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Lemon Drizzle Cake

Perfect Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe: Moist and Zesty Dessert

This versatile cake is a showstopper for afternoon teas, a comforting dessert for weeknight dinners, and a refreshing delight for spring and summer gatherings. Its bright and sunny flavor is ideal for elevating special occasions or simply enjoying as a snack with your favorite cup of tea.

  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: Serves 8-10 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Drizzle Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

Optional Garnish:

  • Lemon slices or additional zest for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft texture.
    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
    • Mix in the lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
  5. Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, combine lemon juice and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  6. Add the drizzle: Once the cake is out of the oven, poke small holes all over the top with a skewer. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep in. This step is crucial for the signature moist texture.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Notes

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable to meet various dietary preferences or to use ingredients on hand:

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
  • Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine and eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use almond milk or oat milk in place of dairy milk.
  • Sugar-Free: Opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but adjust the amounts based on sweetness.
  • Flavored Variations: Swap lemon juice for orange juice to create a citrusy orange drizzle cake.
  • Author: Anna RM
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min