How to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake: A Classic British Recipe

 

Lemon drizzle cake is a timeless British favourite, loved for its light, fluffy sponge and zesty, sugary glaze. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a top choice for afternoon tea, bake sales, or simply as a treat with a nice cup of tea. In this blog post, you'll learn how to make lemon drizzle cake using classic British ingredients and methods. Follow this easy step-by-step recipe and enjoy a slice of sunshine in cake form.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

What Is Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Lemon drizzle cake is a moist sponge cake flavoured with fresh lemon zest and juice, finished with a tangy glaze poured over the top while the cake is still warm. The result is a deliciously soft cake with a crisp sugary crust and bursts of citrus flavour in every bite. It’s no wonder this cake is a staple in homes and cafés across the UK.

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Ingredients for Traditional Lemon Drizzle Cake

This recipe serves 8–10 people and fits a standard 2lb loaf tin.

For the cake:

225g unsalted butter (softened)

225g caster sugar

4 medium eggs

225g self-raising flour

Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

For the drizzle topping:

Juice of 1½ lemons

85g caster sugar

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Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas Mark 4. Grease a 2lb loaf tin and line it with baking parchment.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. This helps to give the cake a light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Lemon Zest

Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold it into the mixture using a metal spoon or spatula. Add the lemon zest and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. The top should be golden and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is baking, mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar to create the drizzle. Stir until the sugar is partially dissolved but still grainy — this gives the topping a lovely crunchy texture.

Step 7: Drizzle and Cool

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, prick it all over with a skewer or cocktail stick. Slowly pour the lemon drizzle over the top, allowing it to soak into the sponge. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.

Once cooled, remove from the tin and peel off the parchment. Slice and enjoy!

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect served as-is with a cup of tea.

Add a dollop of clotted cream or Greek yoghurt for extra indulgence.

For a twist, top with a lemon glaze or a dusting of icing sugar.

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Tips for the Best Lemon Drizzle Cake

Use unwaxed lemons for better zest and flavour.

Room temperature ingredients help the cake mix more evenly.

Don’t skip pricking the cake before drizzling — it helps the syrup sink in.

Store in an airtight tin for up to 5 days — the cake stays moist thanks to the drizzle.

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Variations to Try

Lemon & poppy seed drizzle cake – add 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the batter.

Lemon & elderflower – replace some of the lemon juice in the drizzle with elderflower cordial.

Gluten-free version – use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend and check all other ingredients are suitable.

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The British Love Affair with Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake has long held a place in the heart of British baking. Whether it’s Mary Berry’s version on The Great British Bake Off, a local WI (Women’s Institute) recipe, or your gran’s handwritten version in a family cookbook, everyone has their favourite take on this zesty sponge.

Its popularity lies in its simplicity and its unbeatable combination of fresh lemon and soft cake. It's a regular at afternoon teas, village fêtes, and school cake stalls — and with good reason!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – made with pantry staples in under an hour.

Bright, fresh flavour – thanks to real lemon juice and zest.

Perfect texture – light sponge with a crunchy sugar topping.

Crowd-pleasing – ideal for sharing with friends and family.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to make a traditional lemon drizzle cake that’s soft, moist, and packed with citrus flavour. This easy loaf cake is perfect for any occasion, from lazy afternoons to celebrations. Once you’ve baked it, you’ll understand why this classic recipe continues to be a British favourite.

Try it today and let the zing of lemon brighten up your kitchen — and your taste buds!

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Learn how to make lemon drizzle cake with this easy British recipe. Moist sponge, fresh lemon flavour, and a sweet crunchy topping — a classic teatime treat.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.