Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (2024)

Jump to Recipe →

This post may contain affiliate links.

This easy Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe works every time. It’s a fail-safe classic bake that you can whip up time and time again.

It’s a solid, easy-to-follow recipe that’s so delicious, is made in one bowl, is ready in under an hour and produces impressive, solid results – even for beginners!

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (1)

This recipe for Lemon Drizzle Cake is, without doubt, one of our favourite bakes of all time. It’s a flavour that tops polls over and over again, and it always goes down a treat in every situation where cake is called for (I mean… every day?!)

I find this to be the very BEST Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe because it just works every time. It’s super zesty, lovely and moist (sorry to use that word but this calls for it), and to top it all, you can whip it up in one bowl in about 5 minutes. What’s not to love?

Why you’ll love this Lemon Drizzle Cake

⭐️ Quick and easy

⭐️ A failsafe, simple method

⭐️ Zingy and zesty to brighten your day!

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (2)

About this Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe

Even though I say that this is the easiest and bulletproof Lemon Drizzle recipe, I know you’ll still have questions, especially if you’re not an accomplished baker.

So this post will give you the answers on a plate (boom boom) so you not only get the results you want, but you actually enjoy the process too.

After all, cake is to be enjoyed, and baking can be a delight when you have a little confidence. The eating isn’t so bad either!

What do I mean by a ‘one bowl recipe’? Quite simply, you mix all of the ingredients together in one bowl before pouring it all into a loaf tin and putting it in the oven to bake.

What you’ll need for making Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (3)
  • Unsalted butter – Some for the cake, some for greasing the tin. If you only have salted, that’s fine.
  • Caster sugar – Golden caster sugar works well if you have it.
  • Eggs – I use free range. If you want to be exact, they should weigh about 250g in total (weigh in shells).
  • Self-raising flour

How to make Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (4)

1. Preheat your oven to 160C, grease your loaf tin and line it, then put all your cake ingredients into a bowl.

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (5)

2. Beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (6)

3. Spoon the mixture into your loaf tin and smooth out. Bake as per the recipe below until a skewer comes out clean.

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (7)

4. Once baked, skewer some holes in your cake, make up the drizzle with icing sugar and lemon juice, then pour over your cake.

Hint: Don’t take your cake completely out of the oven when checking to see if your cake is cooked. If it’s not, it could sink. Instead, slide out on the shelf and put straight back in if needed.

More loaf cakes

If you’d like to try your hand at some other easy loaf cake recipes, you could try my Nutella Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Mini Pumpkin Bread Loaves or my Banana Cake (with chocolate chips). Or visit my cake page for other ideas.

All are tried and tested for ultimately deliciousness and simplicity!

How to store Lemon Drizzle Cake

Store the cake in an airtight tin or container for up to 5 days. Don’t store it in the fridge or it will become quite hard.

Freezer You can freeze this cake for another day! Make sure you wrap it in a couple of layers of greaseproof paper for the freezer and defrost it at room temperature before eating.

Top tips for making Lemon Drizzle Cake

How to know it’s cooked

First, check the cake isn’t still wobbly when you move it. If it is, put it straight back in the oven. If not, push a skewer or sharp, thin knife into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, it means it’s cooked. (Some crumbs are fine, but not wet cake mixture.)

When checking your cake, just slide it out on the oven shelf rather than taking it all the way out. This is so if it’s not quite done, you can push it back in quickly before it sinks.

How to zest the lemons

The best way to zest lemons is to invest in a great zester. It will change your cake-making life! I like this Microplane Zester, which I’ve had for years and it makes the job SO easy.

What tin to use

I like to make my Lemon Drizzle Cake in a loaf tin. The sizes of these can be a bit confusing, but mine is technically a 1 lb tin. This one is the perfect size: Masterclass 1 lb Loaf Tin.

How to stop the cake from sticking

Rub softened butter all around the tin and then line it with baking paper. Be sure it’s baking paper or baking parchment, NOT greaseproof paper. They are different!

FAQ

Why has my Lemon Drizzle Cake sunk?

The most common reason for a Lemon Drizzle Cake sinking in the middle is when the oven door has been opened before the cake was set.

Be sure not to open the door before 40 minutes, and even then, do it by opening the oven door and checking it as quickly as possible!

Can I make this a gluten-free Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Yes. Just replace the flour with gluten-free self-raising flour. It may sink a little more in the middle, but it will still taste fantastic.

Can I make this a dairy-free Lemon Drizzle Cake?

You sure can. Just replace the butter with your normal favourite dairy-free baking spread.

Can I add extra icing to the Lemon Drizzle?

Yes! Make the drizzle topping with the lemon juice and then use the same amount of icing sugar again, but with less juice to make a thicker icing to go on top. Double decker ceiling for the WIN.

Can you tell me the measurements in cups please?

No, sorry! Baking relies on very specific quantities to be successful and if you use cups (which measure in volume) there’s such a big room for error, and you’d be making life so much harder for yourself as a baker.

The best thing to do is invest in a set of digital scales and see your baking succeed every time (there are lots of low cost versions out there).

Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.

Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (8)

SavePinPrint

5 from 339 votes

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest Ever Recipe!}

By Sarah Rossi

This Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe is a fail-safe method that works every time without fuss or fanfare. It’s a classic bake and tastes simply delicious.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 Slices

Ingredients

Cake ingredients:

  • 250 g Unsalted butter, Plus extra for greasing your tin. See rotes.
  • 250 g Caster sugar, See notes.
  • 4 Eggs , Medium. See notes.
  • 250 g Self-raising flour
  • 3 Lemons, Zest only. (Reserve the zested fruit for the juice for the drizzle.) See notes.

For the drizzle:

  • 100 g Icing sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 160C and grease your loaf tin and line it with baking paper.

  • Put all of the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat until smooth.

  • Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth out. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

For the drizzle:

  • While the cake is still warm in the tin, use a skewer or thin sharp knife to poke holes all over it.

  • Mix the icing sugar with enough of the juice of the lemons to make a thin paste. Add the liquid gradually so it stays nice and smooth. (This is normally 1-and-a-half lemons, but will depend on how big and juicy they were!)

  • Pour all over the cake and allow to sink in.

Notes

Butter:I like to use unsalted butter for baking as it is flavourless. If you only have salted it will be fine though. It’s not vital.

Caster sugar:Golden caster sugar works well here if you have it.

Eggs:Free range please! If you want to be exact and ensure success, weigh them in their shells and they should total about 250g.

Lemons:If you can buy unwaxed lemons, these are best as you will be eating the zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 29mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 727IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Family Food

Like this? Leave a comment and rating below!Mention @myusername or tag #myhashtag!

Categorized as:
Bake Sale Makes, Cakes, Recipes, Sweet Things

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (9)

new cookbook!

Featuring 100 delicious recipes that can be cooked in one pot, you can open any page in this book and find something that will give you not only a meal that the whole family will eat and enjoy, but also one that makes your life a little simpler in the process.

More Recipes

One Pot

One Pot

Meatball Orzo Bake {One Pot}

Chicken

Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot Recipe}

Under 30 minutes

Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot Recipe}

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (14)

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Sarah. I help busy people decide 'What's for Dinner?' Find hundreds of recipes here, and also in my bestselling recipe book. Hope my recipes make your life easier ❤️

More About Me

Lemon Drizzle Cake {Easiest EVER Recipe!} (2024)

FAQs

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

When it comes to creating moist and delicious cakes, sometimes the secret ingredient is something unexpected. In this case, it's applesauce. Not only does applesauce add moisture to your cake, but it also serves as a healthier alternative to high-fat ingredients.

What is lemon drizzle made of? ›

While the cake is cooling in its tin, mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar to make the drizzle. 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. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve.

Can you use lemon juice instead of water in a lemon cake mix? ›

I would recommend using freshly grated lemon zest (only the yellow part of the skin) from 1 lemon. You could substitute some lemon juice for part of the other liquids like water or buttermilk. Do not reduce the amount of oil or egg.

Why is my lemon drizzle cake raw in the middle? ›

The cake hasn't been cooked for long enough. When you check the cake before taking it out of the oven, a skewer should come out clean and the cake should feel the same in the middle as it does around the edges.

What is the main ingredient that makes a cake moist? ›

USE VEGETABLE OIL. While butter undoubtedly imparts excellent flavor, vegetable oil can really elevate a cake when it comes to moisture. Replacing butter with vegetable oil in your cake recipes typically yields moist results.

Which 2 ingredients help the cake to rise? ›

Breads, cakes, cookies, and nearly all baked goods require a leavening agent. These are the key ingredients that make a cake rise. There are two types of leavening agents, chemical (baking soda and baking powder) and biological (yeast).

Why is there a hole in my lemon drizzle cake? ›

Gluten can lead to large air pockets in cakes. Too much chemical leavener, like baking powder, can lead to large air bubbles in cakes. Broken emulsion and inconsistent ingredient temperatures can cause air pockets in cakes. The way you fill your pan with cake batter can cause air pockets.

Why does my lemon drizzle cake collapse? ›

The most common reason for a Lemon Drizzle Cake sinking in the middle is when the oven door has been opened before the cake was set. Be sure not to open the door before 40 minutes, and even then, do it by opening the oven door and checking it as quickly as possible!

How to make lemon drizzle cake mary berry? ›

Lemon drizzle cake with lemon curd and double cream
  1. 350g/12oz butter, softened, plus extra for greasing.
  2. 350g/12oz caster sugar.
  3. 4 lemons, zest only, plus juice of 2 lemons.
  4. 3 large pieces candied lemon peel , finely chopped.
  5. 6 free-range eggs.
  6. 3 tsp baking powder.
  7. 300g/10½oz self-raising flour.
  8. 50g/2oz cornflour.

What happens if you use milk instead of water in a cake mix? ›

Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake. Or, if you prefer, you can add buttermilk, giving your cake a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.

How do you increase the flavor of lemon in a cake? ›

Combine lemon zest with oil or butter

Rub the lemon into the sugar, then add your cooking fat, like butter or oil. The tangy zest will infuse the whole batter, elevating the tart flavor of your dessert. For a shortcut, you can use lemon-infused olive oil.

Why is my lemon cake dry? ›

If you have too much flour in a recipe and not enough fat, like butter or oil, your cake is going to be dry and hard. For best results, I would encourage you to use a scale when baking, but if you don't have a scale, then just make sure you're using measuring cups correctly.

Why does my lemon cake taste bitter? ›

If you purposely or accidentally used baking soda instead of baking powder without making any changes to your recipe, you'll definitely end up with a bitter taste. Remember, baking soda is an alkaline, or base, ingredient that naturally has a bitter taste. Baking powder is a multi-ingredient leavener.

Why is my lemon drizzle cake greasy? ›

If it is too soft at the start, the beating process and the heat generated by the beaters will make it become oily. Overbeating the batter at too high speed will also produce an oily cake. You haven't said how much lemon curd was added to the mix. This too will change the texture and outcome of the finished cake.

What is a burn cake? ›

The on-fire confections consist of a standard iced cake topped with an image printed on paper that is set ablaze, causing it to burn away and reveal another image underneath. Though such creations have existed for at least a few years, the dessert's newly spiking popularity can be credited to a couple of bakers.

What is the secret of a delicious cake? ›

Success of a cake depends on the correct blending of ingredients, the careful creaming of butter and sugar, as well as the gentle folding of egg whites (if added separately) to maintain maximum aeration. Please read Basic Rules For Baking. Fold or Folding: A method of gently mixing ingredients.

What is your best baking secret? ›

Combine ingredients as gently as possible without overmixing. Creamed butter and sugar should be pale and fluffy, never yellow and gritty. Butter temperature is a vital detail that should not be overlooked. Don't open the oven door until goods are done baking.

What is the most important ingredient in a cake? ›

Flour is perhaps the most important ingredient in a cake mix, as it creates the basic structure of the entire cake. A major component of flour is gluten, which is a protein that provides a way for the cake to bind to itself.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 5929

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.