If you’re craving something sweet, zesty, and sunshine-bright, look no further than these irresistible Lemon Cake Bars. With a golden, tender crumb and a shockingly simple lemon glaze, this dessert is a dream for citrus lovers and beginners alike. They come together in minutes thanks to an easy cake mix shortcut, but taste homemade and bursting with real lemon flavor. Whether you’re bringing a tray to a potluck or treating yourself on a Sunday afternoon, Lemon Cake Bars make every day feel just a little more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together these Lemon Cake Bars couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to bring out bold citrus notes, summery color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s get to know the all-stars that make this classic treat shine:

Lemon cake mix: The ultimate shortcut for tender crumb and vibrant color without any fuss.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist for days and delivers a soft, almost chewy bite.
Large eggs: Give the bars their structure and help everything meld together perfectly.
Lemon zest: Adds intense, fragrant lemon flavor and little golden speckles throughout.
Lemon juice: Brings tart brightness that balances out the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: The base for a silky-smooth glaze with just the right sweetness.
Milk (for glaze): Helps your glaze pour beautifully over the bars; use enough for your ideal consistency.
Extra lemon zest (optional): A vibrant topping that looks gorgeous and adds big citrus flavor.

How to Make Lemon Cake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. This quick step ensures the bars pop out easily and bake evenly, so you get beautifully golden edges and a soft center every time.

Step 2: Stir Up the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until you have a thick, glossy batter that smells absolutely amazing. The zest and juice infuse each bar with bold lemon flavor, while the cake mix keeps things foolproof.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it reaches every corner. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick comes out just clean. Don’t overbake—these Lemon Cake Bars are best when tender and soft! Let them cool completely in the pan to set up for neat slicing.

Step 4: Whip Up a Zesty Glaze

While the bars are cooling, make your simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk (add more milk for a thinner glaze). For even more zing, swap in a splash of lemon juice for part of the milk. Drizzle the glossy glaze over the cooled bars and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top for a pop of color and fragrance.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Once the glaze is set, slice your Lemon Cake Bars into perfect squares. Admire that sunny yellow crumb and dig in—the hardest part is waiting for them to cool! Each bite is bright, sweet, and utterly refreshing.

How to Serve Lemon Cake Bars

Garnishes

Give your Lemon Cake Bars a little extra flair with a few thoughtful garnishes. A scattering of grated lemon zest on top really underlines that citrus punch and adds a gorgeous pop of color. If you’re feeling extra decadent, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of edible flowers for a springtime touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Cake Bars with simple sides that showcase their freshness: fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoon of tangy Greek yogurt work beautifully. For brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside hot mint tea, sparkling lemonade, or chilled raspberry spritzers to highlight those fruity, tart flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the typical bar! Stack Lemon Cake Bars pyramid-style on a cake stand, wrap individual squares in parchment for on-the-go treats, or even cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a garden party. For showers or birthdays, nestle bars in colorful cupcake liners or dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Lemon Cake Bars tasting fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The glaze helps lock in moisture so the bars stay luscious, while the zest keeps them tasting vibrant day after day.

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead? Lemon Cake Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, ungarnished bars in layers with parchment between them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then drizzle with fresh glaze before serving for that just-baked look and taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your Lemon Cake Bars warm, pop a single bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and make the glaze delicately melty. For larger batches, set the bars in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes so they gently warm through without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade lemon cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch lemon cake mix recipe, use it as your base. Just make sure the dry ingredient ratio matches that of a standard box mix, so your Lemon Cake Bars bake up with the perfect texture.

What if I want extra tangy Lemon Cake Bars?

Increase the amount of lemon zest or juice in both the batter and the glaze. You can also substitute some of the milk in the glaze with lemon juice for a punchier finish—just taste and adjust to your liking!

How do I make my glaze extra thick or thin?

For a thick glaze, use less milk; for a thinner, drippy glaze, add more milk (or lemon juice for extra zing), one teaspoon at a time. Mix well each time so you don’t overdo it, and always pour glaze over fully cooled bars for the prettiest finish.

Can I double this Lemon Cake Bars recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—start checking at 22 minutes but be prepared to add a few extra minutes for the larger pan.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, Lemon Cake Bars made this way are vegetarian! They use eggs but no gelatin or animal-based thickeners, making them perfect for vegetarians and anyone who just loves a little extra brightness in their desserts.

Final Thoughts

Bake a pan of these Lemon Cake Bars just once and you’ll see why they’re such a favorite. They’re quick, sunny, and full of fresh lemon flavor—perfect for any occasion or just because. Don’t wait for a special reason: bake, share, and get ready for smiles all around!

Lemon Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

These Lemon Cake Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Made with a few simple ingredients, these bars are easy to whip up for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

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

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
Optional: extra lemon zest for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine lemon cake mix, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.
Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bars.
Finish: Top with lemon zest and allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares.