These Two Ingredient Lemon Bars are the easiest dessert you’ll ever make — soft, tangy, and bursting with lemon flavor. All you need are two simple ingredients to create a light, chewy treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, bake sales, or when you just need a quick sweet fix without the fuss.
I discovered this recipe on a day when I wanted something citrusy but didn’t have the patience for a full homemade lemon bar. With only a box of angel food cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling in the pantry, I decided to experiment — and the result was magic. The bars came out golden, fluffy, and perfectly zesty. Now, this has become my go-to “lazy day” dessert that never fails to impress.
Recipe Info
Cuisine: American / Quick Dessert
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: ~160 per bar
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz / 450 g) angel food cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) lemon pie filling
(Optional: powdered sugar for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir gently until well blended — the batter will be fluffy and light.
3. Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
4. Cool and Slice
Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter — gentle stirring keeps it airy.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Chill before serving for a firmer texture.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other pie fillings?
A: Yes! Cherry, blueberry, or pineapple pie filling works well for fun variations.
Q: Can I use regular cake mix instead of angel food?
A: Not for this recipe — angel food cake mix is what gives it that fluffy, airy texture.
Q: Why do my bars look gooey in the middle?
A: That’s normal! They firm up as they cool. Just be sure they’re fully baked around the edges.
Q: Can I add toppings?
A: Definitely. Try a light lemon glaze, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Q: How can I make them less sweet?
A: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest to balance the flavor.
Two Ingredient Lemon Bars
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
bars5
minutes30
minutes160
kcalIngredients
1 box (16 oz / 450 g) angel food cake mix
1 can (21 oz / 595 g) lemon pie filling
(Optional: powdered sugar for dusting)
Directions
- 1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. - 2. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. Stir gently until well blended — the batter will be fluffy and light. - 3. Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. - 4. Cool and Slice
Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pro Tips
Don’t overmix the batter — gentle stirring keeps it airy.
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Chill before serving for a firmer texture.