Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe That Brightens Every Bite

Baking a delectable lemon drizzle cake brings pure sunshine to your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance through every tender crumb.

Soft, moist layers promise a delightful treat that sparks joy.

Whispers of bright flavor weave magic into each slice.

Light and refreshing, this classic dessert connects generations of home bakers.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this cake comes together.

Slice into pure happiness and let the lemony magic begin!

Why Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake Stands Out

  • Capture Zesty Freshness: Bursting with bright lemon flavor, this cake delivers a tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds and brings sunshine to any table.
  • Master with Minimal Skill: Beginners can confidently create this recipe with simple mixing techniques and straightforward instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Versatile enough for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert spreads, this cake impresses guests without requiring complex baking techniques.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Using basic pantry ingredients and requiring minimal equipment, this recipe allows bakers to create a stunning dessert without complicated steps or expensive tools.

What You’ll Need For Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender crumb.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the cake's soft texture and tangy flavor.
Citrus Flavoring:
  • Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty citrus taste.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon aroma and concentrated citrus flavor.
  • Lemon Extract: Enhances the overall lemon profile of the cake.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Create the basic structure and rise of the cake.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk: Helps to thin the batter and add moisture.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: Create a sweet and tangy drizzle that soaks into the cake.

How To Bake Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a bundt pan and generously coat the inside with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake will slide out perfectly later.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable oil
Blend until the mixture looks smooth and slightly fluffy. Now add:
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk everything until fully combined and looking bright and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour in milk gradually, alternating between dry mix and milk to create a silky, lump-free batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Spread evenly and tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 36-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 5: Cool and Release

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes removal easier. Carefully turn out onto a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 6: Create Lemon Drizzle

Whip up a tangy glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. Drizzle half the glaze on the bottom of the cake, letting it soak in. Flip the cake and pour the remaining glaze over the top, creating a glistening, zesty finish.

Top Tips For Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

  • Zest with Precision: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Prevent Sinking Syndrome: Toss flour-coated lemon zest into the dry ingredients to help distribute flavor and keep it suspended evenly throughout the cake.
  • Moisture Magic: Sour cream adds incredible tenderness and helps create a soft, velvety texture that keeps the cake from becoming dry.
  • Glaze Absorption Trick: Let the cake absorb the first layer of glaze completely before adding the second layer, allowing maximum flavor penetration and a glossy finish.
  • Room Temperature Boost: Ensure eggs and dairy are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and more consistent baking result.

Different Styles Of Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly cake that maintains moisture and rich flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and replace milk with almond milk for a plant-based treat.
  • Citrus Remix: Substitute lemon with orange or lime zest and juice to create a different flavor profile while keeping the drizzle technique.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and reduce glaze sweetness for a diabetic-friendly dessert that still tastes indulgent.

Pair Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake With These

  • Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the cake's bright lemon flavors and enhance its zesty profile.
  • Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey with hints of lavender to create a sophisticated and aromatic pairing that balances the cake's sweetness and citrus notes.
  • Create a Lemon Sorbet Accompaniment: Serve a small scoop of homemade lemon sorbet alongside the cake to intensify the citrus experience and provide a refreshing contrast in temperature and texture.
  • Match with Mascarpone Cream: Dollop a light, smooth mascarpone cream beside the slice to add a creamy, rich element that softens the cake's tangy edge and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.

Best Way To Store Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

  • Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Slice cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keeps perfectly frozen for 2-3 months. Label with date.
  • If consuming within 2 days, leave cake on counter covered with cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure space is cool and dry.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out lemon flavors.

Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake FAQ Guide

  • Can I use a different type of pan for this cake?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch baking pan or a standard loaf pan. Just adjust baking time and watch carefully to prevent overbaking.

  • How do I know if the cake is properly mixed?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with no dry flour patches visible when you fold the ingredients together. Mix gently to maintain the cake’s light texture.

  • Is it okay to substitute ingredients?

Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if needed. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Replace oil with melted butter, but the texture might be slightly different.

  • What if I don't have lemon extract?

You can skip the lemon extract or replace it with vanilla extract. The cake will still have a citrusy flavor from the fresh lemon juice and zest.

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Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 51-55 mins
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Zesty lemon drizzle cake promises a tangy paradise of sweet-citrus bliss. Moist crumb and bright glaze deliver pure British bakery magic, inviting you to savor each delightful slice with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream

Lemon Flavoring:

  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract

Dry Ingredients and Leavening:

  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 24 tablespoons (1 1/2 cups) lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Combine eggs, sugar, and oil in a large mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes light and uniform.
  3. Incorporate sour cream, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, blending thoroughly.
  4. Gently sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to eliminate any lumps.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Bake for 36-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
  9. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack, releasing it from the pan.
  10. Prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  11. While the cake is still warm, drizzle half the glaze over the bottom of the cake, allowing it to absorb deeply.
  12. After 5 minutes, flip the cake and continue glazing with the remaining mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Notes

  • Customize the cake’s texture by swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter crumb.
  • Enhance lemon flavor by adding a splash of limoncello or using Meyer lemons for a sweeter, more nuanced citrus profile.
  • Prevent cake from sticking by thoroughly greasing the bundt pan and dusting with flour or using a non-stick baking spray.
  • Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for celiac-friendly enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 36-40 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 305 kcal
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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