One-Bowl Lemon Dessert Recipe
This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is a bright, tangy, and moist cake perfect for any occasion. Combining zesty lemon flavor with a tender crumb and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, this simple and quick recipe yields a delicious treat that can be made in just one bowl, making both preparation and cleanup effortless.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air for a light cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth batter.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined, infusing the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous without overmixing.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth, forming a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Cool and Glaze Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm cake and let it set before serving to enhance flavor and add moisture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best lemon flavor.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice to reach desired consistency.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: lemon cake, lemon dessert, one-bowl cake, easy lemon cake, lemon glaze, moist lemon cake