Lemon Bars with Cake Mix Recipe

5 from 117 votes

Lemon Bars with Cake Mix Recipe

Lemon bars with cake mix bake up with a soft lemon crust and creamy, tangy layer, quick to prep, easy to slice, and perfect for sharing.

Prep Time7

Cook Time40

Total Time47

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

1 (15.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
1 egg
½ cup butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
powdered sugar, to sprinkle

Instructions

Grease a 9x13 pan and turn oven to 350°F.
Blend cake mix, 1 egg and butter until smooth. Press into your greased 9x13 pan.
Blend cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla powdered sugar and lemon zest until creamy and smooth. Spread over your the first mixture in your pan.
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown (middle may sink in a bit).
Top with powdered sugar and ENJOY!

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Note that you are ONLY using the dry cake mix. Do not make a batter.
Use room temperature ingredients, specifically the cream cheese and eggs. They will incorporate much more smoothly when they are not cold.
I use a glass or ceramic baking dish. If you use a metal pan, shorten the bake time and be sure to line the metal pan with parchment paper to keep the bars from taking on a metallic taste.
Optional toppings: add a lemon glaze and sprinkle lemon zest or toasted coconut flakes on top, use a cream cheese frosting, add fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries on top of each slice.

Storage. Whether making them ahead of time or storing leftovers, cover and refrigerate up to 4 days, or wrap with plastic and then with foil and put them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition