This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is a true gem in my recipe collection. It’s light, lemony, and oh-so-fluffy—perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or just want to brighten up a busy weeknight. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this cake is bound to become one of your favorites too!

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. You won’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab a bowl, mix everything together, and let the oven do the hard work. Trust me; you’ll be rewarded with a tender cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Mix everything in one bowl and get baking in no time!
• Citrusy Delight: The bright lemon flavor will refresh your taste buds and elevate your mood.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness, and it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this dessert fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance, glaze it right before serving for an effortless treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! They come together beautifully to create a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will adore. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add some berries: Toss in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon poppy seed delight: Add a couple of tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for added texture.
• Switch up the zest: Experiment with orange or lime zest if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Top with whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream instead of glaze.

How to Make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. While the oven warms up, grease your 9-inch round cake pan so that your lovely cake slides out smoothly once baked.

Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it adds air into the mixture, helping your cake rise beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Now it’s time to add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This allows each egg to incorporate fully into your batter, creating a rich texture that makes every bite delicious.

Step 4: Stir in Lemon Zest and Juice

Next, stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice. This will infuse your batter with that wonderful citrusy flavor we all love! The acidity from the lemon also helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt throughout your cake.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir gently until everything is smooth. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 7: Pour Batter Into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. It should look nice and even—this helps it bake uniformly.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Pop it into your preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Step 9: Prepare Your Glaze

While your cake bakes, mix together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for the glaze. This sweet-tart topping adds such an irresistible finish!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. After cooling slightly more, drizzle on that lovely lemon glaze while it’s still warm.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy serving this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite at your next gathering—or just indulge yourself on any day ending in ‘y’. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll create a lemon dessert that’s sure to impress!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemons and quality butter will enhance the flavor of your cake, making it taste vibrant and delicious.

• Don’t skip the zest: The lemon zest adds aromatic oils that infuse the cake with an intense citrus flavor. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.

• Cool before glazing: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze helps it to set better and prevents it from sliding off.

• Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for added texture and depth.

How to Serve This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite

Serving this delightful lemon dessert is just as important as making it! Here are some fun ideas to present your masterpiece beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and freshness that complements the lemony flavor.
• Lemon slices: Thinly sliced lemons placed around the cake not only look stunning but also reinforce that delicious citrus theme.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a creamy addition that’s dairy-free, top your slice with whipped coconut cream for richness without any animal-derived products.

Side Dishes

• Berry compote: A sweet-tart berry compote made from strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor. Simply cook down mixed berries with a little sugar until thickened.

• Vanilla ice cream (dairy-free options available): The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the zesty cake, making each bite irresistible.

• Citrus salad: A refreshing citrus salad made with oranges and grapefruits provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.

• Tea or herbal infusion: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of tea or herbal infusion enhances its comforting essence while providing a delightful way to cleanse the palate between bites.

Now you’re all set to bake, serve, and enjoy this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert! Each slice is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not just a delicious treat; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your delightful lemon cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week, which may enhance its flavors.
• Keep the glaze separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave the cake for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Drizzle with fresh glaze after reheating for that extra zing!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making this delicious dessert!

Can I make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. Use one tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water as a replacement for each egg.

How do I achieve a stronger lemon flavor in This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite?

To boost the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and adjust the lemon juice to your taste. You can also add a bit of lemon extract for an extra citrus kick.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Adding an extra tablespoon of milk can help maintain moisture.

What can I serve alongside This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream alternatives, or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.

How long will This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert stay fresh?

When stored properly, this dessert remains fresh for about three days at room temperature or up to one week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is truly a delight that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. It’s special not only because of its light and fluffy texture but also due to its easy preparation—making baking accessible and fun! I genuinely hope you enjoy whipping this up as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy baking!