Welcome to our guide on making the perfect Classic Lemon Cake from the UK. This cake is a favourite for many, with its moist texture and flavourful zest. It’s easy enough for beginners but delicious for all who try it.
Our recipe borrows the best zingy bits from British baking traditions. It results in a cake so moist it competes with Mary Berry’s own. With just 3 unwaxed lemons, you can create something wonderful. And if you need to make a swap, it’s simple.
This lemon cake is perfect with tea or by itself. It’s no wonder it’s England’s top cake choice.
Introduction to Our Classic Lemon Cake Recipe
Our classic lemon cake recipe UK is made to excite your senses. It brings together a softness and a zest that might seem too good to be true. Yet, we’re here to show that making this dream cake is possible for everyone.
Getting the mix of ingredients just right is key to creating an unforgettable lemon cake. This recipe is a tribute to British baking traditions, aimed at getting that moist, tangy taste. It’s more than a dessert, it’s a celebration of British teatime tradition.
At the heart of this recipe are basics like butter, sugar, self-raising flour, and eggs. While these are essential, it’s the fresh lemon zest and juice that bring the magic. They turn a good recipe into something truly special.
This lemon loaf cake UK is not just about great taste and smell. It also focuses on a perfect texture. Every bite gives you a zing and a softness that will make you want more.
We’re going to walk you through each step carefully. You’ll learn everything, from picking ingredients to the baking process and making the lemon drizzle. We want you to bake a lemon cake that could beat any bakery’s.
Keep following us for detailed instructions, including helpful tips. We aim to make baking fun and fulfilling. With our guide, even beginners will find baking simple and rewarding.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The foundation of a delicious lemon drizzle cake topping starts with the right ingredients. For a two-layer 20cm cake serving 12, we need:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (195 g) of granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (128 g) of self-raising flour
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (5 g) of lemon zest
Fresh unwaxed lemon cake recipe UK are key for the best zest. This zest makes our lemon drizzle topping stand out. Unwaxed lemons bring an unbeatable taste. Also, self-raising flour helps our cake rise properly. It makes the cake light and fluffy.
This lemon cake recipe can fit different tin shapes and sizes. But, changing the tin shape can influence how well the cake rises. We suggest using sandwich tins for a two-tier cake. A taller cake might not work as well because of the cake’s softness.
If you can’t eat certain ingredients, don’t worry. You can use chia or flax seeds instead of eggs. Mashed bananas work too, adding extra sweetness. Also, make sure to use high-fat butter or margarine. This guarantees a moist lemon drizzle cake recipe UK and fluffy cake.
Here’s a quick look at some ingredients and their alternatives:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 large | Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Mashed bananas |
| Granulated White Sugar | 1 cup (195 g) | Stevia, Honey, Coconut sugar |
| Self-Raising Flour | 1 cup (128 g) | All-purpose flour (add baking powder) |
| Lemon Juice | 1/4 cup (59 ml) | Lemon extract, Lime juice |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tbsp (5 g) | Orange zest, Lime zest |
Try making how to store lemon drizzle cake for something fun. You can fill them with lemon curd for a surprise flavour. Lemon buttercream is a perfect match, using either fresh or extract-based ingredients. Each mouthful will be a zesty delight.
With 1901 shares on our Classic lemon cake recipe UK article, it’s clear this recipe is a hit. Its detailed ingredient choices and flexibility for substitutions have made it popular. It’s a baking project worth trying.
Preparing the Batter
To make the perfect lemon loaf, it’s vital to master the batter. The creaming method plays a key role. It’s about mixing butter and sugar until it’s fluffy. This adds air and makes the cake tender.
- Start with softened butter and caster sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them until it looks pale. This step is crucial for a top-notch lemon loaf cake in the UK.
- Then, mix in the eggs one by one, beating well every time. This keeps the batter light but stable.
- Zest two large lemons carefully to avoid the bitter pith. Squeeze their juice into your mix, too.
For the best batter consistency, consider a few more things:
- Sift the self-raising flour to get rid of lumps. This makes the batter even fluffier.
- Add flour and milk to the butter mix alternately, starting and ending with flour. It helps avoid over-mixing.
- Include yogurt or lemon juice if your recipe calls for it. Responding to feedback, we now suggest using four eggs and more butter instead of oil. This improves the cake’s structure and prevents it from collapsing.
Once all ingredients are mixed, your batter should look smooth and consistent. Mixing too much can make the cake heavy. Mix until you can’t see the flour anymore.
Follow the creaming method well and keep an eye on the batter’s texture. Your lemon loaf will bake beautifully. The mix of lemon zest and juice gives a deliciously sharp taste. It brings out the classic flavor of lemon cake in the UK.
Lemon Cake Recipe UK: How to Bake Your Lemon Cake
To bake a delicious lemon drizzle cake in the UK, start by correctly setting your oven. Heat it up to 180ºc/160º fan/Gas 4/350ºF. This step is crucial for avoiding uneven baking and the soggy middle everyone dreads. Cooking times may change based on your cake tin size. Generally, a standard 8″ round tin takes about 25 minutes to bake.
Getting to know your oven’s unique features is key. To make sure your lemon cake recipe UK rises evenly, try rotating it halfway through. Line your tin with parchment paper to stop the cake from sticking. Once your batter is ready, put the cake in the oven. But remember, opening the door too often might make it sink.
To check if your cake is perfectly baked, use a skewer. Stick it in the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If you over-bake it, you might end up with a cake that’s too dry. So, always aim to check your cake a bit before the expected finish time. Baking is an art that requires the right settings, timing, and knowing your oven well.
| Oven Setting | Bake Time | Testing for Doneness | Special Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180ºc/160º fan/Gas 4/350ºF | Approx. 25 mins | Insert skewer in centre; should come out clean | Rotate cake halfway through baking |
| Pre-heater | Varies with oven | Lightly touch the top; should spring back | Do not open oven often |
| Conventional ovens | Could need additional 5-10 mins | Looks golden brown | Keep an eye to avoid over-baking |
Keep in mind that baking times can differ with different ovens. For example, using a conventional oven may add 5-10 minutes. Your cake should be golden brown when it’s ready. But, it’s always best to test with a skewer just to be sure. With these tips, you’ll bake the perfect lemon drizzle cake every time.
The Lemon Drizzle Topping
Making the perfect lemon cake recipe UK drizzle topping is vital for an awesome lemon cake. Our lemon drizzle topping recipe UK provides a moist, tasty finish. It’s all about the right mix of sweet and tart, plus the perfect thickness. You can whip up the lemon drizzle in about 5 minutes, so it’s quick and easy.
- Combine 60g of caster sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Stir until the sugar completely dissolves to form a smooth syrup.
- While your lemon cake is still warm (but not hot), poke small holes across the surface using a skewer or fork.
- Slowly pour the drizzle over the cake, allowing the syrup to seep through the holes, ensuring even distribution.
Here’s a quick table showing what you need for this lemon drizzle topping recipe UK:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caster sugar | 60g |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Preparation time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 5 minutes |
By using this how to drizzle a cake guide, your lemon cake recipe UK will become moist inside with a shiny top. The trick is to drizzle over a warm cake for deep flavour. For a change, you can use orange or lime juice instead of lemon.
Decorating Your Lemon Cake
Once your lemon cake is ready lemon cake recipe UK and has a tangy drizzle on top, it’s decoration time. A great idea is to use a lemon buttercream. It’s made of 200g unsalted butter and 400g icing sugar. This mix creates a creamy layer that tastes amazing with the cake’s lemon flavour.
For a stunning look and to add more lemon taste, use a zest-filled garnish. With a piping bag and a tip you like, apply lemon buttercream around the edges. It makes the cake look professional and adds extra flavour to every bite.
Garnishing with lemon zest brings elegance and a fresh scent. Finely grate a lemon’s zest, but avoid the white pith underneath. This gives a bright and fragrant touch, enhancing the cake’s main flavours. Sprinkle the zest over the cake or make small curls for decoration.
Adding lemon curd between layers or on top brings more flavour and moistness. Just 2-3 tablespoons of lemon curd can make a big difference. Try edging the cake’s base with a thin ribbon of lemon curd for beauty and taste.
Sometimes, simplicity wins. A minimal design can be as eye-catching as a complex one. Just a sprinkle of icing sugar or a few lemon slices can give a classic, elegant look.
To wrap up, whether you love fancy decorations or simple ones, these ideas with a lemon zest garnish will make your lemon cake a hit at any event.
How to Store Lemon Drizzle Cake
Proper storage keeps your lemon drizzle cake moist and zesty. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps lemon cake recipe UK the cake fresh for 4-5 days. Remember, don’t refrigerate it as that hardens the sponge.
For leftover cake, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the lemon drizzle cake for up to a month. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it in cling film and aluminium foil or use a freezer bag. This prevents frost and freezer burns. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it at room temperature to keep its moisture and flavour.
We often get asked about how to keep this cake moist for days. The secret lemon cake recipe UK lies in proper storage. By using an airtight container and avoiding the fridge, your lemon drizzle cake will stay fresh. This way, your cake remains a hit whether for a special event or a simple treat. Enjoy every bite as if it were the first.