Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s bright, zesty, and irresistibly simple, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy angel food cake mingling with the tangy, luscious lemon pie filling to create a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. These bars are an absolute breeze to make, yet deliver a spectacularly fresh flavor that will light up your dessert table or afternoon tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a quick treat to brighten your day, this recipe is a total winner and sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few ingredients come together in a flash, yet each plays a vital role in the vibrant taste and light texture of the bars. The beauty of this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe is in how simple and straightforward it is, letting the bright lemony flavor shine through without any fuss.
- Angel food cake mix: This creates the airy, fluffy backbone of the bars, keeping them light and tender without heavy butter or eggs.
- Lemon pie filling: The star ingredient that brings a sweet and tangy punch, infusing the bars with unmistakable fresh lemon flavor and juicy texture.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar: Adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty finish to your bars.
- Whipped cream (optional): For those who want an extra creamy, dreamy element alongside their tangy lemon bites.
How to Make Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Before diving in, make sure your oven is roaring at 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the bars bake evenly, developing a gentle golden crust on top while keeping the inside tender and moist. Prepare your 9×13-inch pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine the Cake Mix and Lemon Filling
Gently stir together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling in a large bowl. This part is all about delicate folding — you want everything well blended but not overworked, to maintain that airy quality. You’ll notice the mix turning into a luscious batter that promises loads of lemon goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Spread Batter Evenly in the Pan
Pour your batter right into the prepared pan, then smooth it out with a spatula so it bakes evenly. This step ensures each bar has a uniform texture and thickness, which makes slicing a breeze once baked.
Step 4: Bake and Watch the Magic Happen
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars as the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. This is your signal that the lemon bars are perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Cooling completely is essential — it helps the bars set so they slice cleanly without crumbling. Once cooled, cut them into squares and get ready to savor that burst of lemony delight.
How to Serve Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the bars with a touch of sweetness and a charming snowy look. If you want to go the extra mile, a dollop of whipped cream or even a few fresh berries can add a creamy texture and pretty color contrast that will catch everyone’s eye.
Side Dishes
These Lemon Cake Bars pair beautifully with a light cup of tea, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even fresh fruit salad. Their refreshing citrus flavor cuts through richer accompaniments, making them perfect for both casual snacking and elegant gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the bars in a pretty glass trifle dish with whipped cream and lemon zest for a show-stopping dessert. Alternatively, package them in colorful boxes or decorative tins for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Lemon Cake Bars stay delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration up to 5 days keeps them moist and tasty — just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these lemony treats later? Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container; they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying their fresh-baked charm again.
Reheating
While these bars are lovely served chilled or at room temperature, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds can revive that freshly baked warmth perfectly. Pair with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an instant indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix instead of angel food cake mix?
Angel food cake mix is best for this recipe because it provides the light, airy texture that complements the lemon filling perfectly. Using other mixes might change the texture and overall sweetness, so stick with angel food mix for the best results.
Is the lemon pie filling already sweetened?
Yes, lemon pie filling is sweetened and thickened, which helps to balance the tartness of the lemon with the right amount of sweetness. It also adds a luscious, gooey texture that makes these bars truly irresistible.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, look for an angel food cake mix specifically labeled gluten-free and confirm the lemon pie filling contains no gluten additives. This way, you can enjoy these bars without any worries.
Why do the bars need to cool completely before slicing?
Cooling lets the batter set firmly, so when you slice the bars, they hold their shape nicely without crumbling or sticking. It just makes serving and eating much easier and more enjoyable.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans. Keep the same baking temperature but increase the baking time slightly, watching closely for that golden top and pulled-away edges as a cue that they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cake Bars Recipe is a delightful way to bring sunshine into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact. It’s perfect for gatherings, quick desserts, or whenever you need a little zesty pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of these bright, tender bars with all your favorite people!
Print
Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully tangy and airy lemon cake bars made with angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling. These light and fluffy bars are easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack, offering a burst of citrus flavor with a soft, moist texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake mix (approximately 16 ounces)
- 1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your lemon cake bars.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling until they are well incorporated. Be careful to avoid overmixing to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter: Pour the combined batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice into 16 squares. For extra indulgence, optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars light and fluffy.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Cooling completely before slicing helps maintain the bars’ structure.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream enhance flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
