Best Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipes – Moist, Zesty & Easy Homemade

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipes – Few cakes offer the refreshing brightness and nostalgic charm that a classic lemon drizzle cake brings to the table. With its tender crumb, bold citrus flavor, and sweet tangy glaze, this dessert is a celebrated staple in British baking and loved around the world. Whether served as a tea-time treat, a light dessert after dinner, or a delightful homemade gift, lemon drizzle cake embodies simplicity and elegance.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: British / European

• Course: Dessert / Tea-Time Cake

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Time: 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 20–25 minutes

• Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Servings: 8–10 slices

• Calories: ~360 calories per slice

• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk

For the Lemon Drizzle

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Loaf tin (9×5 inches) or round cake pan

• Parchment paper

• Zester or grater

• Cooling rack

• Wooden skewer or toothpick

• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease your loaf tin with butter and line with parchment paper.

3. This ensures the cake removes cleanly and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Baking powder

   • Salt

2. Set aside while you prepare the wet mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

2. This step traps air, giving you a light, tender cake.

3. Beat for at least 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Lemon Flavoring

1. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

2. Mix in:

   • Lemon zest

   • Lemon juice

   • Vanilla extract

3. The mixture may appear slightly curdled; this is normal due to acidic lemon juice.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

1. Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet ingredients.

2. Pour in the milk or buttermilk slowly.

3. Mix on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.

4. A smooth, thick batter should form.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake for 40–45 minutes.

4. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Drizzle

1. While the cake is still baking, whisk together lemon juice and sugar.

2. Do not heat it—the sugar should remain slightly granular for texture.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven but keep it in the pan.

2. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the warm cake.

3. Pour the lemon drizzle mixture slowly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.

4. Allow the cake to sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb all the syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hot tea or iced lemonade for a refreshing treat.

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt.

• Pair with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

• Enjoy as a breakfast cake with your morning coffee.

Conclusion

A lemon drizzle cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a timeless classic that blends simplicity with unforgettable flavor. Moist, tangy, and beautifully fragrant, it suits every occasion and can be mastered even by beginners. With the step-by-step guidance, tips, and variations provided, you can confidently create a bright, zesty cake that delights anyone who tastes it.