5-Ingredient Lemon Bars (Bright, Buttery & Foolproof)

Tangy, sweet lemon filling over a buttery crust — made with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for spring gatherings, holidays, or an easy weekend bake.

Servings: 9–12 squares
Pan: 8×8 inch
Bake Temp: 350°F (175°C)
Total Time: ~45 minutes + cooling

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📝 Ingredients (Only 5!)

1. 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

2. 2 large eggs

3. ⅓ cup vegetable oil

4. 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

5. ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

Optional (not counted): powdered sugar for dusting.

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment or lightly grease.

3. In a bowl, mix:

   • Cake mix

   • 1 egg

   • Vegetable oil

4. Stir until a thick dough forms.

5. Press evenly into bottom of pan.

6. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

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Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:

   • Sweetened condensed milk

   • 1 egg

   • Fresh lemon juice

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

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Step 3: Bake Again

1. Pour lemon mixture over warm crust.

2. Return to oven and bake 15–18 minutes, until center is set (slight jiggle is okay).

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Step 4: Cool & Serve

• Cool completely at room temperature.

• Refrigerate at least 1 hour for clean slices.

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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✨ Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars

• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.

• Chill fully before cutting.

• Wipe knife between cuts for neat squares.

• For stronger lemon flavor, add 1 tsp lemon zest (optional).

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 5 days

• Freeze up to 2 months (cut and wrap individually)

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If you’d like, I can also give you:

• 🍋 Classic from-scratch lemon bars

• 🥥 Lemon coconut bars

• 🫐 Lemon blueberry bars

• 🍓 Strawberry lemonade bars

Which one would you like next? 😊