Baking Alchemy · British-inspired
Lemon Drizzle Tea Cake
A tangy and sweet delight perfect for afternoon tea
This Lemon Drizzle Tea Cake offers a delightful balance of tangy lemon and sweet sponge. Its moist texture and zingy glaze make it a favorite for tea-time gatherings or a light dessert.
A recipe by Céleste · Pastry & Baking Lead · Cookbookverse Kitchen
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
Lemon Drizzle
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Method
- 1
Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- 2
Make the cake batter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest alternately with the milk until the batter is smooth.
- 3
Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- 4
Prepare the lemon drizzle
While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
- 5
Add the drizzle
Once the cake is out of the oven, leave it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Poke holes across the top using a skewer or fork, then pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the cake. Allow it to soak in as the cake cools further.
- 6
Serve
Once cooled completely, lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Origin story
The lemon drizzle cake is a classic British teatime treat, celebrated for its simple yet vibrant flavors. It's said to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century as home baking became accessible to more households.
