Sunshine Shortcut Lemon Bars (Only 3 Ingredients!)
These irresistible lemon bars are my secret weapon for every family gathering—bright, sweet, and gone before the main course even begins. With just three simple ingredients, this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert delivers a burst of citrus flavor with almost no effort. A buttery, crumbly crust meets a smooth, tangy lemon layer for the perfect balance of textures. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep on repeat for holidays, potlucks, and last-minute guests.
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1 can (about 21 oz) lemon pie filling
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the crust and topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Form the base
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a soft crust.
Add the filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly over the crust.
Top it off
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the lemon layer.
Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares for clean edges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature. These bars pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a little extra flair, you can:
Dust with powdered sugar
Add a dollop of whipped cream
Serve with fresh berries on the side
Tips for Success
Let them cool fully before slicing to keep the layers neat
Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
Simple, zesty, and completely addictive—these lemon bars are proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated.
