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

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with citrus flavor and can be made in no time, then you’ve come to the right place! This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is not just any cake; it’s a delightful reminder of sunny days and cheerful gatherings. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me during busy weeknights or when I needed something special for family get-togethers. The best part? You can whip it up in just one bowl!

You’ll love how simple yet impressive this cake is. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you want to brighten up a weekday dinner or impress your friends at a weekend brunch. Each bite brings a burst of fresh lemon flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one bowl needed, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for any cooking level.
• Family-Friendly: This cake pleases both kids and adults alike with its zesty taste and moist texture.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can bake this cake in advance; it tastes even better the next day!
• Versatile Treat: Dress it up with fruit or serve it plain; this cake fits any occasion.
• Citrusy Goodness: The bright lemon flavor is refreshing, making it a perfect dessert year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun! They are all wholesome staples that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this deliciously tangy dessert:

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add some berries: Toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries before baking for a fruity twist.
• Make it a lemon poppy seed cake: Stir in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to give it an extra crunch.
• Try different citrus fruits: Swap out lemons for limes or oranges for a new flavor profile.
• Top with fresh fruit: Garnish with slices of lemon or seasonal fruits to make it even more appealing.

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 and rises perfectly.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This step adds air into the mixture, which helps create a light texture in your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This allows each egg to fully incorporate into the batter, giving you a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Mix in Zest and Juice

Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined. This is where all that bright flavor comes from, making your cake zesty and refreshing!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure everything blends evenly into the batter.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mixing until smooth combines all flavors without overworking the batter.

Step 7: Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. A smooth surface helps your cake rise evenly.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your cake bakes, mix together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth for your glaze. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon.

Step 10: Cool Your Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling gives it time to set properly.

Step 11: Glaze It Up!

Drizzle the lemon glaze over your warm cake, allowing it to soak in as it cools further. This final touch makes every slice deliciously sweet!

And there you have it—a delightful One-Bowl Lemon Dessert that will brighten up any day! Enjoy every bite!

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

Making a delightful cake can feel daunting, but with these handy tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a lemony masterpiece!

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice simply can’t compare when it comes to taste.

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

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for perfect results.

• Let it cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for a short time before transferring it helps prevent breakage. A gentle cooling process ensures that your cake holds its shape beautifully.

• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe shines with lemon, feel free to switch things up by adding orange zest or using lime juice for a different twist that complements the citrus theme.

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

Serving this scrumptious lemon dessert can turn any occasion into something special! Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, presentation plays a key role in delighting your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A handful of strawberries or blueberries not only adds color but also provides a delicious contrast to the tartness of the lemon.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream makes for a light and luscious topping that pairs beautifully with the zesty flavor of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Citrus salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and mint leaves complements your dessert perfectly while enhancing its bright flavors.

• Herbed yogurt dip: A creamy yogurt dip infused with fresh herbs like mint or basil offers a savory balance alongside your sweet cake.

• Almond biscotti: These crunchy treats add texture and are perfect for dipping into coffee or tea after enjoying your slice of cake.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings rich creaminess that harmonizes beautifully with the tangy lemon flavor of your dessert.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful One-Bowl Lemon Dessert—it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not just a delightful treat; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time or store leftovers to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm slices in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

What makes this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Paul Hollywood’s favorite?

Paul Hollywood loves this dessert for its simplicity and bright lemon flavor. The one-bowl method makes it easy to whip up without any fuss!

Can I use other citrus fruits in this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

Absolutely! While lemon is the star here, you can substitute with lime or orange juice and zest for a different twist.

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

When stored properly, this dessert will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite! It’s a simple yet stunning way to bring a burst of citrus flavor into your home. Enjoy making it as much as eating it—it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!