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

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your day, look no further than This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite. This bright and zesty cake is not only a breeze to make, but it also delivers a burst of lemony goodness with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up on a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe even more special is how it captures the essence of simplicity while still feeling indulgent. With its moist texture and refreshing flavor, it’s perfect for family gatherings or as an afternoon snack with tea. Trust me; once you try making this cake, it will become one of your go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-bowl recipe saves you time and hassle in the kitchen. No complicated steps here!
• Lemon Lovers Unite: The fresh lemon zest and juice give this dessert a bright flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love this cake, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Make Ahead: Bake it in advance and drizzle the glaze just before serving for a fabulous treat that’s ready when you are.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with berries or whipped cream for extra flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Gather these staples to create your delicious lemon cake!

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
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins to suit your taste.

• Add Berries: Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for an added fruity twist.
• Lemon Blueberry Swirl: Create a beautiful swirl by adding blueberry puree into the batter before baking.
• Coconut Cream Topping: Top with coconut whipped cream for a tropical feel.
• Zesty Orange Twist: Substitute half of the lemon juice with orange juice for a citrusy variation.

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). It’s important to have the oven ready so the cake can bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated, providing structure and moisture to your cake.

Step 4: Stir in Lemon Zest and Juice

Now it’s time to brighten things up! Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is well combined. The zest adds an aromatic punch while enhancing that lovely citrus flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth—this will help achieve that perfect batter consistency without overworking it.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour your luscious batter into the greased 9-inch round cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it bakes evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—a sign of moist perfection!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your cake bakes away, mix together powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth glaze. This simple topping brings everything together beautifully!

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. This cooling period helps maintain its structure.

Step 11: Drizzle with Glaze

Finally, drizzle that zesty lemon glaze over your warm cake. Let it set before cutting into slices—this adds an extra touch of sweetness!

Enjoy sharing This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite with friends and family! It really is as delightful as it sounds!

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

Baking can be a joyful experience, and these tips will ensure your lemon dessert turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them blend better, creating a smoother batter that results in a fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, which keeps the cake tender and light.

• Test for doneness carefully – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready! Overbaking can dry it out.

• Let it cool properly – Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring it to a wire rack helps prevent breaking and ensures even cooling.

• Adjust the glaze consistency – If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice; if too thin, sift in more powdered sugar. A well-balanced glaze enhances flavor without overpowering the cake.

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

Serving this delightful lemon dessert is all about showcasing its bright flavors and beautiful texture. Here are some ideas to make it truly shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries – A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries adds vibrant color and a burst of sweetness that complements the tartness of lemon.

• Whipped coconut cream – For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a luscious topping that pairs beautifully with the citrusy cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream balances the zesty lemon flavor, creating a delicious contrast that everyone loves.

• Lemon sorbet – For those who adore citrus, serving lemon sorbet alongside will enhance the refreshing taste while providing a cool treat.

• Fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can add texture and freshness to your dessert plate, making each bite exciting.

• Herbal tea – A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea serves as a soothing complement to this sweet treat, making for an inviting end to any meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy Paul Hollywood’s favorite one-bowl lemon dessert in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat any day of the week. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or simply want something sweet on hand, this cake stores beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week.
• If you notice the glaze hardening, simply drizzle a little fresh lemon juice over it before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Drizzle more lemon glaze over warm pieces to enhance flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dessert ahead of time and store it as instructed above. It’s an excellent treat to have ready for guests or family gatherings.

What makes This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert so special?

This dessert stands out due to its simplicity and bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly balances sweetness. It’s a favorite because it’s moist yet light—a delightful addition to any occasion!

Can I substitute any ingredients in This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives if you’re looking for a vegan option. The flavor will still shine through with fresh lemon juice and zest.

How long does This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert last?

When stored properly, this delicious cake lasts up to three days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. It also freezes well for those who like to plan ahead!

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert truly captures the essence of brightness and joy with its zesty flavors and simple preparation. I hope you find as much delight in making it as Paul Hollywood does! Enjoy each slice knowing that this recipe brings happiness not only to your kitchen but also to all who share it with you. Happy baking!