If you’re craving something that’s bright, sweet, and irresistibly tender, Lemon Cake Bars are absolute sunshine on a plate. They’re everything a lemon lover dreams of—soft, chewy, bursting with citrus, and finished with a shower of powdered sugar. The best part? This recipe couldn’t be simpler, thanks to a shortcut using cake mix and a handful of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want to add a spark of happiness to your day, these Lemon Cake Bars are bound to become a new go-to treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these Lemon Cake Bars is how a few simple, everyday ingredients combine to create bold flavor and a gorgeous golden bite. Each ingredient has its own important role—let’s see how they work their magic:

Lemon cake mix: The star of the show, cake mix delivers consistent, fluffy texture and vibrant lemony base with no fuss.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars tender, moist, and oh-so chewy, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide richness for that cakey, luscious crumb.
Lemon zest: Adds natural lemon oils and fresh, zingy aroma that lifts the whole dessert.
Lemon juice: Intensifies that citrus punch, balancing the sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.
Powdered sugar (for topping): Gives the bars a classic look and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that finishes each piece beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Cake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it has plenty of time to get nice and hot. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a swipe of oil. This is key to ensuring the Lemon Cake Bars release easily when it’s time to slice and serve.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until a thick, smooth batter forms—don’t worry if it’s stiffer than typical cake batter. You want it just combined, with no dry pockets, as this gives the bars their irresistibly chewy texture and helps the flavors shine.

Step 3: Spread Evenly in the Pan

Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to get it all the way to the edges. It will be thick, so take your time to smooth it out. An even layer bakes up beautifully, giving you perfectly uniform Lemon Cake Bars that are visually and texturally spot-on.

Step 4: Bake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out, so check early and often for that just-right moment.

Step 5: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch

Once baked, let the Lemon Cake Bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off—cooling helps them set, making slicing so much easier. When cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful, wintry finish. Cut into bars and get ready to enjoy the sweet citrusy rewards!

How to Serve Lemon Cake Bars

Lemon Cake Bars Garnishes

Besides the classic snowy layer of powdered sugar, try adding delicate curls of lemon zest or a few edible flowers for a pretty pop of color. A light drizzle of lemon glaze (simply whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice) ramps up both flavor and visual appeal, transforming your bars into bakery-worthy treats.

Side Dishes

Balance the bright tanginess of Lemon Cake Bars with a side of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert plate. These bars also shine on a dessert buffet alongside fruit salads or creamy mousse.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, cut your Lemon Cake Bars into different shapes using cookie cutters or serve them stacked in small towers for an elegant party centerpiece. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with twine as adorable homemade favors—a lovely touch for showers, picnics, or bake sales.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store your Lemon Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them out of direct sunlight for best freshness. Layer parchment between bars to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve added extra glaze.

Freezing

These bars freeze so well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste delightfully fresh, with all their chewy texture intact.

Reheating

If you enjoy Lemon Cake Bars slightly warm, pop a bar in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. You can also reheat several at once in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, cakey crumb without drying them out—just wait to add extra powdered sugar after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon cake mix gives these Lemon Cake Bars their signature zing, you can swap in vanilla or even strawberry cake mix for a fun twist. Adjust the lemon juice and zest to taste, and get creative with your favorite flavors.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to gently remove just the bright yellow layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Zesting directly over your mixing bowl catches all the fragrant oils—and fills your kitchen with that fresh lemony aroma.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Look for a gluten-free lemon cake mix and follow the rest of the recipe as written. You may need to adjust baking time slightly, but the result will be just as bright and flavorful.

Is fresh lemon juice necessary, or can I use bottled?

While bottled juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice tastes much brighter and really elevates the Lemon Cake Bars. If you can, squeeze it fresh—you’ll notice the difference!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bars may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so check for doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that effortlessly impresses with big flavor and simple prep, these Lemon Cake Bars are your answer. Every bite is a cheerful burst of citrus and sweetness, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a cup of something cozy. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite treat!

Lemon Cake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Lemon Cake Bars that are bursting with citrusy flavor. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to brighten up your day with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Bars:

1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Topping:

½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until thick batter forms.
Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, dust with powdered sugar, then cut into bars to serve.

Notes

For extra zing, drizzle bars with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American