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

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, then you’re in the right place! This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is not just a cake; it’s a slice of sunshine on your plate. With its zesty lemon flavor and a soft, moist texture, it has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings.

The best part? You can prepare this cake in just one bowl, making cleanup as simple as the baking process itself. It’s perfect for when you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one bowl needed, you’ll be mixing in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings!
• Citrusy Delight: The fresh lemon zest and juice give this dessert a bright flavor that lifts your spirits.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this cake! It’s light enough for kids and flavorful enough for adults.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake it ahead of time, glaze it, and let the flavors meld together for an even tastier treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, or dress it up with fresh berries or whipped cream for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will turn into a delicious dessert. These are all easy to find and might already be in your pantry!

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 (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in some blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Zest It Up: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange to give it a different twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Top It Off: Consider adding toasted coconut or nuts on top of the glaze for added texture.

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

Step 1: Preheat the 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 softened butter until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake that lovely rise and tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps emulsify the mixture, which leads to a more cohesive batter.

Step 4: Add Lemon Zest and Juice

Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined. The zest brings forth vibrant flavors that will really shine through in your cake.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour before combining with wet ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with milk. This method prevents clumps from forming and creates a smooth batter that’s ready for baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While your cake bakes, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. This glaze will add sweetness while complementing those zesty flavors beautifully.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

After baking, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the warm glaze over your cake while it’s still warm; this will allow it to seep into every delicious bite!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite! Slice it up and savor each citrusy bite—this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around!

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

Making a delightful lemon dessert can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemons for zest and juice will provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it may lack the vibrant taste that fresh lemons bring.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what we’re aiming for in this delightful dessert.

• Check for doneness: Baking times can vary based on your oven. Start checking 5 minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Let it cool properly: Allowing your cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its shape and prevents it from breaking apart.

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

Presenting your lemon cake beautifully can enhance the experience of enjoying it! Here are some ideas to serve this zesty delight.

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 on top or alongside the cake provide an eye-catching presentation and reinforce that citrusy theme.

Side Dishes

• Fresh berries: A bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) offers a sweet contrast to the tartness of the lemon cake while adding vibrant colors to your plate.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a silky texture and rich sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the tangy notes of the cake.

• Green tea: A warm cup of green tea serves as an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing flavors and providing a calming effect after enjoying this sweet treat.

• Simple salad: A light salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites of cake and balances out sweetness with a bit of crunch.

Now you’re all set to whip up Paul Hollywood’s favorite one-bowl lemon dessert! Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones—after all, desserts are best enjoyed together!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can keep it in the fridge where it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

• If desired, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat the whole cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if you prefer a freshly warmed dessert.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite that might help you out!

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights lemon, feel free to experiment with limes or oranges for a different citrus twist. Just adjust the zest and juice quantities according to your taste preferences.

How long does This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite stay fresh?

When stored properly, this dessert remains delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be scrumptious!

What can I use instead of whole milk?

If you’re looking for alternatives, almond milk or oat milk works beautifully in this recipe without compromising flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened.

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is truly special – it’s simple yet bursting with bright flavors that everyone will adore! I hope you enjoy making this cheerful treat as much as I do. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on your own, it’s bound to brighten your day. Happy baking!