Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon is the ultimate zesty delight for any baking enthusiast. This recipe showcases the simplicity of a one-bowl method, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. With its moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor, this cake effortlessly steals the show at teatime or any gathering. The refreshing citrus glaze adds a beautiful finish, ensuring every bite is a burst of lemony goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-bowl method means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice gives this cake a delightful tang that brightens any occasion.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for afternoon tea, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence after dinner.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the butter and milk, each slice is soft and tender, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.
- Gorgeous Glaze: The lemon glaze not only enhances flavor but also makes for an eye-catching presentation.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon cake, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen arsenal.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pan (23 cm round)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all your ingredients easily without splashing.
- Whisk: This helps incorporate air into the batter, which is key for a fluffy texture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl, ensuring no ingredient is left behind.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 120 ml whole milk
For the Glaze
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to Make Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line a 23 cm round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air needed for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to create a creamy mixture that’s uniform in texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
Mix in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir gently until fully blended to achieve that vibrant citrus aroma.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Pour in Milk
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth out the top with your spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While your cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to form your glossy glaze.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle that delicious lemon glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in for extra flavor.
How to Serve Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Serving Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake is a delightful experience that enhances any occasion. This moist, zesty treat pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making it a versatile dessert for tea time or festive gatherings.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the cake’s sweetness and add a burst of freshness.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a rich contrast to the tangy lemon flavor.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla or lemon sorbet adds a creamy texture and an extra layer of indulgence when served alongside the cake.
Lemon Curd
- Drizzling lemon curd on top intensifies the citrus experience, creating a perfect balance with the cake’s moist crumb.
Tea or Coffee
- Pairing this cake with a cup of fragrant tea or robust coffee enhances the overall enjoyment and rounds out your dessert experience.
Candied Peel
- Garnishing with candied lemon peel adds an elegant touch and extra zing to each slice.
How to Perfect Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
To ensure your Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together helps prevent lumps and ensures an even rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined when adding dry ingredients. This keeps the cake tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking; every oven is different.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool slightly before applying glaze. This helps it soak in without running off.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for maximum freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Enhancing your meal with the right side dishes can elevate the experience of enjoying Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon. Here are some delicious options that pair well.
- Simple Green Salad
A refreshing mix of greens dressed with a light vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the cake. - Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil provide savory contrast, creating a wonderful meal ensemble. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, offers a rich counterpart to the zesty lemon flavor. - Fruit Salad
A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds vibrant flavors and freshness that complements the lemon cake beautifully. - Chocolate Mousse
The richness of chocolate mousse creates a delightful contrast with the bright citrus notes of the lemon cake. - Lemon Sorbet
For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve lemon sorbet; its tartness echoes the flavors in your main dessert. - Pecan Pie Bars
Sweet and nutty pecan bars provide another layer of richness while still being easy to serve alongside your lemon treat. - Tea Sandwiches
Light tea sandwiches filled with cucumber or smoked salmon make for an elegant pairing during afternoon tea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake, avoiding common pitfalls ensures your cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ones to ensure the right balance.
- Skipping the glaze: The lemon glaze adds a delightful finish. Don’t skip this step, as it enhances both flavor and presentation.
- Underbaking the cake: To achieve that perfect moist crumb, ensure your skewer comes out clean after baking. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so keep a close eye on it.
- Not letting the cake cool properly: Allowing it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes helps set the structure. Transferring it too soon can cause it to break apart.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the cooled lemon cake in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in a sealed container.
Freezing Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
- Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F), place the cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds or until warm, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a nonstick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm slices gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other citrus fruits in Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon?
You can definitely experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. Just replace the lemon juice and zest with an equal amount of your chosen fruit.
How do I know when my One-Bowl Lemon cake is done?
Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Adjust baking time if necessary.
What pairs well with Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon?
This lemon cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a delicious accompaniment.
Final Thoughts
Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its zesty flavor and moist texture make it an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize it by adding poppy seeds, nuts, or even different glazes! Whether it’s for teatime or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon Cake
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon Cake, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor that will brighten any gathering. This moist cake is crafted using an easy one-bowl technique, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, each slice offers a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the optional citrus glaze. Whether served at afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or enjoyed as a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is sure to impress. The vibrant flavors and gorgeous presentation make it the ultimate zesty dessert.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 115 g unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 60 ml lemon juice
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 120 ml whole milk
- For the glaze: 120 g powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 23 cm round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice until combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until just combined.
- Gradually pour in milk while stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even rising. To enhance flavor, try adding poppy seeds or nuts to the batter.
