If you’re craving something sweet, sunny, and incredibly easy, these Best 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars will totally steal your heart. With just a few pantry staples—angel food cake mix, lemon curd, and eggs—you’ll have a soft, tangy dessert that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, which makes them perfect for last-minute guests, spring brunches, or whenever that lemon craving hits.
Interestingly enough, lemon bars rose to popularity in American home baking during the 1960s when convenience met creativity. Back then, boxed cake mixes and canned fillings became kitchen staples—just like they are here! But don’t let the simplicity fool you—these bars taste like you’ve been baking all day.
Even better, the entire recipe comes together in one bowl with zero fuss. After baking, they cool into golden bars that slice cleanly and melt in your mouth. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this is one lemon dessert you’ll come back to again and again.
Recipe Yield: 9–12 bars
INGREDIENTS
1 box angel food cake mix (16 oz, dry mix only)
3/4 cup lemon curd
2 large eggs
Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C):
Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting.
2. Mix the batter:
In a large bowl, stir together the dry angel food cake mix, lemon curd, and eggs until fully combined. The batter will be thick, fluffy, and a little glossy.
3. Pour and spread:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan using a spatula. Smooth the top.
4. Bake until golden and set:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should feel springy to the touch.
5. Cool, chill, and slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use Real Lemon Curd: Store-bought or homemade lemon curd with real lemon juice and zest gives these bars a vibrant, natural citrus flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: A quick chill helps firm up the bars for slicing without affecting the soft, cakey texture.
- Dress Them Up: A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze makes these bars look bakery-worthy with almost no effort.
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