3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

These 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dessert that’s bursting with zesty lemon flavor. Whether it’s for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these bars will impress everyone. The combination of cake mix, butter, and lemon pie filling creates a deliciously crumbly base topped with smooth lemon goodness that is sure to become your go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Simple: With only three ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers.
• Flavorful Delight: The tangy lemon pie filling mixed with the buttery cake crust offers a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these bars in no time!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them chilled, at room temperature, or even warm for a cozy dessert experience.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious lemon bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your bars come out of the baking dish easily without sticking.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for evenly baking your lemon bars while providing adequate space for rising.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly to achieve that crumbly texture.

Ingredients

These Easy Lemon Crumble Bars only have 3 ingredients! No one will guess how easy this dessert recipe is to make. Cake mix, butter and lemon pie filling!

For the Base and Topping

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup) (softened to room temperature)

For the Filling

• 22-ounce can lemon pie filling

How to Make 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F degrees. Use nonstick cooking spray to coat your 9×13-inch baking dish evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the dry cake mix. Mix until it becomes crumbly.

Step 3: Set Aside Topping

Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumbly mixture for the topping later.

Step 4: Press Crust into Baking Dish

Take the remaining crust mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s packed down well with your hands.

Step 5: Add Lemon Pie Filling

Spoon the lemon pie filling evenly onto the crust layer you just created.

Step 6: Sprinkle Topping on Filling

Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of crust mixture over the top of the lemon pie filling.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. The crumble on top should turn a very light golden brown when done.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Serving your 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this simple dessert.

With Whipped Cream

• Fresh Touch: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tangy lemon filling.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Colorful Addition: Serve alongside a mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Paired with Ice Cream

• Creamy Indulgence: A scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream complements the bars wonderfully, enhancing your dessert experience.

Drizzled with Lemon Glaze

• Extra Zing: Add a light drizzle of lemon glaze over the bars for an added sweetness and citrus punch.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Refreshing Accent: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top to add an aromatic element and a pop of green.

Served on Festive Plates

• Presentation Matters: Use colorful or decorative plates to present your lemon bars, making them visually appealing for guests.

How to Perfect 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Perfecting your 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars can enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold Mixing: Ensure butter is softened properly before mixing; this helps create a crumbly texture that holds together well.
• Precise Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them just as they turn golden ensures they remain soft inside.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. This helps in achieving cleaner cuts and prevents them from falling apart.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cake mix and lemon pie filling for the best flavor in your bars.
• Experiment with Citrus: Feel free to mix in lime or orange zest into the crust for added depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

Pairing side dishes with your 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Light Salad: A refreshing mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A bowl of assorted seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the citrus notes in the dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome side that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
5. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy vegetables paired with hummus offer a healthy option that contrasts nicely with dessert.
6. Nut Mix: A handful of lightly salted nuts provides crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweetness of the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Softening the Butter: Using cold butter will make it hard to mix with the cake mix. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for a better crumble texture.
• Skipping the Nonstick Spray: Neglecting to spray your baking dish can lead to sticking. Always spray it well before adding your crust mixture.
• Overmixing the Crust: Mixing too much can result in a tough crust rather than a crumbly one. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can mess up their shape. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
• Using Different Cake Mixes: Not all cake mixes work the same. Stick with yellow cake mix to maintain the intended flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• item Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

• item Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• item Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for easy access later.

Reheating 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per bar, checking frequently.
• item Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars so easy?

These bars require minimal ingredients and steps, making them perfect for quick dessert preparation without sacrificing flavor.

Can I customize my 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can add zest from lemons or use different types of pie fillings like lime or berry for a unique twist.

How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?

Your lemon bars should be lightly golden on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use other flavors of cake mix?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other flavors of cake mix, though yellow cake mix provides the best balance with lemon filling.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. With room for customization, they can become your go-to dessert. Give this delightful recipe a try and impress your family and friends!

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