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

Discover This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite, a delightful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright citrus flavor and simple preparation, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself, this dessert is both refreshing and satisfying. It stands out not just for its taste but also for its ease of making, making it a go-to recipe in any home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just one bowl needed, cleanup is a breeze.
• Citrusy Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and juice gives this cake a refreshing taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert or even for brunch gatherings.
• Decadent Glaze: The lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that enhances the flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: The cake looks beautiful when served, making it great for special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without splattering.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, ensuring your dessert turns out perfect each time.

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 with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until completely incorporated.

Step 4: Mix in Zest and Juice

Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until well combined with the batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate with adding the whole milk, mixing until smooth.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While your cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and additional lemon juice, stirring until smooth.

Step 10: Cool Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 11: Glaze Cake

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake. Allow it to set before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

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

This delightful lemon dessert can be served in various ways, enhancing its citrusy flavor. You can get creative with toppings and pairings to elevate the experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweet lemon glaze beautifully.

A Scoop of Sorbet

• Pair a slice of this lemon dessert with a scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet. The cold sorbet adds a refreshing contrast to the warm cake.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. A light sprinkle of lemon zest on top can enhance its presentation.

Lemon Curd

• Spread a layer of lemon curd over the cake for an extra burst of lemon flavor. This works well if you’re looking for a more decadent treat.

Coffee or Tea

• Serve the dessert with a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea. The warmth of the drink balances out the sweetness and adds to the enjoyment.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice to serve with this dessert. The creaminess softens the tartness and creates a delightful combination.

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

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps achieve better mixing and texture in your cake.

• Freshly Squeeze Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum flavor. Bottled juice lacks that vibrant citrus taste that makes the cake special.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.

• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done baking. It should come out clean, indicating that it’s cooked through without being dry.

• Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it prevents sticking and helps maintain its shape.

• Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake for better absorption. This ensures a moist texture and enhances flavor throughout.

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

Pairing side dishes with this lemon dessert can enhance its flavor profile and create a balanced meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

2. Greek Yogurt
   Creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey can add richness without overwhelming flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment.

3. Almond Biscotti
   Crunchy almond biscotti offers a satisfying contrast in texture while also complementing the citrus notes of the cake.

4. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats enhance the tropical vibe, pairing well with the bright flavors of lemon.

5. Pistachio Nuts
   A small bowl of roasted pistachios adds crunch and saltiness that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts like this one-bowl lemon treat.

6. Lemon Sorbet
   For those who love citrus, serving lemon sorbet on the side provides an additional zing that pairs perfectly with your dessert.

7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
   These sweet treats offer a delicious chocolate contrast while still allowing delicate lemon flavors to shine through.

8. Cheese Platter
   A selection of soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese can provide a savory touch that enhances your overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a delightful dessert like this one. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of the batter. Make sure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking relies on precise measurements. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for milk and juice to ensure accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your dessert light and fluffy.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
• Not cooling properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for too long can make it soggy. Follow the cooling instructions closely for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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

• • Duration: You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making or storing this dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use other citrus fruits in this one-bowl lemon dessert?

Yes! You can substitute lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

What makes this one-bowl lemon dessert so special?

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert stands out due to its simplicity and refreshing flavor, making it Paul Hollywood’s favorite cake of all time.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.

Final Thoughts

This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with citrus flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various citrus fruits or even add berries. Try making it today and enjoy a slice of lemony goodness that everyone will love!