Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the warm breeze carries the scent of citrus, I found myself reminiscing about sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. It was there I discovered the joys of baking her One-Bowl Lemon Dessert, a delightful treat that requires minimal effort but brings maximum joy. This easy-to-make cake packs a tangy punch of fresh lemon flavor and achieves moist perfection without the fuss of multiple bowls. Not only does it simplify cleanup, but it also makes for a fantastic centerpiece at any gathering, effortlessly impressing both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Ready to brighten your day with this easy lemon dessert recipe? Let’s bring that sunshine into your kitchen! Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dessert Simplicity: With just one bowl needed, you’ll save time on prep and cleanup while enjoying your time in the kitchen. Bright Flavor: The vibrant burst of fresh lemon zest and juice leaves your taste buds dancing, making each bite a zesty delight! Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, this dessert can easily be dressed up with garnishes or served with ice cream—ideal for casual summer outings or festive gatherings. Moist & Tender: This cake boasts a soft crumb that melts in your mouth, ensuring a satisfying experience that rivals any bakery treat. Expertly Tested: Inspired by Paul Hollywood himself, you can trust this recipe’s reliability and taste, giving you the confidence to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. For a touch of nostalgia, consider pairing it with a glass of homemade lemonade or even a refreshing Strawberry Lemon Drop. Enjoy the sunshine in every delicious bite of this one-bowl lemon dessert! One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Ingredients For the Cake Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure for a perfectly balanced cake. Unsalted Butter – Contributes to moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness; use at room temperature for better incorporation. Freshly Grated Lemon Zest – Adds intense citrus flavor and aroma that elevates your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Provides acidity to balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavor. All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cake structure; can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps the cake rise and ensures a fluffy texture; check for freshness. Salt – Enhances the cake’s flavors and balances the sweetness. Whole Milk – Adds moisture and tenderness; feel free to use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. For the Glaze Powdered Sugar – Essential for creating the smooth glaze that tops the cake. Additional Lemon Juice – Enhances the glaze’s flavor with extra zing. Now that you have everything you need, let’s bring some sunshine into your kitchen! 🌞 Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert. While the oven heats, take a 9-inch round cake pan and generously grease it with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring the edges are well coated. This will help the cake release easily after baking. Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Butter In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale in color and has a creamy texture, setting the perfect base for the One-Bowl Lemon Dessert. Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs Add the large eggs to your creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to beat on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the mixture appears smooth and well combined. This step enriches your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with moisture and a lovely fluffiness. Step 4: Stir in Lemon Zest and Juice Next, fold in the freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing until fully blended. You should see the zest speckling the batter, adding a delightful citrus aroma. This vital step infuses your dessert with a zesty flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the baking powder is fresh for optimal rising, as this mix creates the structure of your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just incorporated. Step 6: Add the Milk Pour in the whole milk and continue to mix until the batter is smooth and evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick but pourable. This step enhances the moistness of your cake, ensuring each slice of your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is tender and flavorful. Step 7: Transfer to the Pan Gently pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to smooth the top. This ensures even baking and prevents any unsightly doming. As you prepare for the oven, you’ll notice the bright yellow hue from the lemon juice and zest, bringing cheerfulness to your cooking space. Step 8: Bake the Cake Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking. Step 9: Prepare the Glaze While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of additional lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy, creating a delectable topping that will elevate your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert to perfection. This glaze adds a vibrant finish, enhancing both flavor and appearance. Step 10: Cool the Cake After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set before transferring to a wire rack. Carefully turn the cake out onto the rack and peel off the parchment paper, allowing it to cool completely before drizzling with your freshly made glaze for the final touch. Step 11: Drizzle with Glaze Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze generously over the top, letting it drip down the sides. You should see a beautiful, shiny finish that glistens in the light, perfect for your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake for serving. Step 12: Serve and Enjoy Slice your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert into generous pieces and serve it plain or with your favorite accompaniments like whipped cream or fresh berries. Each bite will be a refreshing explosion of lemony goodness, inviting smiles from family and friends as they enjoy this delightful treat. How to Store and Freeze One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and zesty flavor. Fridge: To extend freshness, refrigerate your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert for up to a week. Remember to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy! Reheating: If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel, enhancing its delightful citrus notes. What to Serve with Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Elevate your baking experience by pairing this delightful dessert with thoughtful accompaniments that enhance its zesty charm. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and natural sweetness, beautifully balancing the tart lemon flavor. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a luscious contrast to the bright, citrusy cake, adding a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream with the warm cake offers a delightful temperature contrast, melting into the tender crumb with every bite. Moscato d’Asti: This sweet sparkling wine complements the cake’s citrus notes while providing a fizzy kick, making it perfect for celebratory occasions. Earl Grey Tea: The floral and slightly citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea harmonize with the lemon dessert, creating a cozy and sophisticated tea time experience. Lemonade Spritzer: A refreshing homemade lemonade spritzer adds a bubbly twist that amps up the lemon flavor and is perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Lemon Zest Sugar: Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest mixed with sugar over the top before serving to add an unexpected crunch and extra burst of citrus flavor. Candied Lemon Slices: For a stunning presentation, use candied lemon slices as a garnish, inviting your guests to dive into a feast that’s as lovely as it is delicious. One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Variations Feel free to make this delightful dessert your own with these fun twists and substitutions! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it friendlier for those avoiding gluten. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of whole milk and replace the butter with coconut oil for a completely dairy-free version. Poppy Seeds: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for an extra burst of flavor and a lovely texture. The tiny seeds will add a delightful crunch! Citrus Burst: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter. This adds an intense citrus aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Berry Delight: Serve slices with a handful of fresh berries on the side, such as strawberries or blueberries, to add a lovely color and refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with lemon. Lemon Blueberry Fusion: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a delicious combination that brings a fruity twist to your lemon delight. Whipped Topping: Top each slice with fluffy whipped cream or cool whip for added creaminess, turning your dessert into an indulgent treat. Zesty Icing Addition: For a twist on the glaze, mix in some lemon zest or a drop of orange juice to give your glaze a vibrant kick that enhances the overall flavor. These variations will not only keep things exciting in your kitchen but will also impress your family and friends with your creative flair! And if you’re in the mood for more delightful lemony treats, don’t forget to check out these scrumptious Lemon Sugar Cookies or perfectly tangy Key Lime Bars. Expert Tips for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for the zest and juice; this enhances the flavor of your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert significantly. Proper Mixing: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming; this helps incorporate air into the batter for a fluffy cake. Check Baking Powder: Verify your baking powder is fresh before use. Stale baking powder can lead to a dense cake that doesn’t rise properly. Gently Fold Dry Ingredients: When adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and risking gluten development. Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze; this prevents the glaze from melting and maintains that lovely, smooth finish. Make Ahead Options These One-Bowl Lemon Desserts are perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To ensure optimal freshness, mix in the lemon zest and juice just before baking, as this prevents the batter from losing its vibrant flavor. You can also bake the cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for a week. When you’re ready to serve, simply glaze the cooled cake with the prepared lemon glaze and enjoy the delightful citrus flavor—just as delicious as when freshly baked! One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Recipe FAQs What type of lemons should I use for the One-Bowl Lemon Dessert? Absolutely, I recommend using fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor. Look for lemons that are vibrant yellows, firm to the touch, and slightly heavy for their size. Avoid lemons with dark spots or blemishes, as they may indicate overripeness or spoilage. Freshly grated lemon zest and juice are key to achieving that zesty flavor everyone will love! How should I store the One-Bowl Lemon Dessert? To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure it’s tightly covered to prevent it from drying out. Can I freeze the One-Bowl Lemon Dessert? Yes, you can freeze this delightful dessert! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps the cake fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature. For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, you can warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds. What should I do if my One-Bowl Lemon Dessert doesn’t rise? If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, the most likely culprit is stale baking powder. Always check the expiration date; fresh baking powder is essential for a fluffy cake! Additionally, ensure that your butter is properly creamed into the sugar—this process incorporates air, which is vital for lifting the cake. Finally, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added; a gentle fold is best for a light crumb. Is this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert suitable for people with allergies? While this recipe contains common allergens like eggs and dairy, you can make substitutions for a more allergy-friendly version. For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can try using unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Always check your ingredients for potential allergens. One-Bowl Lemon Dessert: The Easiest Slice of Sunshine Enjoy a delightful One-Bowl Lemon Dessert that combines vibrant citrus flavors in a simple, easy-to-make cake. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 cup Granulated Sugar1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened3 Large Eggs room temperature1 tablespoon Freshly Grated Lemon Zest1/4 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice1 cup All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Powder1/4 teaspoon Salt1/2 cup Whole Milk or plant-based milkFor the Glaze1 cup Powdered Sugar2 tablespoons Additional Lemon Juice Equipment 9-inch Round Cake Panlarge mixing bowlElectric mixerspatulaWire rack Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.In a large mixing bowl, cream granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy.Incorporate large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.Fold in freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully blended.In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.Pour in the whole milk and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with additional lemon juice.Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.Drizzle the cooled cake with glaze and allow it to set before serving.Slice and serve your One-Bowl Lemon Dessert plain or with whipped cream or berries. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, use fresh lemons and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
