Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake: An Incredible Amazing Recipe

Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of lazily sunny afternoons with its zesty flavors and light texture. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its refreshing lemon notes combined with a fluffy, moist sponge, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a slice after dinner, this cake will surely add joy to your day.
If you’ve ever encountered Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake, you’re likely well aware of the remarkable balance between sweetness and tartness. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a splash of citrus that invigorates your senses. Beyond just flavor, this cake encompasses a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of warm, breezy days spent with loved ones. In this guide, you’ll learn about the recipe, its perks, preparation time, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into this amazing culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake offers a beautiful array of qualities that make it stand out. Here are several reasons why this recipe is bound to win your heart:
1. Bright Flavor Profile – The zesty lemon brings an incredible freshness to the cake, making it a perfect pick-me-up.
2. Versatile Dessert – This cake can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a more festive touch.
3. Easy to Make – With straightforward instructions, it’s ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Anyone can whip it up in no time!
4. Perfect for Any Event – Be it a classroom party or a family gathering, this cake fits right in, pleasing both young and older palates.
5. Stunning Presentation – With its appealing finish and vibrant lemon glaze, the cake will impress your guests just by looking at it.
6. Satisfying Texture – The moist sponge, combined with a luscious glaze, creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
These elements contribute to why this recipe is celebrated in many households. Every bite of Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake promises a delightful explosion of flavors, serving not only as a confection but as a heartwarming experience.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake requires some time, but most of it is hands-off waiting for the cake to bake. Here’s how the timing breaks down:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Cooling Time: 30 minutes
In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes to create this scrumptious cake. This timing can slightly vary depending on your kitchen skills and equipment, but it serves as a solid guideline.

Ingredients

– 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, softened
– 200g (7 oz) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 75ml (2.5 fl oz) whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

– 150g (5.3 oz) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is fully combined.
4. Sift in Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Then fold gently until just incorporated.
5. Incorporate Lemon: Add the lemon zest and juice to the mixture. Stir and add the milk to achieve a smooth batter.
6. Pour into the Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a bowl to create a smooth glaze.
10. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to dribble down the sides.
11. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle some lemon zest over the glaze for an extra pop of flavor and color.
These guidelines will help you create Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake seamlessly, ensuring you achieve the amazing lemony delight as intended.

How to Serve

Serving Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake is an opportunity to impress your guests further. Here are some delightful ways you can serve it:
1. Presentation: Place the cake on a decorative cake stand to enhance its visual appeal.
2. Accompaniments: Pair slices with fresh fruit, such as berries or slices of lemon, or serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
3. Slice Size: Cut generous slices that showcase the moist sponge and glaze. Smaller portions can encourage guests to go back for seconds!
4. Beverage Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a refreshing lemonade, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
5. Storage: If there are any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
By keeping these tips in mind when serving Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake, you’ll create a memorable experience for all who partake in this bright, delicious treat!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Lemons: For the fullest flavor, opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled juice. The zest adds essential oils that enhance the cake’s appeal.
– Ensure Ingredients Are at Room Temperature: Let the butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
– Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the flour and lemon mixture, be careful not to overmix. Fold gently to keep the cake light and airy.
– Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

Recipe Variation

Get creative with Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake! Here are some fun variations to consider:
1. Lemon and Lavender: Add a tablespoon of culinary lavender to the batter for a fragrant twist.
2. Blueberry Lemon Bliss: Fold in fresh blueberries for a burst of sweetness and color.
3. Coconut Lemon Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flavor.
4. Lemon Chiffon Cake: Separate the eggs and beat the whites separately to create a lighter, fluffier cake.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about three days.
– Freezing: Slices can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

To prepare Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake successfully, gather the following tools:
– Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing batter and a smaller one for the glaze.
– Electric mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
– Rubber spatula: Helps in folding ingredients without deflating the batter.
– Round cake tin: A standard 8 or 9-inch round cake pan is ideal.
– Wire rack: For cooling the cake after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if the cake is done baking?
A skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Is there any way to make this cake more sweet?
Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze, or serve it with sweetened whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Can I add different fruits to this cake?
Absolutely! Consider adding sliced strawberries or raspberries on top to create a fresh and fruity dessert.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
You can easily make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder (1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder).

Conclusion

Paul Hollywood’s Lemon Bliss Cake is a delightful embodiment of refreshing flavors and a soft, crumbly texture. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that makes each bite a joy. Whether celebrating a joyful occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake can make any moment special. Share it with friends and family to create lasting memories and bring a touch of sunshine to your table!

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