Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe 🍋✨

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Absolutely! Let’s break this down even further and go into more detail about each step to ensure you get the best possible Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars every time. I’ll include tips and tricks to make the process even smoother, along with suggestions for variations and possible questions you might have.

Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe 🍋✨

These lemon bars are not only super simple but also a deliciously light, fluffy dessert with a tangy lemon flavor. What’s amazing about this recipe is that it requires only two ingredients, making it a perfect quick fix for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of lemon pie filling (21 oz or 425g)
    • The lemon pie filling will provide the tart, citrusy flavor and sweetness needed for the bars. It’s pre-cooked and already sweetened, so you don’t need any extra sugar or lemon juice. This also helps create the soft, gooey texture in the center of the bars.
  • 1 box of angel food cake mix (dry, unprepared)
    • The angel food cake mix is the magic ingredient that creates the fluffy, airy texture. You won’t need to add any eggs, oil, or other ingredients that usually go into making a cake. The dry mix, when combined with the lemon pie filling, will expand into a light, airy base for your bars.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put your bars in. This ensures that the batter cooks evenly and gets the right texture.
  • Tip: Place your oven rack in the center to promote even baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan:
  • Use a 9Ă—9-inch square pan. This size is ideal for this recipe because it gives the bars the right thickness. You can also use a 8Ă—8-inch pan if you want the bars to be a bit thicker.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. If you line it with parchment, you can easily lift the bars out once they’re cooled, making them easier to cut and serve. You can also use wax paper if you don’t have parchment.
  • Tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, make sure to grease the sides and bottom of the pan well with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
  • Combine the lemon pie filling and dry angel food cake mix in a large bowl. No need to prepare the cake mix—just pour it straight from the box.
  • Stir them together until completely combined. The mixture will be thick and a bit bubbly at first, but that’s totally normal.
  • Tip: Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to mix, as it helps keep the batter from splashing and ensures everything is incorporated properly.
4. Pour the Mixture into the Pan:
  • Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Make sure it’s smooth on top so the bars bake evenly.
  • Tip: If the batter is too thick and hard to spread, you can gently tap the pan on the countertop to help it settle into place.
5. Bake the Bars:
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F. You’ll see the batter puff up during baking. Don’t worry, it will deflate a little as it cools, giving you the perfect texture.
  • The top should be golden brown and slightly cracking when done. This is a good sign that the bars are cooked through and ready to cool.
  • Tip: Start checking the bars at 25 minutes. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done. If it’s still wet, let them bake for a few more minutes.
6. Cool and Serve:
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This step is important because the bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut into squares.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. The bars will be fluffy and light on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior.
  • Optional Step: Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and to make them look more polished. This is especially nice if you’re serving them for a special occasion.

Additional Tips and Variations:

  1. Texture and Consistency:
    • When baked, the bars should be light and airy with a slightly chewy center. The outside will form a nice, golden-brown crust while the inside remains soft and a little bit dense from the lemon filling.
    • If the bars came out too dry or too cakey, it could be due to overbaking. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time or check them at 22 minutes to make sure they don’t overcook.
  2. Extra Lemon Flavor:
    • To boost the lemon flavor, you could add a bit of lemon zest into the batter. A teaspoon of zest would enhance the citrusy aroma and flavor.
    • You can also drizzle a lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little lemon juice) on top after cooling for an extra zing.
  3. Texture Variations:
    • If you want a more cake-like bar, you can bake the mixture in a larger pan, such as a 13Ă—9 inch, and bake for a few minutes less to maintain the softness.
    • If you prefer a denser bar, try using a smaller pan (like an 8Ă—8 inch) for a thicker, fudgier result.
  4. Making Ahead:
    • These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
  5. Toppings:
    • You can top them with whipped cream or serve them alongside some fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor and a fresh pop of color.
    • Mint leaves also work as a beautiful garnish if you’re looking to add some greenery.
  6. Customization:
    • If you’re not a fan of lemon, you could substitute the lemon pie filling with orange pie filling for a citrus twist, or even cherry pie filling for a sweet, fruity variation.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • The angel food cake mix gives the bars their signature light and airy texture, while the lemon pie filling adds both sweetness and tartness, making the bars a perfect balance of flavors.
  • It’s an extremely simple recipe, but because of the combination of ingredients, it creates a delicious, almost sponge-cake-like texture without needing much effort.
  • These bars are incredibly versatile—you can make them more decorative by adding powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of glaze, or you can keep it simple for a no-fuss dessert!

Serving Suggestions:

  • These bars are great for any occasion! Serve them at a summer picnic, birthday party, or potluck. They’re so easy to make in a large batch and are always a hit!
  • They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade for a refreshing treat on a warm day.

In Summary:

The Two-Ingredient Lemon Bars are a perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. With just a can of lemon pie filling and a box of angel food cake mix, you can make a dessert that looks fancy and tastes amazing with minimal effort. Light, fluffy, and full of citrus flavor, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Enjoy your easy and delicious lemon bars! 🍋💛

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