Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a wonderfully moist and tangy treat that has become a classic favorite in many homes. This cake is known for its light texture, simple preparation, and refreshingly zesty flavor.

The cake itself is soft, buttery, and aromatic, with the bright burst of lemon coming through in every bite. What sets Nigella’s version apart is the addition of a delicious lemon syrup drizzle that seeps into the cake, infusing it with even more citrusy goodness. This cake is often praised for being easy to make, using ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens, yet it yields impressive results that are perfect for any occasion-from afternoon tea to celebratory gatherings.

The distinct lemony flavor combined with the cake’s tender crumb creates a delightful contrast with the crunchy, sugary drizzle on top. It’s a cake that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, making it an irresistible treat for lemon lovers.

Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• For The Cake

  • 200 grams (7 oz) of caster sugar
  • 200 grams (7 oz) of unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200 grams (7 oz) of plain flour (all-purpose flour)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 4 tablespoons of milk

• For The Drizzle Syrup

  • 85 grams (3 oz) of caster sugar
  • The juice of 2 lemons

These ingredients are easy to find, and you’ll likely already have most of them on hand. The fresh zest and juice from the lemons are key components that bring out the signature citrus flavor in this cake.

Equipment Needed

The equipment you will need to prepare Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake includes:

• A 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin – You’ll need a tin that’s either non-stick or lined with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – While you can mix everything by hand, an electric mixer will save time and give the cake a smoother texture.
• Spoon or spatula – For mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl.
• A zester or grater – To extract the fresh zest from the lemons.
• A juicer – To easily extract the juice from the lemons for the drizzle syrup.
• A small saucepan – To prepare the drizzle syrup.
• Cooling rack – For letting the cake cool after baking.

With these basic tools, you’ll be ready to bake this beautiful cake!

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens. Grease and line your 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and caster sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to look a little curdled, add a spoonful of the flour to help bring it together.
4. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the plain flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula, then add the lemon zest. Pour in the milk and mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Prepare the lemon drizzle: While the cake is baking, make the lemon syrup. Combine the lemon juice and caster sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.
7. Drizzle the syrup: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or fork. Gradually pour the lemon syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
8. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely in the tin before transferring it to a serving plate. You can serve the cake as is, or dust it with a little extra powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, ensuring a better texture for your cake.
• Lemon zest: Be careful when zesting your lemons to avoid getting the bitter white pith. Only use the yellow outer part of the lemon for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Syrup consistency: If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of lemon juice in the drizzle syrup. If you want a sweeter drizzle, you can adjust the sugar to your taste.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you’ve added the flour, fold the ingredients together gently. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Storage: This cake keeps well for a few days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to keep it for longer.

Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a timeless recipe that’s simple yet absolutely delicious. It brings together the perfect combination of a moist, tender cake and a tangy, sweet lemon syrup that everyone will love.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a quiet afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress. By following these easy steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a lemon cake that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The result is a light, aromatic dessert that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!.

Simple Twists On Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a classic, offering a refreshing, zesty flavor with a moist crumb. While the original recipe is delightful on its own, it’s always fun to play with the ingredients and add your personal twist. Here are some simple variations to make this iconic cake your own:

1. Add A Berry Twist

Fresh or frozen berries can add a delicious contrast to the tart lemon flavor. Blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries can be folded into the batter before baking.

This adds not only a pop of color but also an extra burst of freshness. You could even add a handful of berries to the drizzle for an enhanced flavor experience!.

2. Infuse With Herbs

A subtle herby note can elevate the flavor profile of your cake. Try adding a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the batter.

These herbs complement the citrusy tang of lemon beautifully, creating a sophisticated flavor. If you prefer a stronger infusion, you can steep the herbs in the lemon juice before using it for the drizzle.

3. Use Ground Almonds For Moisture

Replace a portion of the flour with ground almonds or almond meal. This not only gives your cake a slight nutty flavor but also helps to keep it extra moist.

Ground almonds create a rich, dense texture that contrasts nicely with the light, airy lemon cake. It’s a great way to add a little more depth to the recipe without altering its essence too much.

4. Make A Lemon And Lime Drizzle

Instead of sticking solely with lemons, why not combine both lemon and lime for the drizzle?

The tartness of lime mixed with lemon’s citrusy sharpness creates a delightful burst of flavor. This combination not only adds complexity but also gives your cake a slightly different tang that’s bound to impress your guests.

5. Incorporate Coconut

For a tropical twist, consider adding some shredded coconut to the cake batter. The coconut’s subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon, and it adds a bit of texture to the crumb. If you want a more pronounced coconut flavor, a little coconut milk or coconut extract in the batter can be a game changer.

6. Chocolate Drizzle For A Sweet Indulgence

For those who love a bit of chocolate with their citrus, try drizzling a small amount of melted dark chocolate on top of the lemon drizzle cake. The bittersweet notes of the chocolate blend beautifully with the tangy, sweet lemon drizzle, creating an indulgent treat that feels a little more luxurious.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Nigella’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is so delightful that it may not last long, but if you do find yourself with leftovers, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

1. Room Temperature Storage

If you plan on finishing the cake within a couple of days, it can be stored at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container, or cover it loosely with plastic wrap.

The cake will stay moist and fresh for up to two days this way. Be sure the cake has cooled completely before sealing it, as trapped moisture could make the cake soggy.

2. Refrigerator Storage

If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can store the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Again, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out. When ready to eat, you can either enjoy it cold or allow it to come back to room temperature for the best texture.

3. Freezing For Future Enjoyment

If you’ve baked a larger batch or simply want to keep some slices for later, freezing the cake is a great option. Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.

Then, place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

4. The Drizzle: A Note On Storage

If you’ve already drizzled the cake, it’s best to store it in a way that preserves the crispness of the sugar glaze. If you plan to keep it in the fridge or freezer, it might become sticky. If possible, drizzle the cake only just before serving to maintain that delightful texture.

What To Eat With Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Nigella’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, but pairing it with complementary flavors can elevate the experience. Here are a few delicious pairing ideas:

1. Whipped Cream Or Clotted Cream

The rich, velvety texture of freshly whipped cream or clotted cream pairs wonderfully with the zesty, moist lemon cake. The sweetness of the cream balances the tartness of the lemon, creating a harmonious contrast. For a little extra indulgence, you could add a dash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.

2. Fresh Fruit

Complement the bright citrus notes with a side of fresh fruit. Berries (like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries) or sliced stone fruits (like peaches or nectarines) work wonderfully. These fruits add a refreshing contrast that enhances the cake’s vibrant flavor, offering a touch of sweetness and color.

3. Tea Or Coffee

A good cup of tea or coffee is a perfect beverage to enjoy alongside your lemon drizzle cake. Earl Grey tea, with its light citrus notes, pairs particularly well, while a strong cup of black coffee enhances the cake’s sweetness. For a caffeine-free option, a delicate herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint will also work beautifully.

4. Lemon Sorbet Or Ice Cream

For a more decadent dessert, serve your cake with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a refreshing scoop of lemon ice cream. The sorbet’s tartness and the ice cream’s creamy texture beautifully complement the zing of the lemon drizzle, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

5. Mascarpone Or Ricotta

A small dollop of mascarpone cheese or ricotta adds a creamy richness to the cake. These cheeses have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the lemon, but instead, enhance the overall texture and add a smooth, slightly tangy element that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

Conclusion

Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a timeless classic that can easily be personalized with a variety of twists, making it a versatile option for any occasion. From berry and herb infusions to tropical coconut variations, there are plenty of ways to experiment with flavors while keeping the cake’s essence intact.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, pairing it with fresh fruit, or storing the leftovers for later indulgence, this cake continues to delight with its perfect balance of sweet and tart. Its simple beauty and versatility make it a favorite in many households, and with a few tweaks, it can become your signature dessert as well.

FAQs

What Makes Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Unique?

Nigella Lawson’s lemon drizzle cake is unique because of its perfectly balanced flavor and moist texture. The cake is infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, which gives it a bright and zesty flavor.

Additionally, the cake is topped with a tangy lemon syrup that soaks into the sponge, creating a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert. Nigella’s recipe is easy to follow, requiring simple ingredients, making it both accessible and delicious for home bakers.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can make substitutions in Nigella Lawson’s lemon drizzle cake recipe, though it may alter the taste and texture. For example, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil if you need a dairy-free version.

You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you are following a gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to note that these substitutions might affect the final consistency of the cake, so adjustments in baking time or technique may be necessary.

How Can I Store Nigella Lawson’s Lemon Drizzle Cake To Keep It Fresh?

To keep Nigella Lawson’s lemon drizzle cake fresh, it is best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it, although this may slightly alter the cake’s texture.

For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake, ensuring it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature.