When life gives you lemons, you whip up a Paul Hollywood Lemon Bliss Cake that practically sings in the oven. Imagine a zesty, moist cake bursting with the sunny essence of fresh lemons, topped with a glossy glaze that glistens like morning dew. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a slice of happiness on a plate, perfect for brightening any gloomy day.
Now, picture this: it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and your kitchen smells like a lemon grove after a summer storm. You can’t help but smile as you mix and whisk, knowing that soon enough, your family will gather around the table to savor this delight. Whether it’s for a birthday party or simply to treat yourself after conquering laundry day, the Paul Hollywood Lemon Bliss Cake is here to put some zest back into your life.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cake is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour
- The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- Its stunning visual appeal will wow your guests before they even take a bite
- Versatile enough for celebrations or cozy family dinners, this cake is always a hit!
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread” – and I couldn’t help but bask in their compliments!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple in any baker’s pantry—this provides the structure for our lovely cake.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the tartness of the lemons for perfect harmony.
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Baking Powder: The magic ingredient that helps our cake rise and become fluffy.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor throughout the cake.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for binding the ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
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Fresh Lemons: The star of our show! Zest and juice are both required for maximum lemony goodness.
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Milk: Adds moisture to the batter while keeping it tender and delicious.
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Powdered Sugar: For our delightful glaze—this sweetness perfectly complements the tangy lemon flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. This ensures our cake releases beautifully once baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps distribute leavening evenly throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. It should look like sunshine in your mixing bowl.
Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Incorporate eggs one at a time into your butter mixture while adding lemon zest. Beat well after each addition until everything is smooth.
Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in dry ingredients along with milk until just combined. Be gentle; we don’t want to deflate that airy texture we worked so hard for!
Bake Your Cake!: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—just like magic!
Cool Down & Glaze!: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth to create that irresistible glaze.
Now all that’s left is slicing up this beautiful creation! Enjoy each bite as you revel in its lemony bliss—trust me; it’s worth every second spent in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- The Paul Hollywood Lemon Bliss Cake balances tangy zest with sweet cake
- Its fluffy texture and bright flavor make it a delightful treat for any occasion
- Baking this cake may just bring sunshine into your kitchen, leaving everyone wanting another slice
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even mixing and a light texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding poppy seeds for an extra crunch or swapping lemon zest for orange zest if you’re feeling fruity. Customize the icing by using cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store the lemon bliss cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave will restore its fluffiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking; check with a toothpick around 25 minutes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness
- Don’t skip the zest; it’s where most of the lemon flavor hides!
Sharing this recipe with friends led to unforgettable moments filled with laughter and joy as they devoured every crumb, begging for seconds – or was it thirds?
FAQ
What can I use instead of lemons in this recipe?
You can substitute limes or oranges for a different citrus flavor profile.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with few crumbs.
Can I freeze the Paul Hollywood Lemon Bliss Cake?
Yes, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months.
Lemon Bliss Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake, a moist and zesty treat that brightens any occasion. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this cake features a glossy glaze that adds an irresistible finish. Whether for celebrations or cozy afternoons at home, this delightful dessert is sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time along with lemon zest; mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in poppy seeds. Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
