The 2 Ingredients Easiest Dessert Ever: If you’re a fan of tart and zesty flavors, these lemon angel bars will quickly become your go-to dessert. Growing up, I was always the kid reaching for the lemon-flavored candies, so it’s no surprise that lemon desserts hold a special place in my heart. These angel bars combine the light and airy texture of angel food cake with a punch of lemony goodness, creating a treat that is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Simple and Delicious: Only Two Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two ingredients to make the base of these angel bars: a box of Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix and a can of lemon pie filling. Mix them together, bake, chill, and you’re done. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a custardy, light texture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) box of Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix
- 1 (22-ounce) can of lemon pie filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 15.75 x 11.25 x 1.63 jelly roll pan thoroughly with baking spray, ensuring both the bottom and sides are well-coated.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lemon pie filling and the angel food cake mix. Be careful not to overmix, as angel food cake mix naturally expands. The batter will grow as you mix, so don’t worry if it puffs up.
- Bake the Angel Bars: Once the batter is mixed, pour it into your prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. The cake will puff up as it bakes but will shrink as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool on the counter for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to let them fully set.
- Optional Dusting: Once chilled, dust the bars with powdered sugar to prevent the knife from sticking as you slice them into 12 equal squares.
- Serve and Enjoy: These bars are best served chilled and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Quick Tips for Success
- Use Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix: This recipe works best with Betty Crocker’s “Just Add Water” Angel Food Cake Mix. While other brands will work, they may result in a fluffier, more cake-like texture.
- Opt for a Jelly Roll Pan: A jelly roll pan, which measures 15.75″ x 11.25″ x 1.63″, works perfectly for this recipe, allowing for the right texture. You can also use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the bars will be taller and more cake-like.
- Don’t Overmix: Angel food cake mix rises quickly, so be sure to mix the batter gently. Overmixing will cause the batter to expand too much and make it harder to spread into the pan.
Variations
Though lemon is a classic, this recipe works wonderfully with other pie fillings too. Cherry and strawberry are great alternatives, but you can get creative and try other flavors. For pie fillings that contain large fruit pieces, consider puréeing them first for a smoother consistency in the bars.
These lemon angel bars are a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make but full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a quick dessert, they are guaranteed to impress. The light and airy texture, combined with the bright lemon flavor, makes these bars a perfect choice for any occasion. Try them out and see why they’re a favorite in my kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of angel food cake mix?
While you can use other brands, Betty Crocker’s “Just Add Water” Angel Food Cake Mix provides the best texture and rise for these bars.
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Yes, you can use other pie fillings like cherry or strawberry. If the filling contains large fruit pieces, consider puréeing it for smoother bars.
How long can I store these angel bars?
These angel bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days for the best freshness.
Can I freeze these lemon angel bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to a month.
Can I make these bars without powdered sugar?
Yes, powdered sugar is optional. It helps with slicing and adds a decorative touch, but the bars are just as tasty without it.
