Hey y'all! If you're searching for a bright, zesty treat that comes together in just one bowl, this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze is about to become your new favorite. With minimal mess, bold lemon flavor, and a delightfully moist crumb topped by a punchy glaze, this recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, weeknight cravings, or a sunny weekend brunch. Whether you're a baking pro or a beginner, you’ll love how easy—and delicious—this dessert is. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- Super quick—just 10 minutes of prep and one bowl to clean up.
- Bursting with fresh, tangy lemon flavor in every bite.
- Moist, tender texture thanks to yogurt and melted butter.
- The citrus glaze adds an extra layer of sweet-tart perfection.
- Perfect for any occasion—from everyday snacks to special gatherings.
Ingredients for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup (120ml) melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Tangy Citrus Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions: How to Make One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Add the Greek yogurt, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the same bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop when no streaks of flour remain.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
Step 5: Make the Tangy Citrus Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. If needed, add more lemon juice 1 teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Let the dessert cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment. Drizzle the tangy citrus glaze liberally over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and help your cake rise evenly—learn why this matters at King Arthur Baking.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (see this guide).
Variations: One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Citrus Glaze Twists
- Lime-Lemon: Replace half the lemon juice and zest with fresh lime for a tangier twist.
- Poppy Seed Lemon: Stir 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds into the batter for a bakery-style touch.
- Berry Lemon: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter before baking.
Required Equipment for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- 8x8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester
- Parchment paper
Storage Instructions for One-Bowl Lemon Dessert
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze (separated by parchment) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy alongside fresh berries for extra color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until no flour remains for the fluffiest texture (see more tips at Bon Appétit).
- Let the dessert cool before glazing so the icing doesn’t melt right off.
- For extra lemon zing, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter along with the juice and zest.
FAQ: One-Bowl Lemon Dessert with Tangy Citrus Glaze
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
- Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- Can I make this as a loaf cake?
- Yes! Pour the batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan and bake for 38–42 minutes, checking for doneness.
- Is this dessert freezer-friendly?
- Absolutely—freeze sliced and wrapped individually for up to 2 months; thaw before serving for best texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
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3Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
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4Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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5While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled dessert before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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