There’s something universally appealing about a lemon drizzle cake. Its tangy flavour and light, moist texture makes it the perfect treat whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet craving. This easy and refreshing lemon drizzle cake recipe is simple to make and incredibly delicious. Let’s dive into the world of zest and sweetness!
Why Choose a Lemon Drizzle Cake?
The lemon drizzle cake is a classic British dessert that has stood the test of time. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors:
Versatility: It fits any occasion, be it a casual get-together, a festive celebration, or just a weekday treat.
Refreshing Taste: The combination of lemon zest and sugar syrup makes it refreshingly light and tangy.
Ease of Preparation: It requires minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
Ingredients
To start, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- Four large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
For the Drizzle:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 85g caster sugar
Equipment
- A 9×5 inch loaf tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or skewer
Step-by-Step Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the loaf tin with butter and line it with baking parchment to ensure easy removal of the cake later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to stabilise it.
Step 4: Fold in the Flour and Lemon Zest
Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and gently fold it into the mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. Finally, fold in the finely grated lemon zest to add that refreshing citrus flavour.
2. Baking the Cake
Step 5: Transfer to Tin
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Prepare the Drizzle
While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice and caster sugar in a small bowl to make the drizzle. The sugar should dissolve slightly but still retain some granularity to provide a lovely crunch.
3. Adding the Drizzle
Step 8: Drizzle Time
As soon as the cake is out of the oven, use a toothpick or skewer to prick holes all over the top. Slowly pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak into the sponge. The drizzle should seep into the holes, adding a burst of lemony goodness to each bite.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the drizzle to set and the flavours to meld together.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Drizzle Cake
1. Use Fresh Lemons:For the best flavour, always use fresh lemons. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps them combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.
3. Do Not Overmix: When folding in the flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
4. Prick Evenly: When adding the drizzle, make sure to prick the cake evenly to ensure the syrup penetrates throughout the cake.
5. Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container. It can last for up to 5 days, remaining moist and delicious.
Variations and Additions
While the classic lemon drizzle cake is delightful on its own, you can always experiment with variations to suit your taste:
1. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
2. Lemon and Elderflower Drizzle Cake: Substitute some of the lemon juice in the drizzle with elderflower cordial for a floral twist.
3. Lemon and Blueberry Cake: Fold in a handful of fresh blueberries into the batter for bursts of fruity flavour in every bite.
4. Glazed Lemon Cake: Instead of the traditional sugar drizzle, make a simple lemon glaze by mixing icing sugar with lemon juice and pour it over the cooled cake.
Serving Suggestions
A lemon drizzle cake can be enjoyed in various ways:
With a Cup of Tea: The classic way to enjoy a slice is with a cup of your favourite tea. The tangy flavour of the cake perfectly complements the robust taste of black tea.
With Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to enhance the fruity flavours.
As a Dessert: Pair a slice of lemon drizzle cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
For Breakfast: Why not start your day with a slice of lemon drizzle cake and a cup of coffee? It’s a refreshing and indulgent breakfast treat.
Baking a lemon drizzle cake is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating something with love and care that brings joy to those who share it. The refreshing lemon flavour, combined with the simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward baking process, makes it a cake that anyone can bake and everyone will love.Apart from that you can also try different types of designer cakes
Whether you’re a customisation beginner, this easy and refreshing lemon drizzle cake recipe is sure to become a favourite in your baking repertoire.
So next time you’re looking for a treat that’s light, tangy, and utterly delicious, try this recipe.
Happy baking!
