I first made these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars on a frantic Tuesday. My kids needed a treat for the bake sale, and my fridge held only a can of sweetened condensed milk and some lemons. Desperation turned into pure gold.
These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are creamy, tangy, and shockingly simple. You won’t believe these Lemon Bars have no butter, flour, or eggs. My family devoured the entire pan before I could package them.
Now, these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are my go-to dessert for last-minute gatherings. Trust me, these Lemon Bars deliver sunshine in every bite. Making these Lemon Bars only takes five minutes of prep. You need these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars in your recipe box today. These Bars prove that simplicity tastes amazing.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- You will love how these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars solve dessert dilemmas instantly. Require zero complicated techniques. You just stir and bake.
- Also, use pantry staples. No special shopping trips are needed. Deliver a bright, citrusy flavor that everyone craves.
- My picky eater gobbles up these Bars without complaint. These Bars are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. You can make it even for strict diets. These Lemon Bars are simply unbeatable.
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 23 mins
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are creamy, tangy, and shockingly simple with no butter, flour, or eggs. Made with just sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice, they're naturally gluten-free and perfect for last-minute desserts.
Ingredients
1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease lightly if needed
- Combine ingredients. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. The mixture thickens immediately
- Pour into pan. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula
- Bake your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars for 15 to 18 minutes. The edges should look set but the center slightly jiggles
- Cool completely. Let the pan cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is crucial for clean cuts
- Slice and serve. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients to prevent curdling. Do not overbake; the center should still wobble slightly. Chill completely before slicing for clean edges. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: lemon bars, 2 ingredient, easy, gluten-free, vegetarian
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/2 cup (about 3-4 lemons) |
The sweetened condensed milk acts as both the sweetener and binder. Fresh lemon juice provides all the tangy magic.
Do not use bottled juice for these Lemon Bars. Fresh juice creates the best texture and flavor.
Substitutions & variations
Lime version
Swap lemon juice for fresh lime juice. Make 2 Ingredient Key Lime Bars instead. Please use the same ratio for these variations.
Add a crust
Press a shortbread crust into your pan. Pour the mixture on top. Bake as directed. This adds a lovely crunch to your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars.
Vegan option
Use canned coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. Use an equal amount. You Lemon Bars will still set beautifully.
For a refreshing twist, swap the lemon juice with fresh lime juice to create 2 Ingredient Key Lime Bars using the same ratio. If you enjoy tangy citrus desserts, you’ll also love our 2 Ingredient Japanese Cheesecake for another ultra-simple treat.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease lightly if needed.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. The mixture thickens immediately. This is normal for your Lemon Bars.
Step 3: Pour into pan. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake. Bake your 2 Ingredient Lemon for 15 to 18 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center slightly jiggles.
Step 5: Cool completely. Let the pan cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is crucial for clean cuts on your Bars.
Step 6: Slice and serve. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your perfect Lemon Bars!
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use room temperature ingredients. Cold lemon juice can cause curdling. Whisk thoroughly to combine your Two Ingredient Lemon Bars.
- Do not overbake. The center should still wobble slightly. Overbaking makes these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars grainy.
- Chill these Lemon Bars completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Wipe the knife between cuts for your Bars.
Always use room temperature ingredients when making your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture. For another effortlessly delicious option, check out our 2-Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels that are just as simple to prepare.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store these Lemon Bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars actually taste better the next day.
You can freeze these Lemon Bars for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag.
Thaw frozen 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars in the refrigerator overnight. Do not microwave these Lemon Bars to reheat. Serve them cold or at room temperature. These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars retain their creamy texture perfectly when chilled.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Serve with fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream complements these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars wonderfully. Pair these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars with a hot cup of tea.
They also pair well with coffee for a simple dessert menu. Present at brunches, potlucks, or picnics. These 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars always disappear first. Add a sprig of mint for extra color.
Serve these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a stunning dessert presentation. If you’re looking for another quick breakfast masterpiece, try our Raspberry Danish with Puff Pastry that comes together in just 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice for these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars?
No, please use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice contains preservatives. It will ruin the texture of your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. Fresh juice provides natural pectin. This helps set your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars properly.
Why are my 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars runny?
Your 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars likely needed more baking time. Or you used too much lemon juice. Measure precisely for perfect 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. Also, ensure you chilled them fully.
Can I make these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars without condensed milk?
No, sweetened condensed milk is essential. It provides sweetness and structure for these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars. There is no substitute that keeps them two-ingredient.
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars are a modern no-bake dessert that rely on the chemical reaction between citrus acid and sweetened condensed milk to set. This method is similar to key lime pie, which traces its origins to the Key lime grown in the Florida Keys.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Makes 9 servings for these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 31g |