Looking for a bright, refreshing dessert that’s easy to bake and irresistibly moist? This Lemon Drizzle Cake combines a soft, buttery sponge with a tangy lemon glaze that seeps into every slice. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or as a light dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a balance of sweetness and zesty lemon flavor.
Ingredients for Lemon Drizzle Cake (8 servings)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add yogurt and flavorings: Mix in Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine batter: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare glaze: While cake is baking, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle & cool: Remove cake from oven, let cool for 10 minutes. Pour lemon glaze over warm cake, letting it seep into cracks. Cool completely in pan, then transfer to serving plate.
Tips & Variations for Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Enhance flavor by adding 1 tsp poppy seeds to the batter for texture and subtle crunch.
- Swap Greek yogurt with buttermilk for an extra tender crumb.
- Top with fresh berries or candied lemon slices for decorative presentation.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Pair with Quick Cheesecake Bites for a lemon-themed dessert spread.
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For more zesty inspiration, visit Lemon Cake Recipes on BBC Good Food.
