Discover This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite, a delightful cake that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the refreshing lemon zing that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this one-bowl recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cake
- For the Glaze
- How to Make This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 3: Add Eggs
- Step 4: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
- Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
- Step 8: Bake
- Step 9: Prepare Glaze
- Step 10: Cool Cake
- Step 11: Drizzle Glaze
- How to Serve This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Pair with Fresh Berries
- Add Whipped Cream
- Serve with Ice Cream
- Garnish with Mint
- Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze
- Enjoy with Tea or Coffee
- How to Perfect This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Best Side Dishes for This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Reheating This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Paul Hollywood’s favorite?
- Can I substitute the lemon juice?
- How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
- Can I make this lemon dessert gluten-free?
- How should I store leftovers of This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just one bowl required, cleanup is quick and easy.
- Citrusy Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright, invigorating taste to every bite.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion – from birthdays to casual brunches.
- Quick Preparation: Bake this cake in under an hour, making it great for last-minute gatherings.
- Glorious Glaze: The lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl makes it easy to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ideal for achieving a light and fluffy batter by incorporating air into the mixture.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
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 Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Ensure everything is well combined for maximum flavor.
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 mixture. Alternate this with adding the whole milk. Mix until smooth; you don’t want any lumps.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to smooth out the top evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 9: Prepare Glaze
While your cake bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar and additional lemon juice. Stir until it’s smooth.
Step 10: Cool Cake
Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Drizzle Glaze
Once cooled, drizzle your lemon glaze over the warm cake. Allow it to set before slicing. Enjoy!
How to Serve This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
This delightful lemon dessert is perfect for any occasion. Its light and zesty flavor makes it a wonderful treat that can be served in various ways.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a pop of color and a refreshing taste that complements the lemon perfectly.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream can enhance the dessert’s richness and balance its tartness.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla or lemon sorbet works wonderfully, providing a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture and flavor.
Garnish with Mint
- Fresh mint leaves not only add a burst of color but also bring an aromatic freshness that elevates this dessert.
Drizzle with Extra Lemon Glaze
- For those who love citrus, an extra drizzle of lemon glaze adds an additional layer of sweetness and tang.
Enjoy with Tea or Coffee
- This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings or dessert after dinner.
How to Perfect This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
To achieve the best results with this lemon dessert, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture in the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze; this helps it set properly without being too runny.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
This lemon dessert pairs well with various side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Lemon Sorbet
A refreshing citrus frozen treat that enhances the lemon flavor of the cake while cleansing the palate. - Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits provides sweetness and texture, balancing out the tangy taste of the cake. - Yogurt Parfait
Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the soft cake. - Chocolate Mousse
The richness of chocolate mousse offers a decadent pairing that plays off the lightness of this one-bowl dessert. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese brings savory notes that complement the sweet citrus flavors. - Pistachio Biscotti
Crunchy biscotti adds a delightful texture contrast, perfect for dipping into coffee alongside your dessert. - Coconut Macaroons
Chewy coconut macaroons offer a sweet counterpoint while maintaining a light feel overall when served together. - Almond Cake Slices
Almond cakes deliver nutty flavors that pair harmoniously with lemon, creating a rich yet refreshing experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert can be simple, but a few common mistakes might affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake instead of a fluffy one.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure accurate measurements for the best outcome.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake texture, which is not what you want for This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert.
- Skipping the glaze: The lemon glaze adds an essential flavor layer. Don’t skip it; instead, drizzle generously over the warm cake for maximum zestiness.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture, leaving you with an undesired result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert in an airtight container.
- item It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- item For best flavor, consume within the first couple of days.
Freezing This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- item Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
- item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- item It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individual slices for 15-30 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Paul Hollywood’s favorite?
This dessert combines simplicity with vibrant lemon flavor, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Yes! You can use lime juice or orange juice as an alternative, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or use parchment paper at the bottom before pouring in your batter.
Can I make this lemon dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well with baking.
How should I store leftovers of This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is not only Paul Hollywood’s favorite but also a versatile recipe that you can customize easily. Whether you prefer more zest or want to add berries into the mix, feel free to experiment! Try this delightful cake today and enjoy its refreshing flavors at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself.
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📖 Recipe Card
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This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the bright and zesty flavors of This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, Paul Hollywood’s favorite cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful treat combines fresh lemon juice and zest with a simple one-bowl method, making it both a breeze to prepare and a joy to eat. The cake is light, fluffy, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze that enhances its refreshing citrus taste.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
- Let the cake cool before drizzling with glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg