Looking for something bright, simple, and utterly delicious? This One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is your answer. It’s everything you want in a citrusy treat: quick, zesty, and made with minimal mess. With just a single bowl and a few pantry staples, you’ll whip up a lemony delight that’s tender, moist, and full of sunshine flavor. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for guests or a sweet pick-me-up on a weeknight, this recipe delivers fast and fuss-free!

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

• One bowl = fewer dishes
• Bursting with real lemon flavor
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart
• Ready in under an hour
• Moist, fluffy, and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla directly to the bowl.
4. Whisk until smooth no electric mixer needed! Just mix until everything is well combined and no dry flour remains.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly in the pan, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: Approx. 200
Servings: 9

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve This Dessert

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy twist
• Chilled with fresh berries for a summer treat
• Topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence
• Dust with powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze for a polished look
• Perfect for brunch, tea time, or after dinner

Additional Tips

• Don’t overmix just stir until smooth to keep the texture light
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor
• Double the zest if you love an extra lemony kick
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt if that’s what you have
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 2 months

FAQ’s

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.

2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk in a pinch.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top will be lightly golden and a toothpick should come out clean.

5. Can I add berries to the batter?
Yes! Blueberries work beautifully toss them in a little flour first to prevent sinking.

6. What size pan can I use?
An 8×8-inch square works best, but a round 9-inch pan will also do.

7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives.

8. Can I glaze it instead of using powdered sugar?
Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) is perfect.

9. Can kids help make this?
Yes! It’s a great beginner-friendly recipe for little hands.

10. Is this more like a cake or a bar?
Somewhere in between tender like cake, easy like a bar!

Conclusion

With its bright citrusy flavor, soft crumb, and effortless prep, this One-Bowl Lemon Dessert is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve for guests. And the best part? It all comes together in one single bowl less mess, more joy. So go ahead, zest that lemon and treat yourself to a slice of sunshine!

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