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

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is the perfect treat for any occasion. Its bright and refreshing lemon flavor makes it a delightful addition to your dessert table. With just one bowl needed, this easy-to-make cake minimizes cleanup while delivering on taste. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this dessert is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires only one bowl, making it simple to prepare without a lot of fuss.
• Deliciously Citrus: The fresh lemon juice and zest give this cake a vibrant flavor that brightens every bite.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With its light texture and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert everyone will adore.
• Quick Baking Time: It bakes in just 30-35 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy this delicious dessert.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without splattering.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a fluffier cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

Ingredients

Discover This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, Paul Hollywood’s favorite cake of all time, with a simple recipe that’s citrusy and delightful.

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 prevent sticking.

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.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Juice and Zest

Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with whole milk. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.

Step 9: Cool Cake

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

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Drizzle your prepared lemon glaze over the warm cake, letting it set before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert!

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

Serving this delightful lemon dessert is as easy as pie! It’s versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its citrusy flavor. Here are some wonderful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the cake alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

A Dollop of Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tangy lemon.

Lemon Sorbet

• Pair the cake with lemon sorbet for an extra refreshing treat that complements the cake’s zestiness.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.

With Greek Yogurt

• Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side for a creamy texture and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness.

Garnished with Lemon Slices

• Decorate each plate with thin lemon slices or wedges for a pretty presentation and an added citrus kick.

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

To make sure your lemon dessert is perfect every time, consider these useful tips. They will help you achieve that light, fluffy texture and vibrant flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and quality butter. This makes a significant difference in taste.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate better into the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature. An inaccurate oven can affect baking times.
• Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack before glazing. This ensures the glaze sets nicely without sliding off.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice or water to reach your desired consistency.

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

This lemon dessert pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweet-tart nature of the dessert.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the zesty cake, perfect for those warm days.
3. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats add texture and sweetness, making them a great pairing with citrus desserts.
4. Almond Biscotti
   Crunchy almond biscotti can be served alongside for dipping, enhancing your dessert experience.
5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses balances out the sweetness while providing savory notes that contrast nicely.
6. Chia Seed Pudding
   Light yet filling, chia seed pudding topped with fruit can create a lovely layered dessert experience.
7. Herbed Salad
   A simple herbed salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of cake.
8. Caramelized Nuts
   Sweet caramelized nuts bring crunch and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of this lemon dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small errors can affect your cake. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, so use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense cakes. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the oven preheating – Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before placing your cake inside.
• Using cold ingredients – Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature. This helps create a better emulsion for your batter.
• Ignoring baking times – Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Use a toothpick to check doneness before the time is up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You can also cover it with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container.

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

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

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

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the cake in for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite.

What makes this lemon dessert special?

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert stands out due to its simplicity and bright citrus flavor that appeals to everyone.

Can I customize This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite?

Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds or blueberries for extra flavor, or even swap lemon zest with lime zest.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just crumbs, your cake is ready!

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert keeps well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to adapt. You can enjoy it plain or customize it with various fruits or toppings. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends!