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

Discover This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s favorite cake of all time. This simple recipe is filled with bright citrus flavors, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Its unique one-bowl method allows you to whip up this delightful dessert with minimal fuss, ensuring a moist and flavorful cake every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The one-bowl method simplifies the preparation, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Citrusy: With fresh lemon juice and zest, this cake bursts with vibrant flavors that brighten your day.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any gathering or as a sweet treat after dinner, it pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
• Quick Baking Time: Bake in just 30-35 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy your guests or relax.
• Beautiful Glaze: The lemon glaze adds a stunning finish and extra sweetness that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools for a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Whisk: This tool ensures that eggs and butter blend well, creating a fluffy cake texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and smoothing batter into the pan.

Ingredients

To make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite, gather the following ingredients:

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)

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cake’s texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure they are fully incorporated before moving on.

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Zest and Juice

Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined. The zest brings an aromatic quality that enhances flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them separately helps distribute leavening evenly.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth without over-mixing.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top using a spatula for an even bake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end!

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside until needed.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 11: Drizzle Glaze Over Cake

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake, letting it soak in slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert!

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

This delightful lemon dessert is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Top the cake with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast that complements the lemony taste.

Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a rich creaminess that balances the citrus notes beautifully.

Drizzled with Lemon Syrup

• Enhance the lemon flavor by drizzling homemade lemon syrup over each slice before serving.

Served with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy this one-bowl lemon dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing afternoon treat.

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

Perfecting this one-bowl lemon dessert can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemons yield more flavor than bottled juice, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
• Measure accurately – Use precise measurements for sugar and flour to achieve the right texture and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and airy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Test for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked!
• Cool completely before glazing – Allow the cake to cool fully before adding glaze to prevent it from melting away.
• Store properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.

Best Side Dishes for This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite

Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this delightful dessert.

1. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Mixed Greens Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast.
3. Lemon Sorbet – Serve lemon sorbet as a palate cleanser between courses; its bright flavor ties in well with the cake.
4. Chocolate Mousse – A rich chocolate mousse offers an indulgent pairing that contrasts nicely with the tartness of lemon.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties like brie or goat cheese, makes an elegant accompaniment.
6. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats provide an interesting texture and tropical vibe that enhances your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final result.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Combine ingredients just until they are blended for a light and fluffy dessert.
• Not measuring accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin the balance of flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a zesty finish that enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step; it takes just minutes to prepare!
• Baking without checking doneness: Every oven is different, so test your cake a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s fully baked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store this cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

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

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert.

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

This dessert stands out due to its simplicity and bright lemon flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?

Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds for texture or switch up the citrus by using lime or orange zest.

How long does This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

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

Serve it at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside fresh berries for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its bright lemon flavor makes it a refreshing treat year-round. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings, and enjoy this simple yet delightful recipe!