Easy and delicious cake mix lemon bars are the perfect dessert for lemon lovers. With a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, these tangy lemon bars come together in no time and are sure to impress anyone’s taste buds. This great recipe includes tips for enhancing the flavor, serving suggestions, and everything you need to know to make them perfectly every time.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and are a big fan of lemons, look no further than cake mix lemon bars. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and simple treat that still packs a flavorful punch.
With just a few ingredients, including using a cake mix to save time and effort in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of tangy easy lemon bars that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
These amazing lemon bars is a sweet and tangy dessert that has a crisp crust with a cake-like texture and a soft, creamy lemon filling.
The tangy and citrusy flavor of lemon bars makes them a refreshing popular dessert option, especially spring and summer gatherings, but can be enjoyed any time of year. Lemon bars are a classic dessert, making them a great option to serve at gatherings or parties such as brunches, picnics, potlucks and special occasions.
What Are Lemon Bars?
Lemon bars are an easy dessert recipe. A Traditional lemon bar is usually made from a shortbread crust that is topped with a tangy lemon filling and baked until set. In this recipe, we are swapping out the shortbread and making a cake mix crust. Lemon bars are often served chilled, dusted with powdered sugar, and cut into small squares.
How Do You Make Lemon Bars From Cake Mix?
Ingredients:
- 1 (15.25 oz.) box of lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and softened butter, mixing until the cake mixture forms a dough
Press the lemon dough into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges of the pan.
Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes, until the top begins to turn golden brown.
Allow the homemade lemon bars to cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Drizzle the lemon glaze on top of the cake.
See Also: Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars | Dessert Recipes Using Cool Whip | Cake Mix Cookies | Delicious Recipes for Lemon Desserts | Funfetti Sheet Cake | Lemon Cake Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks for best results when baking lemon bars
- Use a parchment paper-lined baking pan to make it easier to remove the bars.
- Add a pinch of salt to the cake mix to enhance the flavor of the lemon bars.
- Add some lemon zest to the batter to give the bars a more intense lemon flavor.
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the bars after they cool for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
- For a creamier texture, add some cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your oven’s temperature and characteristics. Keep an eye on the bars and check them frequently to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing, cool treat.
- Top the lemon bars with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for added flavor and texture.
Unique Ways to Serve Cake Mix Lemon Bars:
- Turn the lemon bars into a parfait by layering crumbled bars, whipped cream, and fresh berries in a glass.
- Make a lemon bar trifle by layering crumbled bars, whipped cream, and fresh fruit in a glass bowl.
- Top the lemon bars with a dollop of lemon curd or blackberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make a lemon bar ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two lemon bar slices.
- Cut the lemon bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them as finger food at a party.
Yes, freezing lemon bars is a great way to make them ahead of time or to save leftovers for later.
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely to room temperature. Cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles. Line an airtight container with wax or parchment paper and separate each layer with additional sheets. Label the container with the date and contents.
Lemon bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, remove the bars from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Lemon bars can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, if desired.
Yes, you can substitute fresh lemon juice for bottled lemon juice in a cake mix lemon bars recipe. Keep in mind that fresh lemon juice may even provide a more intense lemon flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. To substitute fresh lemon juice for bottled lemon juice, use the same amount of fresh juice as called for in the recipe.
Here are a few ways to determine if your lemon bars are done:
The edges of the bars should be slightly golden brown and pulling away from the sides of the pan. If the edges are still pale, the bars need more time.
The center of the bars should be set but still slightly soft to the touch. If it is still jiggly, it needs more time to bake.
Use the toothpick method – insert a toothpick into the center of the bars, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the bars are done. If it comes out wet, they need more time to bake.
The top of the bars should look dull and matte, not shiny or wet. If they look wet, they need more time to bake.
It’s important not to overbake the lemon bars, or they will become dry and hard. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of the baking time, and adjust the baking time as needed depending on your oven’s characteristics. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
While using a lemon cake mix can be a convenient way to add lemon flavor to your lemon bars, you don’t have to use a lemon cake mix. You can use a white or yellow cake mix as a base and add lemon zest or fresh lemon juice to achieve the desired lemon flavor.
Supplies for Lemon Bar Recipes
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Cake Mix Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz.) box of lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and softened butter, mixing until the cake mixture forms a dough.
Press the lemon dough into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges of the pan.
Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes, until the top begins to turn golden brown.
Allow the homemade lemon bars to cool.
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Drizzle the lemon glaze on top of the cake
Once the tangy lemon bar cake is cool, cut into lemon squares.
Enjoy!
Notes
Here are some tips and tricks for best results when baking lemon bars
- Use a parchment paper-lined baking pan to make it easier to remove the bars.
- Add a pinch of salt to the cake mix to enhance the flavor of the lemon bars.
- Add some lemon zest to the batter to give the bars a more intense lemon flavor.
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the bars after they cool for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
- For a creamier texture, add some cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- If you prefer a more tart lemon flavor, add less sugar to the recipe.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your oven's temperature and characteristics. Keep an eye on the bars and check them frequently to ensure they don't overcook.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing, cool treat.
- Top the lemon bars with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for added flavor and texture