Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a moist, zesty, and perfectly balanced cake that brings together the refreshing brightness of lemon with the comforting sweetness of a traditional sponge. Known for its simplicity yet elegant flavor profile, this cake is beloved by many.

The combination of tangy lemon zest in the batter and a sweet, slightly tart drizzle over the top creates an irresistible treat. The cake itself is light, soft, and a delightful contrast to the crisp, sugary lemon glaze that is drizzled over it once baked. Delia Smith, a renowned British cook, is known for her easy-to-follow and reliable recipes, and her Lemon Drizzle Cake has become a staple in home baking.

Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake, you’ll need a selection of basic ingredients that can be found in most kitchens:

1. Butter (unsalted) – 225g: This provides the rich, smooth texture to the cake batter.
2. Caster Sugar – 225g: For sweetness and a fine texture that makes the cake light and fluffy.
3. Large Eggs – 4: Eggs are crucial in binding the ingredients together and providing moisture.
4. Self-Raising Flour – 225g: This ensures the cake rises and stays light and airy.
5. Lemon Zest – Zest of 2 lemons: For that fresh, zesty kick that defines the cake’s flavor.
6. Lemon Juice – 1 lemon: Fresh lemon juice for the glaze, giving it a sharp, tangy taste.
7. Baking Powder – 1 tsp: An additional leavening agent to help the cake rise.
8. Pinch of Salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
9. Granulated Sugar – 100g (for the drizzle): For a glossy, sweet finish on top of the cake.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment to successfully make Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake:

1. Mixing Bowls – For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk – To beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy, and to ensure a smooth batter.
3. Measuring Spoons and Scales – For precise measurements of ingredients.
4. Cake Tin – A 2 lb loaf tin is ideal for this recipe. Make sure it’s lined with parchment paper or greased and floured.
5. Grater – To zest the lemons.
6. Sieve – To sift the flour and baking powder together for a light and airy texture.
7. Cooling Rack – For cooling the cake after baking.
8. Pastry Brush – To apply the lemon drizzle glaze.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake will bake evenly as soon as it’s ready.
2. Prepare the tin: Line your 2 lb loaf tin with baking parchment or grease and flour it lightly, ensuring that the cake can come out easily after baking.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Continue until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs: Beat the eggs into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a small spoonful of flour to help bring it together.
5. Sift the dry ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure that everything is well combined, but do not overmix.
6. Add lemon zest: Stir in the lemon zest, which will infuse the batter with a fragrant citrus note.
7. Transfer to the tin: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and level it out with the back of a spoon.
8. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Check the cake’s readiness by inserting a skewer or knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
9. Make the lemon drizzle: While the cake is baking, combine the granulated sugar with the lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then set aside to cool slightly.
10. Drizzle the glaze: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, pour the warm lemon drizzle over the top. The cake should still be hot so that the syrup soaks into it, creating that signature lemony glaze.
11. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the cake batter come together smoothly and evenly.
2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and baking powder, fold it gently into the wet mixture to avoid deflating the air you’ve worked to create in the batter. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
3. Lemon Juice Balance: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest or juice to the batter. However, be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the cake’s texture.
4. Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so make sure to check the cake with a skewer around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking it. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil.
5. Extra Drizzle: For a more pronounced glaze, you can double the lemon syrup and drizzle it over the cake once it has cooled. This creates a thicker, more glossy finish.
6. Storage: Delia’s Lemon Drizzle Cake keeps well for a few days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a timeless classic, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with her easy-to-follow method makes it a must-try for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a teatime treat, or just to enjoy a slice with a cup of tea, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can master the art of making this zesty cake and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is already a classic for its moist texture, refreshing citrusy zing, and irresistibly sweet topping. But sometimes, we all crave something just a little different-an exciting twist on a familiar favorite. Here are a few creative ways you can elevate Delia’s timeless recipe to add some personal flair:

1. Blueberry & Lemon Drizzle Cake: Combine the tartness of lemon with the juicy sweetness of fresh blueberries. Simply fold a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking. The blueberries not only add a burst of flavor but also introduce a fun pop of color throughout the cake.
2. Almond & Lemon Drizzle Cake: Add a nutty depth to your cake by incorporating ground almonds into the batter. This change adds a rich, slightly marzipan-like flavor, and the texture of the cake will be even more moist. Top with slivered almonds before baking for a crunchy finish.
3. Lemon & Lavender Drizzle Cake: If you’re looking for a more floral note, lavender can elevate your lemon drizzle cake to new heights. Add a tablespoon of dried culinary lavender into the cake batter for a delicate, fragrant aroma. You can also infuse the drizzle with lavender by adding a teaspoon of lavender extract.
4. Zesty Ginger & Lemon Drizzle Cake: For a warming, spicy twist, incorporate a tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger into the cake batter. The zest of the ginger complements the sharp lemon flavor beautifully, creating a refreshing yet cozy vibe. If you like extra zing, add crystallized ginger to the drizzle for a sweet and spicy bite.
5. Lemon & Coconut Drizzle Cake: If you’re a fan of coconut, this is a match made in heaven. Stir in some desiccated coconut into the batter to create a soft, textured crumb with tropical flavor. For an extra coconut hit, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake before baking, and drizzle with a coconut-flavored glaze for a rich, indulgent finish.

These twists on Delia Smith’s classic recipe make it possible to play with flavor profiles and textures, allowing you to tailor the cake to suit your taste or the occasion.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

No matter how delicious a lemon drizzle cake is, you’ll likely have a few slices left to enjoy later. Properly storing leftovers ensures that your cake stays fresh and moist for as long as possible, without drying out or losing its flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the leftover cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. A cake dome or a large glass jar can also work if they seal tightly.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to a week), you can refrigerate your lemon drizzle cake. Wrap it in cling film or place it in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing any unwanted odors in the fridge. Be mindful, though, that refrigeration can alter the texture, making the cake a bit denser.
3. Freezing: If you want to keep your leftover cake for longer, freezing is the best option. To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag or airtight container to protect them from freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours, and it should taste as fresh as the day you baked it.
4. Drizzle Care: If you have leftover drizzle, store it separately in a small airtight container in the fridge. You can drizzle it on the cake once it’s been reheated or serve it alongside each slice.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your lemon drizzle cake remains a delightful treat even after a few days!

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

While Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is wonderful on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can enhance the experience and elevate the flavors. Here are some ideas on what to serve with this zesty cake:

1. Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: The rich, velvety texture of whipped cream or clotted cream complements the light and tangy lemon drizzle cake perfectly. The cream adds a luxurious touch, and the slight sweetness balances out the tartness of the lemon.
2. Fresh Berries: Lemon pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, so serving the cake with a bowl of fresh berries-like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries-adds a refreshing, sweet-tart contrast. You could even make a simple berry compote by heating up some berries with a touch of sugar.
3. Lemon Sorbet: If you’re craving more citrus goodness, lemon sorbet is the perfect choice. Its clean, refreshing taste harmonizes beautifully with the cake’s lemony zing, and the cold sorbet offers a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake.
4. Iced Tea or Lemonade: A tall glass of iced tea or freshly squeezed lemonade is a fantastic beverage pairing with lemon drizzle cake. The cool, crisp flavors of these drinks highlight the citrus notes in the cake, making for a quintessential summer treat.
5. A Dollop of Greek Yogurt: For a slightly healthier option, serve your lemon drizzle cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Its tanginess plays off the lemon’s brightness and adds a creamy element that complements the cake’s sweetness.
6. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream offers a luscious contrast to the cake’s zesty flavor. The rich, creamy ice cream enhances the overall experience, making each bite even more indulgent.

These pairings create a sensory experience that turns Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake into a showstopper for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a dessert for a dinner party.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a beloved classic, known for its moist crumb and zesty citrus flavor. By adding some creative twists, like blueberries, lavender, or coconut, you can give it a new personality while keeping its refreshing charm intact.

Storing leftovers correctly ensures the cake stays fresh, and when served with the right accompaniments-whether it’s whipped cream, fresh berries, or a refreshing beverage-your lemon drizzle cake experience becomes even more delightful. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake offers endless possibilities for customization and enjoyment!.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Delia Smith’s lemon drizzle cake requires simple ingredients: self-raising flour, caster sugar, butter, eggs, and fresh lemons. Additionally, a pinch of salt and a small amount of milk are needed to achieve the perfect texture. The recipe is quite straightforward, allowing the fresh lemon flavor to really shine through in both the cake and the drizzle.

How Do You Make The Lemon Drizzle For Delia Smith’s Cake?

To make the lemon drizzle, you mix fresh lemon juice with caster sugar until the sugar has dissolved. This mixture is poured over the warm cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. The warmth of the cake helps the drizzle soak in, creating a deliciously tangy and sweet topping that enhances the flavor of the cake.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In Delia Smith’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe?

While it’s always best to follow Delia Smith’s original recipe for the best results, you can make some substitutions. For example, if you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with plain flour and add a teaspoon of baking powder per 150g of flour.

You can also use a dairy-free butter alternative and milk if you’re making it dairy-free. Just be mindful that substitutions may slightly affect the texture or taste, but the cake should still turn out wonderfully.