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 my go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake always brings smiles to the table. The zesty lemon flavor brightens up the day and makes everyone feel like they’re indulging in something special.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You can whip it up in no time, and there’s minimal cleanup since everything is mixed in just one bowl. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why this cake has earned its spot as a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need for complicated techniques—just mix everything together!
• Citrusy Delight: The fresh lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake shines at birthdays, brunches, or anytime you want something sweet.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out with the mixing, and they’ll be excited to eat their creation!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake it in advance and glaze it just before serving for easy entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need much for this scrumptious cake—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything you need to make this delightful dessert!

For the Cake

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

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Variations

One of the best things about this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is its flexibility! Feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon-Blueberry Swirl: Add a swirl of blueberry puree into the batter before baking.
• Use Different Citrus: Substitute lime or orange juice and zest for a fun flavor change.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy this treat without worry.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9-inch round cake pan at this stage ensures your cake won’t stick later. It also sets the stage for baking perfection!

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into your batter, which will help create that lovely rise and texture in your cake!

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps ensure that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter, giving you a smooth mixture that’s ready for the next steps.

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Zest and Juice

Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is well combined. The zest adds an extra punch of flavor, making your cake truly zesty!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to distribute them evenly throughout your batter.

Step 6: Alternately Add Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mixing until smooth ensures that no lumps remain. We want every bite of this delicious dessert to be perfectly tender!

Step 7: Transfer to Cake Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. This helps ensure even baking so that all parts of your cake cook perfectly.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end—you want that lovely golden brown color!

Step 9: Prepare Your Glaze

While your cake bakes, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for your glaze. This drizzle adds extra sweetness and brightness to finish off your dessert beautifully.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle with glaze while warm so it seeps slightly into the cake—it makes every slice extra special!

Now you’re ready to indulge! Enjoy sharing this wonderful One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with friends and family—just as I do!

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

Creating this delightful lemon dessert is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you can make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemons not only enhance the flavor but also provide the best zest. This ensures your cake has that vibrant citrus taste that makes it so refreshing.

• Don’t overmix – Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Check for doneness – Instead of relying solely on baking time, use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

• Cool before glazing – Allowing the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze prevents it from soaking in too much, creating a perfect sweet topping that stays beautifully on top.

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

Serving this lemon dessert can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves – A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
• Lemon slices – Thinly sliced lemons placed strategically around the cake not only look lovely but also reinforce that zesty theme.

Side Dishes

• Berry compote – A simple mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries simmered with a touch of sugar creates a lovely fruity contrast to the lemony cake.

• Whipped coconut cream – Made from chilled coconut cream whipped until fluffy, this dairy-free topping provides a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the dessert.

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a classic pairing. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm lemon cake.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll make an unforgettable treat that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it! Enjoy baking and savor every bite of Paul Hollywood’s favorite lemon dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delightful treat any time. Here’s how you can store and save your cake for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place slices on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dessert.

What makes This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite so special?

This dessert stands out due to its simple one-bowl preparation that yields a moist and flavorful lemon cake with minimal cleanup. The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice brings a bright flavor that makes it truly irresistible!

Can I use other citrus fruits in This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite?

Absolutely! You can experiment with citrus like oranges or limes if you’re looking for a twist. Just substitute the lemon zest and juice with an equal amount of your favorite citrus fruit.

How can I enhance the flavor of This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite?

To boost the flavor even more, consider adding some poppy seeds or using a bit of lemon extract along with the zest and juice. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme could also add an aromatic touch!

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I know when This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is done baking?

Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. The edges should be lightly browned, and the top should spring back when touched gently.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite! It not only brightens up any occasion but also brings smiles with its refreshing flavors. Enjoy baking this delightful treat for yourself and loved ones—happy baking!