Indulge in the irresistible taste of tangy sweetness with our lemon bars made from cake mix! Discover a delightful combination of zesty lemon flavor and buttery crust in this simple dessert.
We’re taking a shortcut by using cake mix to make these tangy lemon bars even easier to prepare!
These amazing lemon bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery and tender texture.
Can you make lemon bars with cake mix?
Yes, you can make lemon bars with cake mix! Using cake mix simplifies the baking process to create delicious lemon bars with a buttery and tender texture.
The crust, made from the cake mix, is soft and slightly crumbly, providing a delicious base for the zesty lemon filling. The filling itself is bright and refreshing, with a vibrant lemon flavor that is both tart and sweet. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness, perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of the crust.
With its irresistible combination of big lemon flavor and buttery cake-like texture, these Easy Lemon Bars are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, this great recipe is the perfect solution.
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.
Once the tangy lemon bar cake is cool,
Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the bars after they cool for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
Cut into lemon squares.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing, cool treat.
Try These Recipes:
- Easy Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Dessert Recipes Using Cool Whip
- Cake Mix Cookies
- Delicious Recipes for Lemon Desserts
- Funfetti Sheet Cake
- Lemon Cake Recipe
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 raspberry 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.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh lemon juice for bottled lemon juice?
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.
How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
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.
Do I have to use a lemon cake mix for cake mix lemon bars?
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.
How do you cut lemon bars from cake mix?
Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the baking dish before attempting to cut them. Using a sharp knife to cut the lemon bars. Between cuts, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any sticky residue. Make sure to slice straight down, applying even pressure from top to bottom. For particularly soft or gooey lemon bars, chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting. Chilling firms up the filling and makes it easier to achieve clean cuts.
Can you freeze lemon bars?
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.
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