There is something simply irresistible about a dessert that combines bright, zesty lemon with the light, airy texture of angel food cake. This Lemon Cake Bars Recipe offers just that: a delightful treat that feels like a sunny afternoon in every bite. Easy to make yet incredibly satisfying, these bars bring together just two main ingredients resulting in a luscious, tangy dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, afternoon snacks, or anytime you want a refreshing sweet fix. If you love vibrant citrus flavors paired with a tender crumb, you are going to adore this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Cake Bars Recipe relies on just a couple of pantry staples that come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays a key role whether it’s for moisture, flavor, or that perfectly soft texture that makes these bars stand out.
- Angel food cake mix: This is the base of the recipe, providing a light and fluffy structure that makes the bars tender and airy.
- Lemon pie filling: Bringing the signature tang and sweetness, this canned lemon filling infuses the bars with bright citrus flavor and a hint of gelled texture that sets perfectly when baked.
How to Make Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prep ensures the bars don’t stick and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the angel food cake mix and the lemon pie filling. It’s important to combine them just until blended—overmixing can affect the lightness you want in these bars.
Step 3: Transfer and Spread
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring consistent baking across the entire tray.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges begin to pull slightly away from the pan, signaling that the bars have set just right.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan. This step is essential for clean slices and helps the lemon filling to hold firm without becoming runny.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the bars into squares. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tart lemon flavor perfectly.
How to Serve Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to elevate these bars, but fresh lemon zest or a swirl of whipped cream adds an inviting look and enhances the citrus punch. A few fresh berries on the side also bring a beautiful pop of color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve your lemon cake bars alongside a cup of hot tea or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade for a refreshing pairing. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a creamy mascarpone spread to add richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving on a decorative platter for parties or afternoon tea. You can also layer them in a trifle with lemon curd and whipped cream for an impressive dessert that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lemon cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil to prevent drying. This brings back that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon pie filling with fresh lemon juice and zest?
While fresh lemon juice and zest add bright flavor, the lemon pie filling provides a thick, gelatinous texture that holds the bars together. Using fresh lemon might require additional thickening agents to achieve the same consistency.
Is this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional angel food cake mix contains wheat flour, so unless you find a gluten-free version of the mix, this recipe is not gluten-free. Look for gluten-free angel food cake mixes if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to these bars?
Absolutely! A handful of fresh blueberries or poppy seeds can be gently folded in with the batter for a fun twist. Just be careful not to disrupt the delicate texture of the base too much.
How thick are the bars after baking?
The bars are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, making them substantial enough to hold in your hand while remaining light and tender on the palate.
What’s the best pan size to use?
The recipe works best with a 9×13-inch pan for even baking. Using a smaller pan will result in thicker bars requiring longer baking time, while a larger pan might make them too thin.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s quick, simple, and bursting with sunshine, this Lemon Cake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a wonderful way to brighten your day with minimal effort and maximal flavor. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you crave a sweet, tangy treat.
Print
Lemon Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cake Bars are a simple, zesty dessert combining the lightness of angel food cake mix with the tangy sweetness of lemon pie filling. Perfectly baked to golden brown with a soft, fluffy texture, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling until well incorporated, being careful to avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and airy.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges slightly pull away from the sides of the pan, indicating doneness.
- Cool Down: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly and make slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream for a touch of extra indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- You can add a dusting of powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for additional flavor and presentation.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
