The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue through my kitchen window when a craving hit me. I wanted something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious, yet simple enough to whip up without a fuss. That’s when I decided to create this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, a recipe that combines tangy citrus goodness with the ease of a single bowl—no complicated steps or unnecessary mess!
As I gathered fresh lemons, their bright yellow skin glistening with promise, I could almost taste the zesty brightness bursting from the cake. This delightful treat isn’t just about flavor; it’s Paul Hollywood’s favorite for a reason! With a tender crumb and a luminous glaze, it’s perfect for bringing a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this cake will impress and satisfy. Join me as we embark on a simple journey to a dessert that’s bound to become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Why is this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: This recipe is perfect for those who crave homemade goodness without complicated techniques.
One Bowl Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your creation!
Zesty Brightness: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing burst of flavor that brings sunshine to any table.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Paul Hollywood’s favorite will surely impress your friends and family at gatherings or special occasions.
Versatility: Enjoy it as a light dessert, a sweet snack, or even as a delightful pairing with tea.
Quick and Easy: In under an hour, you can create a beautiful cake that’s sure to satisfy cravings while being effortless! Check out our tips for the best baking experience and transform your dessert game with this fabulous One-Bowl Lemon Dessert.
One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Ingredients
For the Cake
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and keeps it moist; no substitutions recommended for best results.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and creates a tender crumb; use room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Eggs – Provides structure and helps with leavening; always opt for large eggs for consistency.
• Lemon Zest – Enhances flavor with aromatic oils; fresh zest is essential for the best taste.
• Lemon Juice – Contributes tartness and moisture; freshly squeezed is preferred to elevate the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cake’s structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free blend if desired.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to ensure a proper rise; essential for that fluffy texture.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor; a small but mighty ingredient.
• Whole Milk – Adds moisture and richness; substitute with skim or plant-based milk for a lighter option.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Used for sweetness in the glaze; can be reduced if a less sweet flavor is desired.
• Lemon Juice – Provides a tart complement, balancing the sweetness in the glaze for a delightful finish.
How to Make One-Bowl Lemon Dessert
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring it’s ready for that delightful batter. This will help your cake release easily after baking!
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Cream together granulated sugar and unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is key for a tender crumb—you’re creating air pockets!
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps build structure and ensures a consistent texture throughout your cake.
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Combine lemon zest and lemon juice into the mixture, stirring until fully integrated. Fresh zest and juice will enhance the citrus flavor, making your cake pop with brightness.
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Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients to ensure they’re evenly blended before adding them to the wet ingredients.
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Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. This will help the cake rise uniformly!
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the heavenly aroma of lemon!
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Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny!
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Cool the cake briefly, then transfer it to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm, allowing it to soak in for that delightful zing.
Optional: Garnish with lemon slices or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These easy-to-make One-Bowl Lemon Desserts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients and storing them separately in the refrigerator. Be sure to refrigerate the batter in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any browning from the lemon juice. When ready to bake, simply combine the ingredients, pour the batter into your prepared pan, and bake as directed. For an even quicker option, bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure to drizzle the glaze on right before serving for that irresistible shine and zesty sweetness!
Expert Tips for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert
- Fresh Lemons Only: Use only fresh lemons for zest and juice; bottled juices lack the vibrant flavor essential for this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming—this step is key to achieving that light, fluffy texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing activates the gluten and can lead to a chewy texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before glazing; this prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a lovely finish.
- Customize Your Glaze: Adjust the lemon juice in the glaze to achieve your desired sweetness and tartness balance; make it your own!
Storage Tips for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert
Room Temperature: Keep the cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and fresh taste.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors.
Freezer: This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back its lovely texture without losing flavor.
What to Serve with One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?
This stunning dessert deserves a wonderful spread to complete your dining experience.
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Chilled Moscato d’Asti: The sweet, fruity notes of this sparkling wine highlight the lemon’s tartness, creating a delightful pairing.
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Earl Grey Tea: A cup of this aromatic tea adds a warm and sophisticated touch, with its bergamot notes complementing the citrus beautifully.
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Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries brings a vibrant burst of color and sweetness, making each bite a refreshing treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake, offering a dreamy contrast of temperatures and flavors.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also balances the sweetness with its slight tartness.
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Candied Lemon Slices: For a beautiful garnish, these add an extra zing and a sophisticated touch, enhancing the lemon experience.
Pair these accompaniments with your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert for a memorable meal that your family and friends will adore!
One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful cake to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly alternative.
Finding the right blend can make all the difference! Ensure you choose a blend containing xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture. -
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter, paired with almond or oat milk.
This minor change will not only make the dessert dairy-free but also add a subtle richness and flavor that complements the lemon beautifully. -
Reduced Sugar: Cut down on granulated sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet version while still enjoying delightful flavors.
This way, you keep the cake moist without overwhelming sweetness—a lovely balance! -
Extra Zesty: Add a little lemon extract to the batter for an extra punch of lemon flavor if you’re a real citrus lover.
This twist amplifies the cake’s refreshing taste, transforming the experience into a citrus explosion! -
Nutty Texture: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch and depth of flavor.
These delightful additions will not only provide texture but also lend a nutty richness that pairs wonderfully with lemon. -
Herbal Infusion: Infuse the glaze with finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil for a bright, herbal note.
This unexpected choice will elevate your dessert to a light and refreshing treat, perfect for warm days! -
Fruit Fusion: Experiment with different fruits by adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a berry twist.
The tartness of the berries enhances the lemon flavor and adds beautiful color to your cake—pure delight! -
Lemon-Lime Twist: Replace half of the lemon juice with freshly squeezed lime juice for a tropical twist.
This variation brings a zesty tartness that’s refreshing and just as delightful, perfect for summer gatherings!
This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Recipe FAQs
What type of lemons should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, for the best flavor, it’s essential to use fresh, ripe lemons. Look for lemons that are bright yellow, smooth, and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles as these might indicate they’re overripe or dried out. Fresh lemons are key to achieving that vibrant zest and juice that will make your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert truly shine!
How should I store leftover One-Bowl Lemon Dessert?
You can store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from losing moisture or picking up odors from your fridge.
Can I freeze the One-Bowl Lemon Dessert? How?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this delightful cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn—this will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick warm-up, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that delightful texture.
What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
Very often, a cake that doesn’t rise can be attributed to a couple of factors. First, ensure that your baking powder is fresh; it should be within its expiration date as stale baking powder won’t provide the necessary lift. Also, make sure you properly cream the butter and sugar: this creates air pockets for leavening. Lastly, avoid overmixing the batter since this can lead to density. If you follow these steps, your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert will rise beautifully!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands are designed to provide similar textures to regular flour, but check the packaging for any additional requirements, like adding xanthan gum for better structure, as needed. Enjoy without compromise!
One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: Refreshing Delight in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream together granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine lemon zest and lemon juice into the mixture, stirring until fully integrated.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cool the cake briefly, then transfer it to a wire rack and drizzle the glaze over the top while still warm.