Recipe for Delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake
Introduction
Welcome to this step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious lemon drizzle cake. In this article, you will find detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure you bake the perfect cake. Whether you're a baking novice or an experienced home baker, this recipe will guide you through the process with ease. So let's get started and satisfy our cravings for a tangy and sweet treat!
Ingredients
To make a delicious lemon drizzle cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100g icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking parchment.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the eggs to the mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold it into the batter until well combined.
- Add the zest of 2 lemons to the mixture and stir it in.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the lemon drizzle by combining the juice of 1 lemon with the icing sugar in a small bowl.
- Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, poke several holes into the top using a skewer or toothpick.
- Pour the lemon drizzle over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and spread across the top.
- Leave the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade lemon drizzle cake! It's perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing a baking pan with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g (1 cup) of softened unsalted butter and 200g (1 cup) of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
Next, crack 4 large eggs into the bowl, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
In a separate bowl, mix together 200g (1 and 2/3 cups) of self-raising flour and the zest of 2 lemons. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly spread out. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the drizzle syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the juice of 2 lemons and 100g (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened.
Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke several holes all over the surface of the cake. Pour the hot lemon syrup over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes, and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. You can serve the lemon drizzle cake as is or dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your homemade lemon drizzle cake! It's perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests with its tangy and sweet flavors.
Lemon Drizzle Syrup
To give the lemon drizzle cake its signature tangy sweetness, a lemon drizzle syrup is poured over the cake while it's still warm. This simple syrup enhances the lemon flavor and keeps the cake moist. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 100g caster sugar
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and caster sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Simmer the syrup for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pierce it all over with a skewer or toothpick. This allows the syrup to penetrate the cake, infusing it with lemony goodness. Slowly pour the lemon drizzle syrup over the cake, making sure it gets into all the holes.
Let the cake cool completely in the tin before removing and serving. The lemon drizzle syrup adds a delightful moisture and zesty flavor to the cake, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Now that you have mastered the lemon drizzle syrup, let's move on to the next step in creating the perfect lemon drizzle cake.
Finishing Touches
Step 3: Making the Lemon Drizzle
To add a tangy and sweet finishing touch to your lemon drizzle cake, you'll need to make the lemon drizzle syrup. This will enhance the citrus flavor and moisten the cake.
Start by squeezing the juice of two lemons into a small bowl. Remove any seeds if necessary. Then, add 100g of granulated sugar to the bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves completely in the lemon juice.
Step 4: Drizzling the Cake
Once your cake has cooled slightly, it's time to drizzle the lemon syrup over the top. Take a fork or skewer and prick several holes all over the surface of the cake.
Slowly pour the lemon drizzle syrup over the cake, making sure to distribute it evenly. The syrup will seep into the holes and infuse the cake with a burst of lemony goodness.
Step 5: Decorating the Cake
To add a decorative touch to your lemon drizzle cake, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. This will not only add an extra touch of sweetness but will also create an attractive contrast against the vibrant yellow cake.
If desired, you can also garnish the cake with thin slices of lemon or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. Be sure to place the slices or leaves strategically for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
And there you have it – your scrumptious homemade lemon drizzle cake is now complete! It's ready to be served and enjoyed by all. The combination of zesty lemon and moist cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Now that you have mastered the art of baking a lemon drizzle cake, you can confidently add it to your repertoire of delicious desserts. With its refreshing flavors and simple yet elegant presentation, this cake is perfect for any occasion – be it a birthday celebration, afternoon tea, or simply a treat for yourself.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delightful aroma of lemon fill your kitchen. Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with this delectable lemon drizzle cake recipe. Enjoy!
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Tips and Variations
- Add a twist of flavor: While lemon is the star of the show in this lemon drizzle cake, you can experiment with adding other flavors to enhance the taste. Consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a unique twist.
- Add extra texture: If you want to add some crunch to your cake, try incorporating some chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the batter. This will give your cake a delightful texture and an added element of surprise.
- Make it gluten-free: For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Make it dairy-free: If you or someone you know is lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can still enjoy a delicious lemon drizzle cake. Use dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter, and replace milk with a non-dairy milk alternative.
- Get creative with presentation: Once your cake is baked and drizzled, you can have fun with the presentation. Top it off with some lemon zest or slices for an elegant touch. You can also dust some powdered sugar over the cake to give it a beautiful finishing touch.
By following these tips and variations, you can elevate your lemon drizzle cake to new levels and create a truly memorable dessert. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process of baking this delightful treat!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a lemon drizzle cake is a delightful and satisfying baking experience. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can create a moist and zesty cake that is sure to impress your friends and family. Remember to use fresh lemons for the best flavor and to add the drizzle while the cake is still warm for maximum absorption. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking techniques, you can enjoy the tangy goodness of a homemade lemon drizzle cake in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this citrusy treat!
