Lemon Bars with Cake Mix – Quick & Easy Dessert Recipe
This Lemon Bars with Cake Mix recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tangy, sweet dessert.
With just a few simple ingredients, you get a light and airy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Using cake mix saves time and effort, while still delivering a satisfying result.
These bars are refreshing, kid-friendly, and always a hit, making them great for parties, snacks, or casual desserts.
For more easy dessert ideas, check out other fun and simple recipes to try!
What makes a good lemon bar?
A good lemon bar has a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a smooth, custardy lemon filling set on a firm, buttery crust. The filling should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too dry, while the crust should be crisp and buttery. The texture should be smooth, not too runny or too thick.
Print the recipe card below and gather your ingredients first:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine a box of lemon cake mix, eggs, and softened butter to form a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan, then bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Once done, let the bars cool.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice, then drizzle it on top.
- After they cool, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar, cut into squares, and chill for a cool treat.
Once the lemon bars are baked and cooled, place them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling them enhances the flavor and gives them a firmer texture.
Yes, powdered sugar is often sprinkled on top of lemon bars after they cool. It adds a sweet finishing touch that contrasts nicely with the tartness of the lemon filling and makes the bars look more appealing. It’s a simple and traditional way to enhance the flavor and appearance.
To make lemon bars less gooey, ensure that you bake them long enough for the filling to set completely, but not so long that it becomes too firm. Always allow the bars to cool completely before slicing, as they continue to set as they cool.
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors even improve after a day or two in the fridge.
Yes! To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
PYREX Baking Dish 9×13, 1 EA
Baking Troubleshooting Guide
If you love lemon desserts, be sure to check out our favorite recipes like a tangy lemon bundt cake or easy lemon blueberry cheesecake bars — perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Lemon Bars with 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
Instructions
- 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
- Once the tangy lemon bar cake is cool, cut into lemon squares.