Lemon drizzle cake is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, its bright flavor and light, airy texture make it a favorite for many. This cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a refreshing lemony twist. Ready to make your own?
Here’s everything you need to know to bake the perfect lemon drizzle cake!
Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
Lemon drizzle cake is delicious for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s one of those cakes you can whip up on a lazy afternoon, with ingredients you likely already have at home. Second, the lemony flavor adds a zesty kick that makes it stand out from more traditional cakes. Finally, the glaze on top gives it a shiny, sweet finish that just makes it irresistible.
But let’s dive deeper into how to make this cake, step by step, from gathering your ingredients to putting the final drizzle on top.
The Key Ingredients for Lemon Drizzle Cake
Before you start baking, let’s talk about the ingredients that will make your lemon drizzle cake light, moist, and full of flavor:
- Self-Raising Flour
Self-raising flour is crucial for getting that perfect rise without needing extra baking powder. If you don’t have any, you can use plain flour and add a bit of baking powder. - Butter
Softened butter is essential for a light and fluffy texture. Don’t use margarine, as it won’t give you the same results. - Caster Sugar
Caster sugar is finer than regular granulated sugar, which helps it dissolve better into the batter, giving the cake a smooth texture. - Eggs
Eggs help the cake rise and provide richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature so they mix evenly into the batter. - Lemons
Fresh lemons are a must! You’ll need both the zest (for flavor) and the juice (for the drizzle and some cake moisture). - Milk
A small amount of milk helps loosen up the batter and keep it moist. You can substitute it with any dairy or plant-based milk you prefer. - Vanilla Extract
A teaspoon of vanilla extract brings a touch of sweetness that complements the tanginess of the lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, or beat it by hand if you want to get a little workout in! Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift the self-raising flour into the wet mixture. Gently fold it in until it’s fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix (this can make the cake dense). Add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and level it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil towards the end of baking.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Drizzle
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, and set it aside.
Step 6: Add the Drizzle
Once the cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, while it’s still warm, poke a few holes in the top of the cake with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, letting it soak in. The glaze will add a deliciously tangy kick!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice it up and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest!
Lemon zest adds so much flavor. It’s not just for looks— it gives your cake that irresistible lemon punch! - Let the Cake Cool Before Drizzling
If you pour the glaze on too soon, it might melt off. Wait until the cake has cooled a little to ensure the drizzle sticks and adds a lovely finish. - Add a Little Extra Lemon for More Flavor
If you’re a big fan of lemon, you can always add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the cake batter for a more intense flavor. - Try a Glazed Icing
For an extra layer of sweetness, you can make a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until you get a smooth consistency, then drizzle it over the cake.
Variations on Lemon Drizzle Cake
While the classic lemon drizzle is delicious on its own, you can always mix things up a bit! Here are a few ideas:
- Blueberry Lemon Drizzle Cake
Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. The sweet berries pair perfectly with the tangy lemon. - Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake
If you love the crunch of poppy seeds, fold them into the batter for a little added texture. - Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake
Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Use a dairy-free milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
How to Store Lemon Drizzle Cake
This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, you can wrap it up tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it fully before serving!
FAQs About Lemon Drizzle Cake
Can I make lemon drizzle cake without self-raising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-raising flour, just use plain flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work. Just make sure to use a good quality one.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean when the cake is done. If it comes out with batter on it, it needs a little more time.
Can I make the drizzle ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the lemon drizzle in advance, but it’s best to pour it on the cake while it’s still warm so it soaks in nicely.
Lemon drizzle cake is one of those simple yet delightful desserts that’s perfect for any occasion. With its zesty flavor and soft, moist texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends—or just satisfy your own sweet cravings! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, this cake is guaranteed to brighten up your day.