Lemon drizzle cake is a quintessential British treat, beloved for its zesty flavour, light texture, and irresistible sugary topping.
Whether you're serving it with tea, as a dessert, or just because you need a pick-me-up, this cake is sure to please everyone who takes a slice.
Below is a step-by-step guide to baking the perfect lemon drizzle cake at home, with a few tips to ensure success every time.
Ingredients.
For the cake:
* 225g unsalted butter, softened.
* 225g caster sugar.
* 4 large eggs.
* 225g self-raising flour.
* 1 tsp baking powder.
* Zest of 2 unwaxed lemons.
* 2 tbsp of milk (optional for a lighter texture).
For the lemon drizzle topping.
* Juice of 2 lemons.
* 85g granulated sugar.
Method.
1. Preheat Your Oven.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) Grease and line your loaf tin with baking parchment to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric whisk or stand mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
This usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
This step is essential for creating a light, airy cake texture.
3. Add the Eggs.
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
If the mixture starts to curdle, you can add a tablespoon of flour to help bring it back together.
4. Sift in the flour and add zest.
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl, folding it into the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon.
You don’t want to overmix at this stage, as it can make the cake dense.
Once the flour is almost incorporated, add the zest of two lemons.
If you prefer a lighter cake, add the 2 tablespoons of milk here to loosen the batter slightly.
5. Pour Into the Tin.
Spoon the batter into your lined cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Give the tin a gentle shake to settle the mixture evenly.
6. Bake the Cake.
Place the tin in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes.
The cake should be golden brown on top, and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean.
If it's still sticky, give it another 5-10 minutes and test again.
7. Make the Lemon Drizzle.
While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle.
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and granulated sugar until it forms a runny, sugary syrup.
The granules of sugar shouldn't completely dissolve; they will add a lovely crunch to the topping.
8. Drizzle the Cake.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top.
Then, slowly spoon the lemon drizzle over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
This will give the cake its trademark moist texture and sharp lemony kick.
9. Cool and Serve.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once it’s cool, slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lemon Drizzle Cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients.
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter or dense cake.
Use Fresh Lemons.
For the best flavour, always use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice.
The zest is where a lot of the flavour comes from.
Don’t Skip the Drizzle.
The lemon syrup is what makes this cake special.
Poking holes in the cake helps the syrup seep in, making the cake incredibly moist and flavourful.
Storing Your Cake.
Lemon drizzle cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later on just let them defrost at room temperature.
Variations to Try.
While the traditional lemon drizzle cake is hard to beat, here are a few variations you can try for a twist.
Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake.
Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a crunchy, nutty texture.
Lemon & Blueberry Drizzle Cake.
Fold in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking for a burst of juicy sweetness.
Glazed Lemon Drizzle.
For a sweeter, richer finish, you can top the cake with a thick lemon glaze by mixing icing sugar with lemon juice instead of using granulated sugar.
Lemon drizzle cake is one of those fool proof bakes that always hits the spot, whether for a midweek treat or a special occasion.
It’s tangy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
So next time you're in the mood for something citrussy and comforting, whip up this classic UK favourite and watch it disappear in no time!
Happy baking!