Lemon Drizzle Cake – Soft, Moist & Zesty

If you’re craving a classic, citrusy treat, this Lemon Drizzle Cake is soft, moist, and packed with bright lemon flavor. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, it’s perfect for tea time, brunch, or as a sweet pick-me-up any time of day.

This cake is similar in lightness and zest to traditional British Victoria Sponge Cake, but with a refreshing lemony twist that makes it irresistible.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

Soft and fluffy crumb
Moist and tender
Sweet and tangy lemon glaze
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for gifting or tea time

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake:

225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
225g (1 cup) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
225g (1¾ cups) self-raising flour
2 tablespoons milk
Zest of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Drizzle:

Juice of 2 lemons
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

Optional:

Icing sugar for light dusting
Lemon slices for decoration

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Fold in Flour

Gently fold in self-raising flour with a spatula.
Add milk to loosen the batter slightly, if needed.

Do not overmix — keep it light and airy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is baking, mix lemon juice and sugar in a small bowl until sugar is partially dissolved.

Step 7: Drizzle Over Cake

While cake is still slightly warm, prick the top with a skewer.
Pour lemon drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let cake cool completely before slicing.
Dust with icing sugar or garnish with lemon slices if desired.

🍰 Texture & Flavor

Soft and tender crumb
Moist, thanks to the drizzle soaking in
Sweet yet tangy from lemon
Light and fragrant — perfect with tea

💡 Tips for Perfect Lemon Drizzle Cake

Use fresh lemons for best flavor.
Prick the cake while warm so the drizzle penetrates evenly.
Don’t overbake — moist cakes are best slightly underdone.
Optional: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for extra tenderness.

🥂 Serving Ideas

Afternoon tea with a cup of hot tea or coffee
Breakfast treat with yogurt
Dessert with a dollop of whipped cream
Gift for friends or family

🔄 Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days
Refrigerate up to 1 week (wrap tightly)
Freeze slices up to 2 months

This Lemon Drizzle Cake is the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and tangy — a timeless classic that never fails to impress.

lemon drizzle cake