Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
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Calling all lemon lovers! Bursting with bright lemony flavor and a light cake-like texture, these Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are the ultimate guilt free tart and tangy sweet treat! Made with just a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling, this easy-peasy recipe is sure to add a little citrusy sunshine to your world!
Fat Free Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
If you love indulging in traditional lemon bars but don’t love all the extra calories or fat they contain, then you are going to fall head over heels for this two ingredient lemon bars recipe! It’s a scrumptious fat-free version of classic lemon bars that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. They have all the same bright and tangy lemony goodness that melts right in your mouth without any of the guilt!
And just like the name says, you can whip these little bites of sunshine together with just 2 ingredients in a few simple steps! The magic of this yummy recipe lies in the combination of angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling, which comes together to create lemon bars with a light cake-like texture that will leave you in awe. So, grab a box of cake mix and a can of pie filling, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistibly tart and tasty treats.
Why You’ll Love These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
- 2 Ingredient Recipe! This is a hassle-free dessert recipe that delivers on convenience without compromising on taste. With just a box of cake mix and lemon pie filling, you can make a batch of these easy lemon bars with very little effort.
- Bright Lemony Deliciousness! These sweet treats offer a burst tart and tangy flavor with every bite! The luscious lemon pie filling paired with the light and airy angel food cake mix creates super yummy lemon bars with a cake-like texture.
- Family Favorite! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even a homemade gift, these two ingredient lemon bars are easy to make and transport! And with their vibrant visual appeal and amazing flavor, no one will believe that they are fat-free!
- Angel Food Cake Mix – Any brand of store-bought angel food cake mix will do the trick. You can also use lemon cake mix for an extra burst of lemony flavor. However, the bars will turn out a little denser.
- Lemon Pie Filling – The key ingredient! Lemon spread and lemon curd are other options if you can’t find lemon pie filling.
This super simple lemon bar recipe eliminates the need for a bunch of ingredients or a long list of steps. It’s a quick and fuss-free way to satisfy your lemon cravings with minimal effort, resulting in a delightful fat-free dessert!
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Then line a deep 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking. You also want to leave some of the parchment hanging over the sides of the pan for easy removal once the bars are baked.
Next, put the angel food cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Then add the lemon pie filling and whisk the mixture together until it’s well combined. You’ll notice the batter starting to foam, which is completely normal and what gives the lemon bars their light texture.
After you make the batter, pour it into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the bars for about 30 to 40 minutes. When they are done the top will be golden brown and the batter will have set.
Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan. This will allow them to set and firm up a bit. Then lift the lemon angel food cake bars out of the pan with the parchment paper. Now, cut the bars into squares to serve and sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While the angel food cake mix contributes to the light texture of the bars, you can experiment with other flavors. Just keep in mind that this will change the final texture of your bars.
Why did my lemon bars not set?
The main cause of runny lemon bars is due to underbaking. You need to make sure that they are fully baked before you remove them from the oven.
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling for these lemon bars?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can easily substitute the lemon pie filling with any other pie filling flavor you prefer, such as cherry, blueberry, or apple.
Can I add toppings to these lemon bars?
Yes, feel free to add any toppings that complement the flavor. Powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest can make these simple bars look and taste more gourmet.
Expert Tips
- Monitor the baking time. Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re in the oven as baking times can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark, but be prepared to bake them for up to 40 minutes.
- Let them cool in the pan. You need to let the lemon bars cool in the pan and set a bit before removing them or they can fall apart.
- Add some zest. Mix some fresh lemon zest into the batter to enhance the lemon flavor and give the bars an added touch of refinement.
- Create new flavors. Make these tart citrusy bars with key lime pie filling or pineapple pie filling. Just make sure that your filling of choice has the same consistency as lemon pie filling.
Storage
Leftover two ingredient lemon bars can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s also possible to store leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Other Delicious Lemon Desserts To Try
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Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
Video
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Angel Food Cake (1 box)
- 22 ounce lemon pie filling (1 can or 1 jar of lemon spread)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a deep 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, empty the contents of the box of angel food cake and to it add the lemon pie filling. Whisk it until it's well incorporated, you'll notice it start to foam slightly.
- Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. I lean more towards the 40-minute mark because at 30 minutes, I've found that it's usually not done yet. But feel free to check at 30 minutes and adjust accordingly.
Notes
- Baking Time: Baking times can vary based on individual ovens, so keep a close eye on your bars around the 30-minute mark. They should have a golden-brown top and should not jiggle when lightly shaken.
- Mixing: Make sure to thoroughly mix the angel food cake mix and lemon filling to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- Variations: You can easily swap out the lemon pie filling for other flavors like cherry or blueberry for a fun twist.
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures a clean cut and allows the bars to set properly.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust the bars with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
