If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dessert, look no further than a classic lemon drizzle cake. This sweet and tangy treat is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a homemade cake that will impress your family and friends.
The beauty of a lemon drizzle cake is in its simplicity. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a bright lemon flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The drizzle on top adds a sweet and tangy glaze that takes the cake to the next level. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Contents
Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious lemon drizzle cake, it’s important to have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this sweet and tangy treat:
Cake
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp full-fat milk
- 2 lemons, zested
- 50g ground almonds
Drizzle
- 100g granulated sugar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp lemon curd
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 3 tbsp water
To start, you’ll need butter, sugar, and eggs to create the base of the cake. Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and creamy, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined. Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, and fold the mixture together until smooth. Add the full-fat milk and lemon zest, and mix until well combined. Finally, add the ground almonds and mix until the batter is smooth and even.
To create the drizzle, mix together granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon curd, lemon extract, and water until well combined. Once the cake is baked, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer, then pour the drizzle over the top. The sweet and tangy mixture will soak into the cake, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful treat.
Overall, these ingredients work together to create a simple yet delicious lemon drizzle cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and tangy dessert to serve at a party or just want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Preparation
Before baking a delicious lemon drizzle cake, it is important to prepare all the necessary ingredients and equipment. In this section, we will go through the steps required to prepare for baking a simple lemon drizzle cake recipe.
Preheat the Oven
The first step in preparing to bake a lemon drizzle cake is to preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (Fan) or gas mark 4. This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature when the cake is ready to be baked. It is important to preheat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes before baking.
Prepare the Tin
Prepare the loaf tin by greasing it with softened butter and lining it with baking paper or parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tin and make it easier to remove from the tin once it has been baked. Use a 2lb loaf tin for this recipe.
Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix thoroughly until fully combined. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture and fold it in gently until thoroughly combined. Add the lemon zest and mix again.
Bake the Cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface with a wooden spoon. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes.
Make the Drizzle
While the cake is cooling, make the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup powdered sugar until thickened and smooth. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, then pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Once the cake has cooled completely, remove it from the tin and transfer it to a wire rack. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you have a quick and easy lemon drizzle cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Tips and Tricks
Storing Your Cake
Once you’ve made your delicious lemon drizzle cake, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. The best way to store your cake is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out. If you’re planning on storing the cake for a few days, you can also wrap it in greaseproof paper before placing it in the container.
If you have leftovers and don’t plan on eating them within a few days, you can also store the cake in the fridge. However, be aware that this can cause the cake to lose some of its moisture and become dry. To prevent this, wrap the cake in cling film or foil before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Your Cake
If you want to freeze your lemon drizzle cake, you can do so by wrapping it tightly in cling film or foil and placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat the cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. This can take a few hours, so make sure you plan ahead.
It’s important to note that freezing can affect the texture of the cake. While it will still taste good, it may not be as moist as it was before freezing. To combat this, you can add a little extra lemon drizzle to the cake once it has thawed.
Top Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your lemon drizzle cake:
- Use unwaxed lemons for the best flavour. The zest of the lemon is an important part of the recipe, so make sure you choose a good quality lemon.
- Make sure you grease your baking tin well before adding the cake mixture. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the tin.
- If you’re not confident in your baking skills, try following a recipe from a trusted source like Mary Berry. This will ensure that you get the best possible results.
- If you’ve made the cake and want to know how it turned out, ask your friends and family to rate the recipe. This will give you valuable feedback and help you improve your baking skills.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours. Lemon drizzle cake is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes. Try adding different fruits or spices to the mixture to create your own unique flavour.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious and moist lemon drizzle cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at an afternoon tea or enjoying it as a dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your diet, you may be curious about the nutritional information of a simple lemon drizzle cake recipe. While this cake is a delicious treat, it is important to be aware of the nutritional content to help you make informed choices about what you eat.
A standard serving of lemon drizzle cake, which is approximately 1/12 of a 9-inch cake, contains around 290 calories. This number may vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. It is important to note that most of the calories in a lemon drizzle cake come from carbohydrates and fat.
Saturated fat is another important factor to consider when it comes to the nutritional content of lemon drizzle cake. A serving of this cake contains around 8 grams of saturated fat, which is about 40% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. If you are watching your saturated fat intake, it may be a good idea to consume lemon drizzle cake in moderation.
Cholesterol is another nutrient to keep in mind when consuming lemon drizzle cake. While this cake is not a significant source of cholesterol, it does contain around 60 milligrams per serving. If you have high cholesterol, it may be a good idea to limit your intake of this cake.
Sodium is another factor to consider when it comes to the nutritional content of lemon drizzle cake. A serving of this cake contains around 200 milligrams of sodium, which is about 9% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult. If you are watching your sodium intake, it may be a good idea to consume this cake in moderation.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in lemon drizzle cake. A serving of this cake contains around 38 grams of carbohydrates, including 25 grams of sugar. If you are watching your carbohydrate intake or have diabetes, it may be a good idea to limit your consumption of this cake.
Protein is another nutrient to consider when it comes to the nutritional content of lemon drizzle cake. While this cake is not a significant source of protein, it does contain around 4 grams per serving. If you are looking to increase your protein intake, there are better sources than lemon drizzle cake.
In conclusion, while lemon drizzle cake is a delicious treat, it is important to be aware of the nutritional content to help you make informed choices about what you eat. Keep in mind the calorie, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, and protein content when consuming this cake. As with all treats, it’s best to consume in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.