When it comes to baking, simplicity is often key to achieving delightful results without the hassle. One of the most beloved treats that embodies this philosophy is the classic lemon bar. Traditionally, lemon bars are known for their zesty, sweet, and tangy flavor, with a luscious lemon curd topping a buttery shortbread crust. But what if you could achieve that same deliciousness with just two ingredients? Yes, you read that right—two ingredients!
The Magic Ingredients
The secret to these wonderful lemon bars lies in two pantry staples: lemon pie filling and angel food cake mix. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a light, airy texture that makes every bite a delight.
Ingredients:
- One box of angel food cake mix
- One can of lemon pie filling
That’s it! With these two simple ingredients, you can create lemon bars that are both quick to prepare and absolutely scrumptious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is properly preheated is essential for even baking and achieving the right texture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars from the dish much easier and ensure a clean cut when they’re ready to serve.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the angel food cake mix with the lemon pie filling. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. The batter will be fluffy and airy, thanks to the angel food cake mix.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that it reaches all corners of the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be a light golden brown, and the center should be set. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial as it helps the bars set properly, making them easier to cut and handle.
- Slice and Serve: After the bars have cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a more polished look.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bars
- Zest It Up: For an added burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the batter. This will enhance the citrus notes and give the bars a more complex flavor profile.
- Texture Matters: The angel food cake mix gives these bars a light and airy texture. If you prefer a denser lemon bar, you can experiment with different cake mixes or add a bit of flour to the batter.
- Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing treat, chill the lemon bars in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. This makes them a perfect dessert for warm days.
- Garnish: Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation and add a delightful contrast to the tartness of the lemon.
Why These Lemon Bars Are a Hit
These two-ingredient lemon bars are not only a breeze to make, but they also capture the essence of a classic lemon dessert. The angel food cake mix provides a fluffy, cake-like base, while the lemon pie filling brings that iconic tangy sweetness that lemon lovers crave. They’re perfect for last-minute gatherings, a sweet treat for lunchboxes, or a simple, refreshing dessert for any occasion.
In conclusion, sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. These wonderful lemon bars with just two ingredients prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delightful. Give them a try, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s sure to impress without the stress!
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