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

If you’re looking for a dessert that brightens your day and is super easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is my go-to recipe for when I want something sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful. There’s something about the zesty freshness of lemon that just makes everything feel a little more special, don’t you think? Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake fits right in. It’s perfect for sharing or simply savoring all by yourself!

One of the best parts about this lemon cake is its simplicity—no fuss, no complicated steps. Just mix it all in one bowl, and you’ll have a moist and flavorful dessert that everyone will love. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in Paul Hollywood’s heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one bowl required, cleanup is a breeze!
• Bright Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice give this cake its signature tanginess.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delightful treat.
• Make Ahead: Bake it in advance for gatherings or special occasions; it keeps well!
• Versatile Glaze: The lemon glaze adds an extra zing that takes the flavor to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. This recipe is all about using fresh components to create that deliciously bright flavor.

Ingredients:
– 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 based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Some Berries: Toss in some blueberries or raspberries for added sweetness and color.
• Try Different Zests: Experiment with lime or orange zest for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Top with Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit slices on top for an extra refreshing touch.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cake rises beautifully. Don’t forget to grease your 9-inch round cake pan so the cake comes out easily after baking!

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake its lovely texture. Take your time here—about 3 to 5 minutes should do it!

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them fully into the batter, ensuring even moisture throughout the cake.

Step 4: Stir in Lemon Zest and Juice

Next, stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is well combined. The aroma will be heavenly! This step infuses your batter with that bright citrus flavor we all love.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth—this helps create a tender crumb without overmixing.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. A nice even surface allows for uniform baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking—overbaking can lead to dryness!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your cake bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. This glaze adds an irresistible sweetness that complements the tartness of your cake perfectly.

Step 10: Cool Before Drizzling

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling slightly before glazing allows the glaze to set nicely without running off too quickly.

Step 11: Drizzle Glaze Over Cake

Once transferred to the rack, drizzle that luscious lemon glaze over your warm cake! Allow it to set before slicing—if you can wait that long!

Enjoy every bite of this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home as it has in mine.

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

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you create a perfect lemon dessert that’s sure to impress!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing ensures a smoother batter and better rise.

• Don’t skip the lemon zest: This adds an extra punch of citrus flavor that brightens the entire cake, making each bite refreshing and vibrant.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Since ovens can vary in temperature, use a toothpick to check if your cake is cooked through—look for it to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let the cake cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it helps prevent breakage and ensures a beautiful presentation when serving.

• Experiment with glaze thickness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar; for a thinner drizzle, add more lemon juice. Adjusting the consistency can give your cake a unique touch every time!

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

Presentation is key when serving this delightful dessert! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dish and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add color but also complement the citrus flavor beautifully.
• Lemon slices: Thinly sliced lemons placed on top of the cake can enhance its visual appeal while reinforcing that zesty taste.
• Sprinkling of powdered sugar: A light dusting right before serving gives an elegant finish that makes the dessert look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free alternative adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lemon cake.
• Berry compote: A simple mixture of mixed berries cooked down with a little sugar creates a sweet-tart side that contrasts nicely with the cake’s flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the cake’s brightness and provides a lovely temperature contrast.
• Fruit salad: A bowl of seasonal fruits can offer freshness and additional textures that complement every bite of this luscious lemon dessert.

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

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not only delicious but 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 manage your delightful cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have extra glaze, keep it in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week.
• For optimal flavor, consume within a couple of days.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container; label with the date.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• If reheating the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite that you might find helpful.

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute lemon juice and zest with orange or lime for a different flavor profile while keeping the same delightful texture.

How can I make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

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

Serve this light and zesty cake with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!

How should I store leftovers from This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

What is the best way to glaze This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake so it seeps into every delicious bite. Allow it to set before slicing into generous pieces!

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is truly special, bringing sunshine into your kitchen with its bright flavors. It’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making this delightful cake as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience and let others join in on the lemony goodness!