The Viral 2-Ingredient Lemon Bars (The Easiest Dessert Ever!)
The Magic Duo: Your 2-Ingredient Shopping List. Combine a boxed cake mix with canned lemon pie filling for the fastest, fluffiest lemon bars ever. Optional powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons (for garnish)
- Nonstick baking spray (with flour, optional)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
The Magic Duo
- 1 box boxed cake mix 15.25 oz; Angel Food = lighter/fluffier, Yellow Cake = richer/moister
- 1 can canned lemon pie filling 21 oz; provides moisture, sugar, and lemon flavor
Optional Garnish
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat & prepare pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (baking spray with flour or grease + light flouring) for easy release.
- Make the 60-second batter: In a large bowl, combine the entire can of lemon pie filling and the dry cake mix. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Batter will be thick and lumpy; do not add eggs, oil, or water.
- Spread & bake: Spoon batter into pan and spread evenly to the corners (lightly grease spatula if sticky). Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick from center comes out clean.
- Cool, garnish & serve: Cool in pan on a wire rack 20–30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into 24 bars, and serve.
Notes
Time saver: This shortcut skips separate crust + curd steps and cuts active work by >90%. Angel food mix yields very light, spongy bars; yellow cake mix makes richer, cake-like bars. Store covered at room temp up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.