Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe: Bright Sunshine in Every Bite

Sweet memories of summer afternoons often revolve around a perfect lemon drizzle cake that awakens nostalgic flavors.

Zesty citrus notes dance across your palate with delightful brightness.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspires this classic British treat that sings with tangy elegance.

Sunshine-yellow crumb promises pure comfort in every delicate slice.

Soft, moist textures meld with sharp lemon glaze for an irresistible experience.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction, making this dessert a true kitchen champion.

Each forkful promises pure joy – let’s bake something magical together.

Why Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake Is Always A Hit

• Savor Simplicity: This lemon drizzle cake brings incredible ease to baking, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare and bake this delightful treat in under an hour, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests dropping by.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults will love the bright, zesty flavor that transforms a simple cake into a crowd-pleasing dessert for gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual weekend treats.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: With just one bowl needed for mixing and straightforward steps, this recipe promises delicious results without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.

What Goes Into Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake

• Flour: The base that provides structure to the light and fluffy cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's tender texture.
• Butter: Ensures moisture and rich flavor in the cake.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy citrus flavor and aromatic quality to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cake rise and enhance overall flavor balance.

How To Bake Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180°C (or Gas Mark 4). Grab a 9×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and combine all cake ingredients. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and looks like a creamy dream. Use an electric mixer or a strong whisk to ensure no lumps remain.

Step 3: Fill and Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a cake that springs back when gently touched.

Step 4: Prepare Zesty Lemon Drizzle

While the cake bakes, whip up the lemon drizzle. Mix fresh lemon juice with sugar until it transforms into a glossy, sweet-tangy syrup that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Drench the Cake

The moment your cake emerges from the oven, immediately pour the lemon drizzle over the hot surface. Let the syrup soak into every delicious crack and crevice, infusing the cake with bright, citrusy flavor.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and serve. Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet cake and zingy lemon.

Tips That Help With Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake

• Zest with Care: Use fresh, unwaxed lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and maximum zest without bitterness.
• Moisture Magic: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to keep the cake extra moist and tender.
• Prevent Sinking: Toss flour-coated blueberries or nuts into the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Temperature Trick: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more even cake texture.
• Glaze Generously: Poke small holes in the hot cake with a skewer to help the lemon drizzle penetrate deeper for more intense flavor.

Ways To Switch Up Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, maintaining the same zesty lemon flavor and moist texture.
• Vegan Citrus Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based butter alternative to create a dairy-free, egg-free lemon cake.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Treat: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake's bright citrus essence.
• Orange Citrus Variation: Replace lemon juice and zest with fresh orange ingredients for a different citrus profile that keeps the cake's classic drizzle technique.

Perfect Matches For Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake

• Zesty Citrus Sparkling Companion: Pair this lemon drizzle cake with a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling elderflower wine, letting the bubbling effervescence complement the cake's bright lemon notes.
• Creamy Tea Time Delight: Serve alongside a smooth Earl Grey tea or English breakfast tea with a splash of milk, creating a classic British teatime experience that balances the cake's tangy sweetness.
• Cooling Yogurt Contrast: Add a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt on the side, providing a cool, creamy counterpoint to the cake's sharp lemon flavor and adding a luxurious texture to each bite.
• Fresh Fruit Accent: Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries, which will enhance the cake's citrusy profile and add a burst of natural sweetness and color to the dessert plate.

How To Store Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake Properly

• Store leftover lemon drizzle cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake before freezing, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check carefully to avoid overheating, which can make the cake tough.
• If consuming within 1-2 days, keep cake covered at room temperature in a sealed container. Ensures soft texture and maintains fresh flavor.

FAQs On Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake Answered

• What makes the lemon drizzle cake moist?

The cake’s moistness comes from the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs, which create a tender crumb, and the hot lemon drizzle poured over the cake immediately after baking, which helps lock in moisture and intensify the lemony flavor.

• Is this cake easy to make for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is very simple and straightforward. With basic baking ingredients and minimal steps, even novice bakers can successfully create a delicious lemon drizzle cake without complex techniques.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives or sweeteners for the most authentic taste.

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious lemon drizzle cake brings zesty sunshine to classic British baking with its tangy glaze and moist crumb. Delightful slices promise pure citrus pleasure that will transport dessert enthusiasts straight to bakery bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) self-rising flour
• 6 ounces (170 grams) superfine sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces (113 grams) softened butter

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 large lemon (zest only)
• Juice of 1 large lemon

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 ounces (113 grams) superfine sugar (for drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180C (Gas 4) and carefully line a 9×8 inch baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides.
2. Thoroughly cream together all cake ingredients using an electric mixer, blending until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
3. Gently transfer the cake batter into the prepared tin, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
4. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and checking with a skewer that comes out clean when inserted into the center.
5. While the cake is baking, prepare the zesty lemon drizzle by whisking fresh lemon juice with sugar until the mixture becomes a smooth, translucent glaze.
6. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pierce the surface with a skewer multiple times to create small holes that will absorb the drizzle.
7. Pour the tangy lemon drizzle over the hot cake, ensuring it seeps into the punctured surface for maximum flavor infusion.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin, letting the drizzle set and the flavors meld together.
9. Once cooled, carefully remove from the tin, slice into generous portions, and serve.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent lumpy batter.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor and get the most citrusy punch in your cake.
• Test cake doneness by inserting a skewer in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg