How to Perfectly Bake a Delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake is a popular dessert that combines the zesty tang of lemons with the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a light and refreshing treat. If you're looking for an easy yet impressive recipe to impress your guests, then this lemon drizzle cake is perfect for you! This article will guide you through all the steps necessary to bake a delightful lemon drizzle cake that guarantees everyone's approval.

Ingredients

• 200g self-raising flour (ensure it contains baking powder)
• 150g caster sugar
• Zest of 3 lemons, finely grated
• 75ml fresh lemon juice
• 75ml full-fat milk
• 2 large eggs
• A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)
• Sugar for sprinkling on top

Equipment Needed:

• A 9-inch round cake tin lined with parchment paper
• A wooden spoon or an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment
• An oven preheated to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4
• Sugar and lemon juice for drizzling once the cake is baked

Steps:

Begin by preparing your baking equipment. Preheat your oven according to the required temperature, ensuring that you have everything ready before starting.

In a large mixing bowl or directly using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine half of the caster sugar and 100g of self-raising flour (which includes baking powder). Gradually whisk in the eggs until you achieve a smooth batter. Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients into your batter: the grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, milk, vanilla extract (if using), and the rest of the caster sugar.

Once all these ingredients are well mixed together, pour the cake batter into the prepared tin. Gently tap on a surface to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing.

Cooking Time

The total cooking time for this lemon drizzle cake is approximately 35-40 minutes at an oven temperature of 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Keep the cake in the middle rack while baking and check its readiness after 30 minutes by inserting a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Serving

Once your delicious lemon drizzle cake has cooled down for about ten minutes, invert it onto a wire cooling rack. Sprinkle sugar on top and allow it to set before slicing. You can then proceed to serve the cake either warm or at room temperature; both ways taste great! The cake keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Drizzling

To enhance your lemon drizzle cake, consider drizzling it with additional fresh lemon juice and sprinkling more sugar on top. This simple yet effective decoration not only adds a visually appealing look but also enhances the taste, making every bite even more delightful.

Tips for Better Results:

1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix; this helps achieve better results when blending and creates an even texture in your final product.
2. Bake only one cake at a time unless you have a large oven with extra space, as multiple cakes might interfere with each other's cooking process leading to uneven baking.
3. For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. If using bottled or reconstituted lemon juice, ensure its quality matches fresh lemon juice closely.

Chef’s Note:

This recipe yields one 9-inch round cake, which serves approximately six people generously. Adjust the ingredients accordingly if you plan to serve a larger group of guests or have fewer friends over.

With this simple yet sophisticated recipe for lemon drizzle cake, you can impress your family and friends with a dessert that is sure to become a favorite among all who taste it. Whether served as part of a meal or enjoyed on its own as a mid-afternoon snack, this lemon drizzle cake promises to be delightful every time.