treat that balances tangy and sweet flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple dessert at home, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Give them a try—I’m sure you’ll love their zesty charm as much as I do.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Cake Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these Lemon Cake Bars are an easy dessert made with just two ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, they’re tangy, sweet, and ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
1 box angel food cake mix
1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges pull slightly away from the pan.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Slice into squares and serve. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
For added zest, mix a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter.
These bars can be topped with a lemon glaze, shredded coconut, or fresh berries for variations.
Ensure the angel food cake mix is a one-step variety (no additional ingredients needed).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: Approximately 140 kcal per bar
