Easy Citrus Lemon Bars with Cake Mix Boxes

Easy Citrus Lemon Bars with Cake Mix Boxes are the perfect shortcut dessert—bright, tangy, and irresistibly sweet with a buttery, soft base made from a simple box of cake mix. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these bars are a go-to treat for potlucks, bake sales, or a quick weeknight dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the zesty, sunny flavor of classic lemon bars with half the effort. Using a cake mix as the base means fewer ingredients, less mess, and a super soft texture that pairs beautifully with the citrusy topping. These bars are easy to make, beginner-friendly, and require no fancy equipment—just stir, bake, and slice. Plus, they’re a fun and easy way to brighten up any dessert table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow or lemon cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, 1 egg, and vegetable oil or melted butter until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, remaining egg, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing.
8. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Total time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Use orange or lime juice for a different citrus twist.
• Add a layer of shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical flair.
• Swap yellow cake mix for lemon cake mix for an extra punch of lemon flavor.
• Top with a glaze made of powdered sugar and citrus juice for extra zing.
• Fold in cream cheese for a creamy, cheesecake-style lemon bar.

storage/reheating

Store lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before serving.
No reheating is necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, white or vanilla cake mix also works well if you want a more neutral base.

Do I need to refrigerate lemon bars?

Yes, for best texture and food safety, store them in the fridge.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular one.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the lemon topping is set?

It should no longer jiggle and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, try folding in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity addition.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting?

Dust it on right before serving for the prettiest finish.

Can I use a brownie pan instead?

Yes, just note that thicker bars may require slightly more bake time.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They’re sweet and tangy—balanced nicely by the citrus juice and zest. You can reduce the sweetness by using unsweetened condensed milk alternatives.

Conclusion

Easy Citrus Lemon Bars with Cake Mix Boxes are a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy the refreshing flavor of lemon bars with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet and tangy, this shortcut dessert delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

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