Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake, a truly delightful treat for those who adore the refreshing taste of lemon. Inspired by a famous TV chef, this cake beautifully balances a moist, tender crumb with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion, it promises a joyful burst of citrus in every bite. Though it may seem intricate, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make. Patience is key as you allow the cakes to cool and absorb the luscious lemon syrup, ensuring an irresistible taste that’s simply unforgettable.
12
Servings
413
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 lb (room temperature)
granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups (divided)
eggs
4 large (room temperature)
lemon zest
1/3 cup (grated)
flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
3/4 cup (divided)
buttermilk
3/4 cup (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (sifted)
lemon juice
3 1/2 tablespoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare two 8 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans by greasing and flouring them. For extra assurance, line the bottoms with parchment paper.
3
In the bowl of an electric mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream the butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 5 minutes.
4
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Stir in the grated lemon zest.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
6
In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
7
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
8
Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
While the cakes are baking, prepare the lemon syrup by heating 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
11
Upon removing the cakes from the oven, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
12
Carefully invert the cakes onto a wire rack set over a jelly pan, spooning the lemon syrup liberally over the base (now facing up) of the cakes.
13
Allow the cakes to cool completely as they absorb the syrup.
14
For the glaze, combine the sifted confectioners' sugar with 3 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a bowl, whisking until smooth and pourable.
15
Drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cooled cakes, letting it elegantly cascade down the sides.
16
For a decorative finish, garnish each cake with a slice of lemon and a few sprigs of Italian parsley or mint leaves.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
56g
Carbs
4g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
193mg
Sodium
86mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake?
It is a refreshing citrus-flavored cake with a moist, tender crumb and a tangy lemon glaze, inspired by a famous TV chef.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 413 calories.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pans are needed for this cake?
You will need two 8 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
Grease and flour the pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra assurance.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar at medium speed for roughly 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
What temperature should the butter and eggs be?
The butter and eggs should be at room temperature for optimal mixing.
How much lemon zest is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of grated lemon zest.
What dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together 3 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
What components make up the buttermilk mixture?
The mixture consists of 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How should I combine the flour and buttermilk mixtures into the batter?
Gradually incorporate them into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined.
How long does the Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake bake?
Bake the cakes for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
What are the ingredients for the lemon syrup?
The syrup is made with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice.
How do I prepare the lemon syrup?
Heat the sugar and juice in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
When should I apply the lemon syrup to the cakes?
Apply the syrup after the cakes have cooled in the pans for 10 minutes and have been inverted onto a wire rack.
On which part of the cake do I spoon the syrup?
Spoon the lemon syrup liberally over the base of the cakes while they are facing up on the wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the lemon glaze?
The glaze requires 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar and 3 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
When should the glaze be drizzled over the cake?
The glaze should be drizzled over the tops only after the cakes have cooled completely.
What are some recommended garnishes for this cake?
Garnish each cake with a slice of lemon and a few sprigs of Italian parsley or mint leaves.
How much total fat is in one serving?
There are 19 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 56 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this cake provide?
The cake provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in the Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake?
Yes, there is approximately 0.8 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sodium is in each slice?
There is 193 milligrams of sodium per serving.
What is the cholesterol content per serving?
There is 86 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 13 distinct ingredients including various portions of lemon juice and sugar.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
The recipe specifically calls for buttermilk to achieve its moist texture, but common substitutes include milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include lemon cake, dessert, citrus, baking, sweet treat, glazed cake, comfort food, and homemade.