🍋 Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe – A Zesty Classic with a Moist Twist

 


There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet and tangy flavors in a perfectly baked Lemon Drizzle Cake. It’s a timeless classic that brings brightness to any table, whether it’s served with afternoon tea, at a celebration, or simply as a comforting treat at home. The moist sponge, infused with fresh lemon juice and topped with a sugary drizzle, makes this cake irresistibly delicious. This recipe focuses on creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and appearance so that every slice is light, fluffy, and beautifully lemony.

✨ Why Lemon Drizzle Cake is So Special

Lemon Drizzle Cake stands out because of its simplicity and freshness. Unlike heavier desserts, this cake has a refreshing zing thanks to the natural lemon juice and zest. The drizzle seeps into the warm sponge, giving it a moist, almost syrupy interior while leaving a slightly crisp, sugary top. The end result is a cake that’s both light and luxurious—a perfect pick-me-up for any occasion.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a standard loaf-sized Lemon Drizzle Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 225 g unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)

  • 225 g caster sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 225 g self-raising flour (sifted)

  • Zest of 2 unwaxed lemons

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • A pinch of salt

For the Lemon Drizzle:

  • Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)

  • 100 g icing sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)

Tip: Using fresh lemons instead of bottled juice makes a huge difference. The zest releases fragrant oils that elevate the flavor.

🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard loaf tin and line it with baking paper to prevent sticking. Gather all ingredients and ensure your butter is soft but not melted. Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a better cake texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Place the butter and caster sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the two together until pale and fluffy. This process is known as creaming, and it’s crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, which gives the cake its light structure.

Pro Tip: Beat the mixture for at least 3–4 minutes. The longer you cream, the lighter your cake will be.

Step 3: Add the Eggs One by One

Crack the eggs into a small bowl to avoid shell fragments, then add them to the butter mixture one at a time. Beat well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of the flour to bring it back together. This ensures the batter remains smooth and uniform.

Step 4: Incorporate the Lemon Zest and Juice

Grate the zest of two lemons directly into the batter to capture all the oils. Then add the juice of one lemon. Stir gently to combine. The zest brings out a bright citrus aroma, while the juice infuses the sponge with natural tanginess.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Using a spatula or metal spoon, fold the flour in gently. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake. Folding preserves the air bubbles you created earlier.

Step 6: Transfer to the Tin and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula to ensure even baking. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and springy to the touch.

Tip: Avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to sink in the middle. Check only after 40 minutes.

🍋 Making the Perfect Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is baking, it’s time to prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, mix the juice of 1 lemon with 100 g icing sugar until smooth. It should have a syrupy consistency—not too thick or runny. Adjust the sugar or lemon juice slightly to reach the perfect balance.

The drizzle is what gives the cake its signature flavor and texture. As it’s poured over the warm cake, it seeps into the sponge, adding moisture and a glossy finish.

🌡️ Step 7: Drizzle While Warm

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven but do not take it out of the tin yet. Use a skewer or thin fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the surface, allowing it to soak into the sponge.

Let the cake sit in the tin for 10–15 minutes to absorb all the syrup. The sugar will create a thin crust on top while the lemon juice infuses the interior.

🧊 Step 8: Cool and Serve

After the drizzle has soaked in, carefully lift the cake out of the tin and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and enjoy the moist, tangy perfection. The flavor actually improves after a few hours as the lemon continues to permeate the sponge.

🍰 Optional Variations to Try

Lemon Drizzle Cake is a fantastic base for creativity. Here are a few variations you can experiment with:

  • Glazed Lemon Drizzle: Mix icing sugar with a little extra lemon juice to create a thicker glaze. Pour it over the cooled cake for a glossy finish.

  • Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter for a lovely crunch and visual contrast.

  • Double Lemon Drizzle: Pour half the drizzle while the cake is hot and the other half once it has cooled, creating layers of tangy sweetness.

  • Lemon & Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a subtle flavor twist that balances the citrus.

  • Mini Lemon Drizzle Loaves: Bake the mixture in mini loaf tins or muffin molds for individual servings—great for parties or gifting.

🧂 Storage and Serving Tips

  • Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.

  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

  • Serving: Lemon Drizzle Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe captures the essence of homemade baking: simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and a result that’s both elegant and comforting. The buttery sponge combined with the fresh lemon drizzle creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to master and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Baking is as much about the process as it is about the outcome. The aroma of fresh lemon zest filling your kitchen and the first warm slice of moist cake make it all worthwhile. So next time you want to bring sunshine to your table, reach for some lemons and bake this zesty classic—you won’t regret it!

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