Home made lemon drizzle
A moist, buttery lemon sponge soaked with a zingy lemon-sugar glaze.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 8–10
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a lemon drizzle cake — simple, sweet, and zesty. It’s soft and fluffy with a sugary crust that crackles when you slice into it. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea or looking for a quick loaf to serve with coffee, this homemade version delivers both fresh flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (225g) caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
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4 large eggs
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1 ½ cups (225g) self-raising flour
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Zest of 2 lemons
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Optional: 1 tbsp milk (if batter feels too thick)
For the Lemon Drizzle:
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Juice of 2 lemons
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar or caster sugar
Tip: For extra tang, use a mix of lemon juice and a little zest in the drizzle.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C fan.
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Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add a spoonful of flour if it starts to curdle.
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Fold in the flour and lemon zest gently using a spatula or metal spoon. Don’t overmix.
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Add a splash of milk if the batter is very thick.
Step 3: Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake rest in the tin while you prepare the drizzle.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Drizzle
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In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice with the sugar until it forms a grainy syrup.
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While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork.
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Spoon the drizzle evenly over the cake. The juice will sink in, and the sugar will form a crisp topping as it cools.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
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Allow the cake to cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes.
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Remove, slice, and serve — enjoy with tea, coffee, or just on its own!
Storage
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze sliced (wrapped) for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temp before serving.
Nutrition Info (Per Slice – 1 of 10)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbs | 39 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
Values will vary depending on portion size and exact ingredients.