Lemon bars are a classic dessert, loved for their tangy lemon filling and buttery shortbread crust. But what if you could achieve that same deliciousness with significantly less effort? This recipe leverages the convenience of angel food cake mix to create a surprisingly delightful lemon bar variation that's perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. We'll explore how to make this easy dessert and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Angel Food Cake Mix and Why Use it for Lemon Bars?
Angel food cake mix, unlike other cake mixes, primarily provides the dry ingredients necessary for a light and airy cake. It typically doesn't include fat or liquid, which allows for a fantastically adaptable base. For these lemon bars, we'll use the mix to create a subtly sweet and tender crust, eliminating the need for making a traditional shortbread crust from scratch. This significantly reduces prep time while still delivering a wonderfully satisfying texture.
How to Make Lemon Bars with Angel Food Cake Mix
This recipe uses readily available ingredients and simplifies the traditional lemon bar process considerably.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) angel food cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the angel food cake mix and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
- Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemons?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable. You can substitute limes for lemons to create lime bars, or even experiment with a combination of citrus fruits for a more complex flavor profile. Keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness will vary depending on your choice of citrus. You might need to adjust the sugar amount accordingly.
How long do lemon bars made with angel food cake mix last?
Properly stored, these lemon bars will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
What can I do to make the crust crispier?
While the angel food cake mix crust is naturally tender, you can enhance its crispness by slightly increasing the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning. You can also experiment with using a slightly higher ratio of butter to cake mix.
Are these lemon bars suitable for freezing?
Yes! These lemon bars freeze well. Once completely cooled, cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The crust can be prepared a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The filling is best made fresh, but you can assemble and bake the bars just a few hours before you need them.
This simplified lemon bar recipe using angel food cake mix provides a delightful alternative to the traditional method, delivering a delicious dessert with minimal effort. Experiment with variations, and enjoy!
