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
- 1 (15.25 oz/432 g) box lemon cake mix
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F for consistent heat distribution.
- Pan Setup: Completely grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Doneness Check: Test cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean without any raw batter residue.
- 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.
- 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