Creamy Cake Mix Lemon Bars

Squares of lemon bars with a golden crust and powdered sugar on top are arranged on a white plate, with lemon slices and a yellow plaid napkin nearby.

These Cake Mix Lemon Bars are an easy, almost-homemade dessert with a buttery cake mix crust and tangy cream cheese filling. The bars bake golden and soft, dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword baked, cream cheese, easy, sweet

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 40

Total Time 47

Servings servings

Calories 358

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

15.25 ounces lemon cake mix boxed
1 egg large (for crust)
1/2 cup butter melted
8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
2 eggs beaten, large (for filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated, optional for extra flavor
Additional powdered sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a 9 × 13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter.
15.25 ounces lemon cake mix, 1 egg, 1/2 cup butter
Stir until smooth and dough-like.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
8 ounces cream cheese
Add in the 2 beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest and combine.
2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoon lemon zest
Adding one cup at a time, mix in the powdered sugar. Mix until creamy and well combined.
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
The center may sink slightly—this is normal.

Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Additional powdered sugar
Enjoy!

Notes

For easier mixing, be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before starting.
For more lemon flavor: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling. You could also stir in a 1/3 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical note

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keeps fresh up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Freezer: Wrap individual pieces tightly with parchment paper and then put them into an air-tight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition