Paul Hollywood’s Favorite One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Recipe
Paul Hollywood’s Favorite One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is a delightful, zesty cake made in a single bowl, featuring a tender crumb and a fresh lemon glaze. Perfectly balanced with lemon zest and juice, this cake offers a moist texture and a bright citrus flavor, ideal for a refreshing treat or dessert after any meal.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
For the Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily and has a smooth, golden crust.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creates a tender crumb and helps the cake rise beautifully. Use a wooden spoon, whisk, or electric mixer as preferred.
- Add the Eggs One at a Time: Crack in the eggs individually, whisking after each addition to maintain a smooth, glossy batter that binds well.
- Mix in the Lemon Juice and Zest: Add the fresh lemon zest and juice to the batter. This instantly imparts a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor reminiscent of a summer garden.
- Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk in alternating additions with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until no flour streaks remain. Avoid over-stirring to keep the batter smooth and pale yellow.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl, stirring to a smooth, pourable consistency that is thick enough to cling but thin enough to drizzle.
- Glaze and Cool: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top so it soaks in slightly and gives a glossy finish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor impact.
- The cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a tangier glaze, adjust the lemon juice quantity to taste.
Keywords: lemon cake, one-bowl cake, lemon glaze, Paul Hollywood dessert, easy lemon cake, citrus dessert, baking recipe, simple cake