Zesty Lemon Cake Bars Recipe: Bright & Irresistible Treats

Summers call for zesty desserts that burst with citrusy lemon cake bars that dance on your taste buds.

These delightful treats promise a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

A creamy, soft base meets bright lemon notes in every delectable bite.

Each bar delivers a sunshine-like warmth with its vibrant citrus essence.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create an irresistible dessert that sparks joy.

Light, refreshing, and wonderfully simple, these bars will become your new favorite afternoon indulgence.

Prepare to savor a slice of lemony bliss that’s sure to impress.

Serve With Powdered Sugar or Fruit Garnish

• Zesty Picnic Perfect: Pack these lemon bars in a cute container for outdoor lunches and summer gatherings. They're portable, lightweight, and guaranteed to bring sunshine to any meal.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these bars on delicate china plates alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey tea. The citrusy flavor complements traditional tea time treats beautifully.
• Dessert Bar Star: Create a DIY dessert station with these lemon bars as the centerpiece. Add small bowls of extra powdered sugar, fresh berries, and whipped cream for guests to customize their slice.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade gift. These treats make charming thank-you presents or thoughtful contributions to potluck events.

Store in the Fridge for a Quick Snack

• Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen lemon bars stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving. Keep covered and chilled to maintain optimal moisture and flavor intensity. Room temperature serving works best after 15-20 minutes of resting.
• Cut bars into uniform squares for easy grab-and-go treats. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for crisp, neat edges. Small portions help control dessert enjoyment while preventing waste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like vanilla or white cake mix. However, the lemon flavor might be less intense compared to using a lemon cake mix.

• Do I need any additional eggs or oil?

No, the lemon pie filling provides enough moisture and binding for the cake bars. You don’t need to add extra eggs or oil to the recipe.

• How do I know when the cake bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake bars are done. The edges should also look lightly golden.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure your lemon pie filling is also gluten-free. These substitutions will help you create a gluten-free version of the cake bars.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 152 kcal

Servings: 12

Lemon Bar Ingredient Checklist

• Lemon Cake Mix: Provides the foundational sweet and tangy flavor with convenient pre-mixed dry ingredients that ensure consistent texture and simplifies the baking process. Select a reputable brand with vibrant lemon essence.
• Lemon Pie Filling: Adds moisture, intense citrus punch, and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose a high-quality filling with natural lemon zest for deeper flavor complexity.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, elegant dusting that enhances visual appeal and adds subtle sweetness. Select fine-grain sugar for smooth, even coverage.
• Simple Glaze: Delivers extra moisture and decorative shine to elevate the dessert's presentation. Can be customized with additional lemon juice for enhanced tanginess.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, protecting the delicate cake bars from breaking during extraction. Use unbleached, high-quality paper for best results.
• Baking Pan: Provides the structural framework for creating uniform, perfectly shaped bars. Choose a sturdy, light-colored pan for even heat distribution.

Tools to Make These Simple Yet Tangy Bars

• Large mixing bowl: perfect for combining cake mix and pie filling smoothly.
• Spatula: helps spread batter evenly in the pan.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: ideal size for this cake bar recipe.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: prevents sticking and makes removing bars easier.
• Toothpick: checks cake doneness by testing center for clean insertion.
• Measuring cups: ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Powdered sugar sifter (optional): creates nice dusting effect on finished bars.

Bake Cake Bars That Only Need Two Ingredients

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get your baking pan ready by giving it a quick spray of cooking oil or lining it with parchment paper.

• Whip Together the Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir everything until it’s totally combined – expect a super thick batter that looks deliciously creamy.

• Spread the Goodness

Pour that zesty mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula, making sure every corner gets some love.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick comes out clean when you poke the center.

• Cool and Decorate

Let the cake chill completely in the pan. When it’s cooled down, feel free to dust it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle on a quick glaze if you’re feeling fancy. Slice into bars and enjoy your tangy treat!

Tips for Getting a Soft, Even Texture

• Prepare these lemon bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to enhance their flavor and moisture.
• Swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the batter for an extra punch of citrusy brightness and more intense lemon flavor.
• Top the cooled bars with a cream cheese frosting or a light lemon cream for added richness and complexity.
• Use a sugar-free cake mix and low-sugar pie filling to create a lighter version of this simple dessert for those watching their sugar intake.

Tangy Lemon Cake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lemon cake bars with just two ingredients offer a delightful shortcut to dessert bliss. Simple pantry staples create a zesty, moist treat that delights with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15.25 oz/432 g) box lemon cake mix
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can lemon pie filling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F for consistent heat distribution.
2. Pan Setup: Completely grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking.
3. Batter Creation: Combine lemon cake mix and lemon pie filling in a large mixing bowl, blending thoroughly until a uniform, smooth consistency emerges with no dry ingredients visible.
4. Baking Process: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and creating a level surface. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Doneness Check: Test cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean without any raw batter residue.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the pan. Once cooled, slice into precise rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
7. Optional Finishing: Elevate presentation by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling a light citrus glaze across the surface for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Optimize Mixing Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate dry mix clumps, ensuring a smooth, consistent batter that guarantees uniform texture and flavor distribution.
• Temperature Control Matters: Keep oven rack centered and precisely at 350°F to prevent uneven baking, which could result in dry edges or undercooked centers.
• Prevent Sticking Strategically: Use generous cooking spray and flour coating to effortlessly release cake bars without breaking or crumbling during removal.
• Cooling Crucial for Texture: Allow cake to cool completely in pan, which helps structure set properly and prevents crumbling when cutting into bars.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 302 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg