Lemon Drizzle Cake Zest (Print Version)

Tangy lemon sponge with fresh zest and a sweet citrus glaze, perfect for teatime or dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup caster sugar
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 3/4 cups self-raising flour
05 - Zest of 2 lemons
06 - 2 tablespoons milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Lemon Drizzle

08 - Juice of 2 lemons
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 2 lb loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Beat butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
04 - Fold in flour, salt, and lemon zest until just combined. Stir in milk gently.
05 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
06 - Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
07 - Combine lemon juice and sugar to create drizzle mixture while cake bakes.
08 - Prick hot cake’s surface with a skewer and evenly pour lemon drizzle over top; let soak and cool completely in tin.
09 - Remove cake from tin, slice into 10 portions, and serve.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The crumb stays impossibly moist because the warm drizzle soaks right in, making each slice feel like a little treat.
  • It tastes and smells like a proper baker made it, but honestly anyone can pull it off in under two hours.
  • You only need one tin and basic equipment—no fancy gadgets required.
02 -
  • Prickling the hot cake is not optional—it's what stops the drizzle from just sitting on top and instead makes it soak deep into every crumb.
  • If your cake seems dry when you slice it the next day, it means the drizzle didn't get poked in deep enough—wrap it tightly and it will soften as it sits.
03 -
  • Use a microplane if you have one—it gets the finest zest with almost no effort, and the difference in texture and flavor is noticeable.
  • Let your butter come to room temperature naturally; it only takes an hour on the counter and makes creaming so much easier than trying to rush it in the microwave.

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