3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
These Easy Lemon Crumble Bars only have 3 ingredients! This summertime dessert recipe only needs cake mix, butter and lemon pie filling!
Easy Lemon Crumble Bars
These Easy Lemon Crumble Bars are a perfect, fast, lemony dessert! Now, I will say, if you are expecting these to be like a traditional lemon bar – they are not. These are softer and don’t have a hard solid base like a traditional lemon bar since these are just made with a cake mix. They will give you that lemon bar flavor though!
Saw this recipe on Pinterest and knew I had to try it. Thanks so much – they were so easy and tasty and my little girl was able to help make them! Loved the texture of these too!
– Jessica
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)
- yellow cake mix – try to get the larger boxes of cake mix like Pillsbury or Duncan Hines. As of writing this, they are still 15.25 ounce and Betty Crock has now gone to 13.25 ounces (you can see in my ingredient image below, they used to be 15.25 ounces. When I first started this website, boxed cake mixes used to be over 18 ounces!
- salted butter – you can use unsalted. I like how the salt cuts a little of the overall sweetness.
- lemon pie filling – just grab your favorite brand. This could also be made with a lime pie filling.
How To Make 3-Ingredients Lemon Bars
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, y’all know I’m a big fan of Baker’s Joy nonstick spray. It has flour in it. It is so awesome for baking. In a bowl, combine softened butter with dry cake mix.
Mix until crumbly. Now at this point, you might think to yourself, this stuff is so crumbly, how is it going to pack into the baking dish and make a crust? Well, I thought the same thing. But it all pushes together nicely and bakes up so well. Just make sure you are using real butter for this, I’m not so sure margarine would hold up in this recipe. But if anyone tries it, let me know. Before you go any further, you’ll need to set aside 1/2 cup of this crumbly mixture.
Take the rest of the crust mixture and press it into a 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly and then just go around and pack it down in there with your hands. Spoon lemon pie filling onto crust. Do your best to spread it out as evenly as possible.
Then take the 1/2 cup of crust mixture that you set aside earlier and sprinkle all over lemon pie filling. This is going to give you a nice little crumble topping.
Bake at 350F for about 20-25 minutes. The crumble topping will not get brown. Allow to cool then slice up and serve. Allowing these to cool lets the crust to continue setting up. I actually like to eat these cold from the fridge. Perfect for those hot summer months!
Craving More Recipes?
- Lemon Brownies
- Starbucks Lemon Loaf
- Cherry Crumble Bars
- Apple Crumble Bars
- Lemon Bars with Nilla Wafer Crust
- Lemon Magic Cake
- Lemon Delight
- Classic Lemon Bars
- Lime Bars
3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix (see notes below)
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), softened (NOT MELTED)
- 22 ounce can lemon pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), softened with 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix (you're just using the dry cake mix itself, nothing else added). Mix until crumbly.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping.
- Take the rest of the crust mixture and press it into baking dish.
- Spread it out evenly and then just go around and pack it down in there with your hands.
- Spoon 22 ounce can lemon pie filling evenly onto crust layer.
- Then take the 1/2 cup of crust mixture that you set aside earlier and sprinkle all over lemon pie filling.
- Bake at 350F for about 20-25 minutes until crust is done. NOTE: Oven times can vary so go by doneness, not just by time. Keep in mind, lemon pie filling is already prepared so it’s not “cooking” or setting up. It’s about the crust being done as everything comes together. Also, the crumble topping will not turn brown so don’t look for it to get dark.
- Allow to cool then slice up and serve. Do not skip this step. As it cools, the lemon pie filling thickens up a bit and sets up better making it easier to cut. We actually like to enjoy these cold. Perfect treat for the hot summer months!
Video
Notes
- NOTE: As I stated above in the post, these are NOT like traditional lemon bars. If you want traditional lemon bars, please go with a truly homemade recipe. This is simply a shortcut recipe so you shouldn’t expect the same as homemade. If you’re expecting a super solid thick crust, you’ll be disappointed. These are thinner and do not have a thick solid crust but they do have the lemon bar taste. I have an included video as well in this recipe card for you to watch if you need a better visual.
- This should be covered and stored in the fridge. I found if I just covered it and left it out that the crust would soften up a bit so put in the refrigerator if not eating it all the same day it’s made.
- Try to get one of the larger 15.25 ounce boxes of cake mix (currently still made by Pillsbury and Duncan Hines) instead of the 13.25 ounce cake mixes (like Betty Crocker or some store brands.)
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: February 2013
Updated photos & Republished: June 2019
So glad it worked out well for you Hadas. Love the key lime idea!
Thanks so much for this easy and delicious recipe!
I did try it with margarine, and it worked fine, except that I needed to add flour (about 2 Tbsp) to the topping to make it "crumby" enough.
I also used key lime pie filling instead of lemon (though that needs to be diluted with milk or cream or it's too intense.
Thanks again for the recipe!
Can I double this recipe in same size pan for a thicker bar?
This would work well with key lime pie filling. Spice cake mix with apple pie filling would also be good!
I made this today (just took out of the oven in fact) for a church fellowship dinner. I had butter, but it's a precious commodity :), so I used half a stick of margarine and 4 ounces of cream cheese. I tasted some crumbles and it is soooo good. Can't wait to try this this evening. Just hope I get to it before it's gone. Ha.
Mine started to fall apart when I started putting it on a serving plate, so i improvised. I scooped it all into a bowl, added 1 package of white chocolate pudding mix and a small tub of cool whip. Stirred it up, crunched up a 1/2 package of graham crackers, sprinkled them on top and ta-da! I had raving reviews for this yummy nearly failed dessert!
Just had a great big slice of your lemon bars, which I made with a lemon cake mix and I have to say, these are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing!
As usual, another great easy treat! This also works with key lime canned filling….if you are lucky enough to have a store that carries it. Simple, easy and not expensive to make…usually have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks for another winner!
Has anyone use Jello Lemon Pie Filling instead of the canned Lemon? Just curious. Thanks
These came out so good! Can't believe how good considering it's so easy and only 3 ingredients. My boyfriend thought he wouldn't like them since he's not a fan of lemon, but he loved them! Definitely a recipe I'll be making again.
Discovered your blog and wonderful recipes. I was wondering how long till they firm up and what to do to make more crumbly(not enough topping). We still enjoyed. Looking forward to trying more recipes. Thanks.
This is super yummy. I like it cold. The first time I made it, I used margarine. Tastes good, but doesn't make a nice crumble. I made it again today with butter. Much better on the crumble.
This recipe is a definite keeper. Quick and easy. Tastes like the lemon Hostess Pie. I am going to try key lime next time. 😀
Wow looks good and so beautiful, as if I'm looking at the sun..nice!
these squares look yummy, how many cups of lemon would I use for this recipe as I buy the lemon at the bulk store. Thanks so much.
This would be even more awesome made with a Lemon Cake Mix. I find most lemon fillings very sweet, so I always add some lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, to cut the sweetness. I'm going to try these soon.
Hey-
Love your blog and I've actually made several of your recipes which can't be said for any of the other blogs I follow. My question is, do you think I can you lemon curd instead of lemon pie filling? I have a jar to use up. Thanks.
Great reciepe. I love lemon. Although I did not use lemon but I did try it with blueberry (use about 1/2 can ) and strawberry and blackberry preserves. I know you said don't try and make changes..but I also love almonds so I added almond extract to cake mix and chopped almonds to crumb topping…wonderful!: I have tried some of you receipes and have a lot more to try…. keep them coming they are easy and delicious. Maureen
Does it matter if butter is unsalted or not?
Thank-you for this easy recipe it's so easy even for a beginner like myself I added coconut on top because I needed to get rid of what I had left over my family loved it I will definitely be making this more often. 🙂
This look absolutely delishious! Will be making it soon!
This looks divine and I love how easy it is. Thanks for a great recipe, will be pinning this one!
Hello,
Made your simply recipe that was posted on Pinterest. Yummy lemon bars, used angel food cake mix. Thank you so much I had all three ingredients.
Thank you.
RedBlackberry
I love the recipes I find Here and thought I would give one back I have no idea where it came from but was posted to my facebook and they came out great,Thought you might like to try them too!
Two Ingredient Lemon Bars……
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
Oh yeah you read that right only Two simple ingredients to make these melt in your mouth ( middle of the pie) lemon squares!
Yep this is like you cut your self a slice right out of the middle of the pie!
This is all you need:
1 box angel food cake mix( I use Betty Crocker)
2 cans lemon pie filling
I used two 21 oz cans of Comstock pie filling ( total of 42 oz)
Mix dry cake mix and cans of pie filling together in large bowl.
I just mixed it by hand…
Pour into greased 9 x 13″ baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until top is starting to brown.
NOTE…Mine took the full 25 minutes to get done and did not brown on top at all :))
Cool on wire rack and sprinkle with powered sugar. It has a melt in your mouth spongy texture.
Good, cheap, easy……..some fillings are more tangy than others I have found. I'm thinking pumpkin pie filling for thanksgiving.
YOu may want to try cooking the crust just a few minutes then spreading the filling and crumbs…the filling often will spread eaiser when the crust is cooked a bit.
I wonder what it would be like with cream cheese beat into the filling!?
this is going in the keeper file! the kids and i just loved it!
i just made this and used butter. it didn't get crumbly so i added a couple tablespoons of flour to mix with the 1/2 cup for the topping. worked! i also used a can and a half of pie filling. we'll see what happens!
I tried this recipe tonight and it was delicious ! I only had margarine on hand it the crust turned out fine, but the crumble was not very crumbly. I would recommend using butter. It tastes a lot like the lemon girl scout cookies to me. My husband said that it tastes like a Hostess Lemon pie. I will say that I had a hard time finding the canned lemon pie filling. All 3 of the local grocery stores near me had shelf space for it, but no cans on the shelf. Hope they are not discontinuing it. I would love to make this again !!
Hi! I've made something similiar but add the step of mixing the lemon filling with a block of cream cheese. Very yummy and helps up the tang factor a bit!
Thank you Leah! I'm glad you liked this one!!
This was so easy and so very delicious. I still cant believe how simple it was! Great recipe!
Fiddlesticks-hmmmm. Possibly. It just depends on how much you LOVE lemon.
P. Lea, this is a sweet lemon dessert, not really tangy. ~Brandie
Thanks for sharing, looks good! Valerie
I am a bit picky with my lemon desserts. I like them to really taste like lemon, tangy lemon and not sweet and fake. How does this one turn out?
YUM! I want to make these & do a blog review, fingers crossed they're as good as yours!;)
Trying this recipe but with chocolate cake and raspberry pie filling, hopefully it's yummy 🙂
Just wondering if you have tried this recipe with a lemon cake ?
Do you think maybe that would be over kill on the lemon flavor ?
Thanks !
I was just thinking the same thing. I don’t think there is such a thing as too much lemon flavour!! lol
How wonderful! I love this – it's easy and I can do it. 🙂 I will be doing this very soon.
Brandie, although I'm not a big lemon fan, I think the flavor possibilites for this recipe are many…
Mostly, I just wanted to say that your blog is one of my VERY favorites…and I subscribe to many blogs…and I'm always excited to see your emails. LOVE the Weekend Potluck! Keep doing what you're doing – it rocks!
Debbie
DebNJoizee919@aol.com
I don't even like lemon anything (except for lemonade), but these look delicious and SUPER DUPER easy! I have to try this and might have to try it with other flavors too. Thanks!
A 3 ingredient recipe; that's crazy…Crazy is good! Even a non-baker can whip up a batch of these pretty bars.
A Lemon Lover's Dream come true!! I love anything lemon and I think I found a new favorite:) You have several lemon recipes I'm going to try~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
This sounds fantastic! I'm going to make them for my boyfriend and I this weekend. Question first… how many ounces should the can of lemon pie filling be? Thank you! 🙂
Sincerely,
Autumn (the one with the military boyfriend) lol
Made these tonight!! Great! 🙂
Yummmm
Yum! I can't wait to make this recipe. I love cake mix recipes.
I am making these soon! Thanks for sharing this simple and yummy recipe!
Sounds AWESOME!!! Also, I might try cherry filling!!!
cherry sounds good
Think I'll try key lime,,,,
I wondered about cherry
I'm going to make these today as soon as the butter comes to room temperature! Sounds easy to make! I'm sure they will be gone in 2 days!
I am pinning this one! That looks wonderful and I love everything lemon!