Lemon Cake Bars – Bright, Luscious, and Lightened-Up

These Lemon Cake Bars are a sunshine-sweet treat that brings zesty citrus flavor and a soft, moist texture—all in a lightened-up dessert you can feel good about. Made with simple ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re the perfect choice for warm weather gatherings, afternoon cravings, or a little guilt-free indulgence any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Citrusy & Refreshing – Bright lemon flavor in every bite.
Lower in Calories – A mindful twist on traditional lemon desserts.
One-Bowl Easy – Quick to mix and bake, with minimal cleanup.
Perfectly Portable – Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or picnics.

Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix (look for one with no added pudding)
  • 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
  • Light powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon cake mix, Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until smooth and well blended.

3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool & Slice
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cool, slice into 12 bars.

5. Optional Finish
Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approximate)

Calories: 130
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

  • Use Greek Yogurt: It adds moisture and protein without extra fat.
  • Lemon Zest = More Flavor: A little zest goes a long way for bright citrus notes.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep the bars soft and moist by pulling them when the edges are just golden.
  • Cool Before Slicing: This helps set the bars and gives cleaner cuts.

Why This Recipe Works

With just a handful of ingredients, these Lemon Cake Bars come together effortlessly and deliver big flavor with fewer calories. The Greek yogurt ensures a tender crumb, while the lemon brings a burst of brightness—perfect for those who love sweet treats without the heaviness.

Lemon Cake Bars are the ultimate light dessert: easy, refreshing, and joyfully sweet without being overly rich. Whether you’re watching your sweets or simply want something delicious and simple, these bars are a cheerful addition to any dessert lineup. Brighten your day with a bite—or two!

Lemon Cake Bars – Bright, Luscious, and Lightened-Up

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

130

kcal
Total time

35

minutes

These Lemon Cake Bars are a sunshine-sweet treat that brings zesty citrus flavor and a soft, moist texture—all in a lightened-up dessert you can feel good about. Made with simple ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re the perfect choice for warm weather gatherings, afternoon cravings, or a little guilt-free indulgence any time of year.

Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix (look for one with no added pudding)

  • 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

  • Light powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix the Batter
    In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon cake mix, Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until smooth and well blended.
  • Bake
    Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool & Slice
    Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cool, slice into 12 bars.
  • Optional Finish
    Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Use Greek Yogurt: It adds moisture and protein without extra fat.
    Lemon Zest = More Flavor: A little zest goes a long way for bright citrus notes.
    Don’t Overbake: Keep the bars soft and moist by pulling them when the edges are just golden.
    Cool Before Slicing: This helps set the bars and gives cleaner cuts.

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