Picture this: the sun streams through your kitchen window, and the air is filled with the bright, tangy scent of fresh lemons. You slice into a loaf of lemon drizzle cake, and the golden crumb is soft, tender, and moist. A sweet, tangy glaze drips down the sides, promising the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing in every bite.
Lemon drizzle cake is a classic for a reason. It’s refreshing yet comforting, elegant yet easy to make. Whether it’s a tea-time treat, a weekend bake, or a special occasion dessert, this cake combines simple ingredients into something that feels gourmet with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
- Optional: poppy seeds (1–2 tsp for extra texture)
For the Lemon Drizzle:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Kitchen Tools
- Loaf pan (8×4-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Zester or microplane
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for glaze)
How to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease your loaf pan with butter and line with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re adding poppy seeds, stir them in here. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step incorporates air into the batter for a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs & Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, this is where your kitchen starts smelling incredible.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
7. Make the Lemon Drizzle
While the cake is baking, combine lemon juice and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, this will become your sweet, tangy glaze.
8. Drizzle & Cool
Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the lemon glaze over the warm cake so it sinks in, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Drizzle Cake
Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest, bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Makes mixing smoother and batter more consistent.
Don’t Skip Poking Holes: This allows the glaze to soak in for maximum moisture and flavor.
Optional Poppy Seeds: Add a subtle crunch and a traditional touch.
Store Properly: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container, it stays moist for 3–4 days.
Fun Variations
- Lemon & Blueberry Cake – Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries for fruity bursts.
- Lavender Lemon Cake – Add a pinch of dried culinary lavender for a floral twist.
- Lemon Almond Cake – Mix in almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake – Bake in a bundt pan for a show-stopping presentation.
Lemon drizzle cake is the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy, a cake that feels light yet indulgent. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough to serve at a party or tea gathering.
From the moment you zest the lemons to the first bite of a glossy, sweet, citrusy slice, you’ll understand why this classic keeps bakers coming back. Moist, flavorful, and unforgettable, lemon drizzle cake is a simple dessert that feels truly special.
