Description
Lemon Drizzle Cake is a light, moist sponge cake infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a tangy lemon syrup drizzle. The combination of tender crumb, bright citrus flavor, and sticky syrup makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday brunches, or as a simple dessert, this classic cake brings zesty freshness to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 200g caster sugar
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 200g self-raising flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Drizzle:
- 100g granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Optional Garnish:
- Extra lemon zest for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Grease and flour a loaf tin or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour and salt together.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with the milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smooth the top, and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the drizzle: combine granulated sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then simmer briefly.
- Once the cake is baked, poke holes over the top with a skewer. Pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake to soak in.
- Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Garnish with extra lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, moist texture.
- Let the syrup soak in while the cake is still warm for maximum moisture.
- Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and milk with dairy-free milk for a vegan version.
- Add poppy seeds or blueberries for a creative twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg