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Paul Hollywood One-Bowl Lemon Cake Recipe

5 from 95 reviews

Paul Hollywood’s One-Bowl Lemon Cake is a simple yet deliciously moist lemon-flavored cake made in a single bowl. It features a tender crumb achieved by creaming butter and sugar, combined with fresh lemon zest and juice for a vibrant citrus flavor, and is topped with a glossy lemon glaze for an added burst of tanginess. This straightforward recipe promises a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Glaze

  • 120 g powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23 cm round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures the batter becomes creamy and well combined.
  4. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice gently until fully incorporated, infusing the batter with vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt directly to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
  6. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring until the batter is smooth, uniform, and homogenous.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth and glossy to create the lemon glaze.
  9. Cool and Glaze: When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and add a zesty finish.

Notes

  • Use all ingredients at room temperature to ensure better emulsification and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated zest for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
  • If desired, you can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly richer and tangier cake.
  • Allow the glaze to set a bit before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Keywords: Paul Hollywood, lemon cake, one-bowl cake, easy lemon cake, lemon glaze cake, citrus dessert, simple cake recipe