Lemon Bar Cake Recipe: The Best Easy Lemon Dessert You’ll Ever Make!
Some days, I just crave something bright and sweet—like a little burst of sunshine in dessert form. And let’s be real, when life gives me lemons, I don’t make lemonade. I make dessert. That’s just who I am.
This Lemon Bar Cake Recipe is like the love child of the Best Lemon Bar Recipe and a soft, buttery cake. It’s got all the tangy goodness of Homemade Lemon Bars Recipe but in a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth form. If you’ve ever wondered what to make with lemons, this is it. It’s fancy enough to feel special (Fancy Lemon Cake, anyone?) but simple enough to throw together while juggling three kids, a pile of laundry, and whatever chaos the day brings.
I’m all about easy dessert ideas, especially ones that don’t require a ton of effort. This one? No rolling out dough, no complicated steps—just mix, bake, and pour that sweet, lemony goodness right on top. If you love lemon dessert recipes like Lemon Cake Bars or Lemon Lime Bars, you’re gonna love this. And if you’re looking for lemon desserts easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a party, this is your new go-to.
So, let’s make some lemon bar bites of heaven. Because we deserve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (we are not making this from scratch, let’s be real)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or, if you’re like me, however much zest your patience allows)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
For the Topping
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Alright, you got all that? Let’s do this.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it like your life depends on it. I mean, really get in there with the non-stick spray or butter. Nobody wants cake stuck to the pan—it’s just sad.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a big bowl, dump in the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Grab a whisk (or use a hand mixer if you wanna be fancy) and mix it all up until smooth. This takes about two minutes if you’re focused… or ten minutes if you have a small child trying to “help” by flinging flour everywhere.
Step 3: Bake It
Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you stick a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean. Let it cool for about 15 minutes—just long enough for your house to start smelling amazing and for your kids to start asking when they can eat it.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Topping
While your cake is cooling, grab a bowl and whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This is the magic sauce that takes this cake from good to amazing.
Step 5: Pour It On
Once the cake has cooled a bit (not straight from the oven, or things will get weird), pour that creamy lemon topping all over it. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. At this point, your kids may start hovering because it looks really good. Stay strong. The best part is yet to come.
Step 6: Let It Chill
Now, this part requires some patience. Stick the cake in the fridge for at least two hours so the topping can soak in and set. If you’re anything like me, this is when you start opening the fridge every 20 minutes, hoping it magically sets faster. It won’t. Just go do some laundry or scroll your phone.
Step 7: Dust and Serve
Once it’s nice and chilled, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Then slice it up and serve. Or, if your kids are still occupied, grab a fork and take a few bites straight from the pan. I won’t judge.
FAQs About Lemon Bar Cake
What’s the difference between Lemon Bars and Lemon Bar Cake?
Lemon bars have a shortbread crust with a gooey lemon filling, while Lemon Bar Cake is soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy lemon layer. Think of it as the best of both worlds—like if a lemon bar and a cake had a delicious baby.
How do I store Lemon Bar Cake?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you somehow don’t eat it all by then, I’m impressed by your self-control.
Is this super sweet or more tart?
It’s the perfect balance! The cake is sweet, but the lemon topping adds just the right amount of tartness. If you love it extra tangy, add a little more lemon zest or juice.
Can I make this in a smaller batch?
Sure! Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch pan instead. Just check the baking time a little earlier since smaller cakes bake faster.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, go ahead and use bottled, but if you have fresh lemons, use them!
Lemon Bar Cake Recipe Card
Lemon Bar Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, water, oil, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour over the slightly cooled cake and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the topping set.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- Add fresh berries on top for extra flavor.
- Swap out water for more lemon juice for extra tang.
- Want a shortcut? Use store-bought lemon curd instead of making the topping.
Storage Tips:
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
And there you have it—your new go-to Lemon Bar Cake Recipe. It’s got the soft, buttery texture of cake with the bright, tangy kick of a classic Lemon Bar. If you’ve been looking for easy dessert ideas that still feel a little fancy (Fancy Lemon Cake, anyone?), this one checks all the boxes.
Honestly, I love how simple this is. No fussy steps, no rolling out dough—just mix, bake, pour, and chill. If you ever find yourself wondering what to make with lemons, this is the answer. It’s right up there with the Best Lemon Bar Recipe and honestly, might even be easier than a classic Homemade Lemon Bars Recipe.
My kids love these Lemon Bar Bites straight from the fridge, and I love that it makes enough to share… or, you know, to snack on when no one’s looking. If you’re a fan of Lemon Cake Bars, Lemon Lime Bars, or just really good lemon dessert recipes, I promise this will become a favorite.
So go on, make yourself a batch of these Lemon Desserts Easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a party. And if you do, let me know—because I have a feeling this might just be your new favorite Lemon Dessert too.
