Our Cookbook

British

Lemon drizzle cake

A classic loaf cake with a tangy lemon syrup drizzle that soaks into the warm sponge and leaves a crisp sugary topping.

  • Yield1 loaf (about 10 slices)
  • Prep15m
  • Cook50m
  • Effortweeknight

For the cake

  • 225g unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For the drizzle topping

  • Juice of 1½ lemons
  • 85g caster sugar

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 160°C fan.
  2. Beat together the butter and caster sugar until pale and creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, slowly mixing through.
  3. Sift in the self-raising flour, then add the lemon zest and mix until well combined.
  4. Line a 2lb (about 14 x 24cm) loaf tin with greaseproof paper, then spoon in the mixture and level the top with a spoon.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a thin skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
  6. While the cake is cooling in its tin, mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar to make the drizzle.
  7. Prick the warm cake all over with a skewer or fork, then pour over the drizzle – the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping.
  8. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve. Will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.