My mother-in-law insists I bring these 3-ingredient treats to every family gathering—and they’re always gone before dinner even starts.
These 3-ingredient lemon bars are a clever shortcut to a classic bakery-style dessert. A lemon cake mix pulls double duty—creating both a soft, buttery crust and a lightly crisp, golden topping. Layered with smooth lemon pie filling in between, the result is bright, tangy, and perfectly set without any complicated steps. The buttery base stays tender, while the crumbly topping bakes into delicious, lightly crisp peaks.
3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25–16.5 oz)
- 1 can lemon pie filling (21 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- Prepare the base: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the dry cake mix with melted butter until crumbly and evenly combined.
- Form the crust: Press about 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to create an even layer.
- Add the filling: Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the crust, being careful not to disturb it.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top in small clumps for a textured finish.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. For cleaner slices, chill them in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving.
