Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake -

Zing up your tea time with this delightful lemon drizzle loaf cake! This classic English treat has lemon in the batter, zest in the drizzle, and icing that adds a luscious touch. Perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack anytime!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This lemon drizzle loaf cake is not only simple to make but also bursting with citrus flavor, brightening up any occasion. The cake is wonderfully moist, thanks to the butter and milk, while the lemon drizzle adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly. It’s versatile, making it a perfect pairing with tea or as a light dessert after meals. Plus, the bright yellow color is sure to brighten any table setting!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Grease & Line Your Loaf Pan: To prevent sticking, grease your loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Adjust the Glaze: Adjust the consistency of the icing glaze by adding a bit more lemon juice or icing sugar as needed.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful lemon drizzle loaf cake:

Cake:
- 200g (7 oz or ¾ cup + 1 tbsp) butter, softened
- 200g (7 oz or 1 cup) caster sugar
- ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 eggs
- 50ml whole milk
- 220g (7.7 oz or 1¾ cups) self-raising flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Lemon Drizzle:
- 60g (¼ cup) caster sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lemon Glaze:
- 50g icing sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (add more or less depending on consistency)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your delectable lemon drizzle loaf cake:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs and fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture gradually, mixing well to combine.

Step 4: Stir in the milk until incorporated.
Step 5: Sift together the self-raising flour, salt, and baking soda in another bowl.
Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 9: While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing caster sugar and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.

Step 10: Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes in the top while it’s still warm and pour the lemon drizzle evenly over it.
Step 11: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 12: For the lemon glaze, whisk together icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this lemon drizzle loaf cake can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

2. How can I store leftover cake?

Keep the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

3. Can I freeze this lemon drizzle loaf cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

4. Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil, but it may alter the texture slightly. Use about 3/4 cup of oil instead of 1 cup of butter.

5. Can I add other flavors to the cake?

Yes! You can experiment by adding poppy seeds, almond extract, or other citrus zest for variations.

Conclusion

This lemon drizzle loaf cake is a delightful recipe that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just treating yourself, this cake’s vibrant flavor and delightful texture make it a go-to dessert. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this lemon drizzle loaf cake is a must-try!