Sunkist Lemon Bars
Sweet and tangy lemon bars with a buttery crust and zesty lemon filling, perfect for citrus lovers and great for casual gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix 1 egg, softened butter, and dry lemon cake mix until crumbly; reserve 1 cup of mixture.
- Pat the remaining mixture lightly into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon peel, and lemon juice with a rotary beater until light and foamy.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake about 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool, then cut into about 2 x 1 1/2-inch bars.
- Optional: sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have lemon peel, you can substitute with a teaspoon of lemon extract. Ensure the crust is evenly pressed and baked until lightly golden for the best texture. If you want a sweeter treat, add a bit more sugar to the lemon filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sunkist Lemon Bars chilled for the best texture, and consider dusting them with confectioners' sugar just before serving for an elegant touch. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, keeping them frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunkist Lemon Bars contains roughly 44 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or yellow cake mix. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, and make sure to adjust the lemon juice and zest accordingly to maintain the lemony taste.
What can I do if my lemon bars are too tart?
If your lemon bars turn out too tart, you can drizzle a simple syrup over the top or serve them with sweetened whipped cream. You could also try reducing the lemon juice slightly next time or adding a bit more sugar to the filling for balance.
How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?
The lemon bars are done when the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).