Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your table. This easy-to-make lemon cake is perfect for any occasion, from teatime to family gatherings. Its moist texture and bright glaze make it a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This one-bowl cake means less mess and fewer dishes to wash, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Zesty Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest infuse the cake with vibrant flavor, ensuring every bite is refreshing.
- Versatile Treat: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast. It pairs well with tea or coffee at any time of day.
- Moist Texture: The combination of butter and milk creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Eye-catching Glaze: The shiny lemon glaze adds an appealing finish that makes this cake look as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon cake, you’ll need some essential tools to assist you in the baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 23 cm round cake pan
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a fluffy batter by incorporating air effectively.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are combined well.

Ingredients
Paul Hollywood’s moist, zesty lemon cake brings warmth and nostalgia to teatime or gatherings with a bright glaze.
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 after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures a creamy and uniform mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
Stir in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice gently until fully blended. The citrus aroma will be vibrant at this stage!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add Milk
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to form a glossy glaze.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake so it can soak in nicely.
How to Serve Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Serving Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake is simple yet delightful. This moist and zesty treat can be enjoyed in various ways, making it suitable for any occasion.
Enjoying with Tea
- Classic Tea Pairing: Serve slices of the cake alongside your favorite tea for a traditional afternoon experience.
- Herbal Infusion: Pair with herbal teas like chamomile or lemon verbena to enhance the citrus flavors.
Adding Fresh Fruits
- Fruit Garnish: Top each slice with fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and added sweetness.
- Citrus Slices: Add thin slices of lemon or orange on the side to accentuate the cake’s lemony essence.
Whipped Cream Alternatives
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a tropical twist.
- Plant-Based Whipped Topping: Use a plant-based whipped topping as a light and airy complement.
Ice Cream Delight
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the zesty cake.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing option, serve with lemon sorbet for an extra citrus kick.
How to Perfect Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Perfecting Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemons and high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve the right consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake; some lumps are okay!
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it; this prevents it from breaking apart.
Best Side Dishes for Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Pairing sides with Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement this delightful dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the lemony flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy and crunchy accompaniment.
- Citrus Salad: A salad made with assorted citrus fruits dressed in honey enhances the cake’s zestiness.
- Cheese Board: Offer assorted cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, alongside crackers for a savory balance.
- Nut Mix: A light mix of almonds and walnuts adds crunch and richness that pairs well with lemon.
- Herb-Infused Water: Serve chilled water infused with mint or basil as a refreshing drink option alongside the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with a delightful recipe like Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon. Here are some common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
- Boldly skip the greasing – Not greasing your cake pan properly can cause the cake to stick. Always grease and line the pan with parchment paper for easy release.
- Boldly overmixing – Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Boldly ignoring eggs’ temperature – Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Boldly mismeasuring ingredients – Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale and measuring cups for accuracy in the recipe.
- Boldly skipping the glaze – The glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; drizzle it over while the cake is still warm for maximum absorption.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator without drying out.
Freezing Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
- Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
- Oven – Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Warm individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds; check and repeat if necessary.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a pan on low heat, covering it to retain moisture, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon that you might find helpful.
Can I substitute whole milk?
Yes, you can use any milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk, but whole milk provides a richer flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What’s the best way to zest lemons?
Use a fine microplane or zester to get fresh lemon zest without including the bitter white pith.
How long does Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! You can mix in poppy seeds or different citrus zests for added flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon is a delightful treat that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors. Its moist crumb and zesty glaze make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding berries or nuts for extra texture. Enjoy baking and savoring this lovely lemon cake!
Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon cake, a refreshing dessert that bursts with citrus flavor. This moist lemon cake is not only easy to prepare but also requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy bakers and special occasions alike. With its tender crumb and glossy lemon glaze, this cake is sure to impress at teatime or family gatherings. Enjoy it as a stand-alone treat or pair it with fresh fruits and herbal teas for an elevated experience.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23 cm round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until just combined.
- Gradually stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Once baked, let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack and drizzling with glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





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