In today's article, we'll explore the delightful simplicity of easy lemon drizzle cake recipes. With its moist crumb and citrus-infused topping, this classic treat embodies the perfect balance of tangy flavour and sweet satisfaction, bound to bring sunshine to every occasion from birthdays to cosy afternoon tea gatherings. Curious to discover how you can whip up this dessert, alongside its vegan or gluten-free adaptation, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, leaving everyone yearning for more? Then let's dive in! But before we start, we invite those enamoured by lemon-infused treats and other sugary delights to uncover the collection of mouthwatering confections available on the Flowwow marketplace.
The origins of the dessert
The cake has its roots in British baking tradition. While its exact origins remain elusive, variations of this tangy delight have been relished for centuries. Its modern rendition found favour in the UK during the last century, establishing itself as a cherished teatime indulgence. Today, in households all over the UK, the moist lemon drizzle cake recipe helps create a much-loved treat for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, as well as for everyday enjoyment.
Recipe for lemon drizzle cake
So, it’s time to walk through the lemon drizzle loaf cake recipe in detail. Ready to enjoy this simple pleasure, with a refreshing citrus twist in every bite? Let’s get it started!
Ingredients
Cake
- Split the total caster sugar amount into two parts; for cake preparation, take 250 grams and combine it with butter in a deep bowl, beating them together (double-check that you're using grams for measurements, and not ounces or cups).
- Incorporate the eggs gradually, making sure each addition is blended thoroughly before moving on to the next. Afterwards, integrate the flour and zest, blending until evenly distributed throughout.
- Prepare a two-pound loaf tin by generously coating it with butter and lining it with buttered parchment. Delicately transfer the batter into the tin, employing a gentle touch to level the top evenly (a spatula is likely the best tool for this task).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C Fan) for 50-60 minutes. To determine if it's done, pierce the centre with a toothpick or a slender wooden skewer; if it emerges clean, it's done.
While the cake undergoes its transformation in the heat, let's craft some syrup.
Lemon drizzle
Crafting the topping is as simple as pie and won't take you long at all.
- Combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice (extracted from about 2,5 average-sized UK lemons, each yielding roughly 2 tablespoons of juice) with the remaining caster sugar in a small bowl. Then whisk them together until they merge into a smooth mixture, ready to grace our dessert with its citrusy note. Voilà!
- Wield a skewer to delicately puncture the freshly baked cake, forming tiny channels for the delectable drizzle to seep into. Next, pour the syrup over the treat and let it cool right in its tin.
The dessert is prepared and awaiting your final decorative touch before indulging. Later on, there will be some elegant suggestions on how to serve this scrumptious treat.
Other easy recipes
Vegan lemon drizzle cake recipe
To create a vegan rendition of this dessert, swap out traditional ingredients with alternatives. Opt for a high-quality vegan butter, ideally with around 80% fat content. As for eggs, consider using a purchased egg replacement powder or a mashed, ripe banana for binding. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free variation, simply substitute self-raising flour with a suitable alternative. Ensure all ingredients align with your dietary principles by scrutinising their labels.
Air fryer lemon drizzle cake recipe
To prepare this delectable confection in an air fryer, whisk together the batter ingredients, then transfer the mixture into a tin and let it cook in the preheated air fryer at 160°C for approximately 60-70 minutes. Prepare the drizzle and stream it over the dessert, allowing it to seep in. Gently set the treat onto a wire rack — as it cools, the syrup will form a tempting sugar coating.
Useful tips and notes
How do you increase the flavour of lemon in a cake?
To enhance the citric undertones in your treat, you might consider either slightly increasing the amount of zest (the essential oils within it wield significant power for infusing flavour), incorporating a tablespoon of lemon curd or a teaspoon of lemon extract into the batter. Additionally, blending zest and sugar in a mixer for 3-4 minutes can help infuse the latter with lemon notes.
Why is my lemon drizzle cake sinking?
The issue may arise from the oven door being opened too early, disrupting the delicate structure forming inside. To prevent this, avoid opening it within the first 20 minutes of baking — this crucial time allows the cake to establish a sturdy foundation for its rise. Furthermore, it’s crucial to ascertain the oven is fully preheated before placing the batter for optimal results.
Another possible reason is if you took too long to mix the batter or to transfer it into the loaf tin and then into the oven. It's essential to work quickly to ensure the desired outcome of your dessert.
Why does my lemon cake taste bitter?
The dish might taste bitter if you accidentally included the pith while zesting the lemons. When zesting, focus on extracting only the yellow outer layer of the peel, as the white pith beneath is bitter. Utilising a fine grater ensures precision in this process, allowing the zest to enhance rather than overwhelm the taste of your dish. A bonus tip: for an extra burst of taste, finely chop thyme leaves and mix them into the pie batter.
Why is my lemon cake dry?
If your treat turns out dry or tough, chances are it is overbaked. Excessive heat or prolonged baking may be the culprit behind this issue. Since ovens can vary in temperature, it's crucial to monitor your dessert closely. To ensure it's baked to perfection, set a timer 10 minutes before the recipe suggests and keep an eye on its progress.
Is it OK to freeze lemon drizzle cake?
Preserving your baked delight in the freezer is a smart move if it hasn't been adorned with icing yet. Note that complete cooling of the treat before freezing is essential to prevent condensation, which could affect its texture and taste. Encase the cake snugly with cling film, place it into a container with an airtight seal and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to savour its tangy goodness, allow the confection to thaw slowly in the fridge before serving.
What to serve the lemon cake with
For the ultimate indulgence, accompany this gorgeous dessert with your choice of ice cream, yoghurt, clotted cream, or fresh berries — the best options to enhance its taste. Ensure maximum enjoyment by allowing the cake to reach room temperature before savouring each delicious bite.
For a flawless decoration, mix 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 50 grams of icing sugar; once your treat has cooled, delicately drizzle this glaze over it, and top it off with a sprinkling of freshly grated lemon zest. Another great idea is to enhance the presentation of your creation by adding candied lemon slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar. The lemon drizzle birthday cake recipe typically presupposes adorning the dish with candles, colourful sprinkles or edible decorations that suit the festive theme. These easy yet elegant options are suitable for plant-based or gluten-free versions.
