Bake a Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake

If you love a cake that’s bright, fresh, and bursting with citrus flavour, then a zesty lemon drizzle cake is exactly what you need. It’s a classic treat that’s simple to make but delivers a punch of flavour with every bite. I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide to baking this delightful cake that’s perfect for teatime, celebrations, or just a sweet pick-me-up.

This cake is moist, tangy, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze that soaks into the sponge, creating a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you’re a beginner or have some baking experience, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Cake

Zesty lemon cake is a favourite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to bake with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The lemon flavour is fresh and vibrant, making it a refreshing alternative to heavier cakes. Plus, the drizzle glaze adds a lovely texture and extra zing.

I love how versatile this cake is. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with icing sugar, or even with a dollop of cream or fresh berries. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for afternoon tea or as a light dessert.

Here are some highlights of this zesty lemon cake:

• Bright citrus flavour from fresh lemon juice and zest

• Moist and tender crumb thanks to the drizzle soaking in

• Simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter

• Quick to prepare with no complicated techniques

• Perfect for all skill levels from beginners to seasoned bakers

  
  

Freshly baked lemon drizzle cake cooling on rack

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients and tools. This helps the baking process go smoothly and ensures you don’t miss anything important.

Ingredients

• 225g unsalted butter, softened

• 225g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 225g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 85g icing sugar (for the drizzle)

  
  

Tools

• 1 loaf tin (approx. 8 x 4 inches)

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or wooden spoon

• Grater (for zesting lemons)

• Measuring spoons and scales

• Cooling rack

• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for warming lemon juice)

  
  

Having everything ready makes the process enjoyable and stress-free. I always like to line my loaf tin with baking parchment to make sure the cake comes out easily.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for Your Zesty Lemon Cake

Now for the fun part - baking the cake! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious lemon drizzle cake in no time.

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or gas mark 4. Grease your loaf tin and line it with baking parchment.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key to a light cake texture.

3. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then fold in the lemon zest. The zest adds that fresh, zesty aroma that makes this cake special.

4. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix - just combine until smooth.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice with the icing sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves and you have a smooth glaze.

7. Drizzle and Cool

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, prick the top all over with a skewer or fork. Pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the warm cake. This allows the glaze to soak in and keep the cake moist.

Leave the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing it.

Pouring lemon drizzle glaze over warm lemon cake

Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Drizzle Cake

Baking is part science, part art. Here are some tips I’ve learned to help you get the best results every time:

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavour. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same zing.

• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

• Prick the cake while warm to let the drizzle soak in deeply.

• Let the cake cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.

• Experiment with toppings like a dusting of icing sugar or a few fresh raspberries for extra colour and taste.

  
  

If you want to try a slightly different texture, you can swap some of the self-raising flour for ground almonds. This adds a lovely moistness and subtle nutty flavour.

Where to Find a Reliable Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

If you want to bookmark a trusted source for this classic treat, I recommend checking out this lemon drizzle cake recipe. It’s well-tested and easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all levels.

Bringing It All Together - Your Zesty Lemon Cake Awaits!

Baking a zesty lemon drizzle cake is a rewarding experience. The fresh lemon flavour, combined with the moist texture and sweet glaze, makes it a timeless favourite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

Remember, baking is about enjoying the process as much as the result. Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect - every cake teaches you something new. Keep experimenting, and soon you’ll have your own signature lemon drizzle cake to share.

Happy baking!

Ready to bake your own zesty lemon cake? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite.