Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This loaf offers a light, moist texture infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, delivering a bright citrus flavor. The batter combines softened butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and a touch of milk to keep it tender. Once baked, a tangy lemon drizzle made from icing sugar and lemon juice is poured gently over warm cake, soaking in to enhance every bite. Optional additions like poppy seeds or limoncello elevate the flavors. Perfect to enjoy with fresh berries or a dollop of cream.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:15:37 GMT
A golden lemon drizzle loaf cake with tangy glaze, served on a white plate beside fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. Save to Pinterest
A golden lemon drizzle loaf cake with tangy glaze, served on a white plate beside fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. | matrixbowl.com

Experience the bright and refreshing flavors of spring with this Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake. Light, zesty, and moist, each slice bursts with fresh lemon essence, perfectly balanced by a tangy lemon glaze. It’s an effortless bake that brings a touch of sunshine to your dessert table, ideal for any occasion or a simple afternoon treat.

A golden lemon drizzle loaf cake with tangy glaze, served on a white plate beside fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. Save to Pinterest
A golden lemon drizzle loaf cake with tangy glaze, served on a white plate beside fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. | matrixbowl.com

This British classic loaf is a delightful way to welcome the sunny seasons, filling your kitchen with the invigorating scent of lemons as it bakes. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a sweet addition to a gathering, this lemon drizzle cake is sure to impress with its gorgeous crumb and glossy finish.

Ingredients

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  • For the Cake
  • 200 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
  • 200 g self-raising flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp whole milk
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • For the Lemon Drizzle
  • 80 g icing sugar
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with baking parchment.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.
4. Sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
5. Mix in the milk and lemon juice until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing icing sugar and lemon juice to a pourable consistency.
9. Remove the baked loaf from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. While still warm, poke holes all over the top using a skewer and slowly drizzle the lemon glaze over the cake.
10. Allow to cool completely in the tin before turning out and slicing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Add a handful of poppy seeds to the batter for an extra layer of texture and subtle crunch, enhancing the lemon’s natural brightness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute half the lemon juice in the glaze with limoncello to create an adult twist, adding a delightful depth of flavor that complements the citrus notes.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the lemon drizzle loaf with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to make every bite a refreshing and elegant treat.

Save to Pinterest
| matrixbowl.com

This Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake embodies simplicity and freshness, transforming everyday ingredients into a stunning dessert staple that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Perfect your baking skills with this easy recipe and savor every zesty bite.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure the loaf stays moist?

Using softened butter and incorporating milk into the batter helps maintain a tender, moist crumb. Avoid overbaking by checking doneness with a skewer.

What is the purpose of poking holes before glazing?

Poking holes allows the lemon drizzle to seep deep into the loaf, enhancing flavor and adding moisture throughout.

Can I add texture to the loaf?

Yes, stirring in a handful of poppy seeds before baking adds a pleasant crunch and subtle nutty notes.

How can I give the drizzle an adult twist?

Replace half the lemon juice in the drizzle with limoncello for a subtle, boozy lemon flavor.

What tools are essential for making this loaf?

A loaf tin, mixing bowls, a whisk or mixer, fine grater for zesting, sieve, spatula, and a skewer for glazing are all helpful.

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Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

A moist, zesty loaf bursting with fresh lemon flavor and tangy drizzle, ideal for springtime treats.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
50 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Created by Zoey Rogers


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin British

Makes 8 Serving Size

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

For the Cake

01 7 oz unsalted butter, softened
02 7 oz caster sugar
03 3 large eggs, room temperature
04 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest from 2 lemons
05 7 oz self-raising flour
06 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 1/4 tsp salt
08 3 tbsp whole milk
09 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Lemon Drizzle

01 2.8 oz icing sugar
02 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 2 lb loaf tin with baking parchment.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Eggs and Zest: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest until fully combined.

Step 04

Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 05

Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the milk and lemon juice until the batter achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.

Step 06

Transfer to Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.

Step 07

Bake the Cake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 08

Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine icing sugar and lemon juice to achieve a pourable consistency.

Step 09

Glaze the Warm Cake: Remove the baked loaf from the oven and cool in the tin for 10 minutes. While warm, pierce the surface with a skewer and slowly drizzle the lemon glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep through.

Step 10

Cool and Unmold: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before turning out and slicing into 8 portions.

Tools Required

  • 2 lb loaf tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or wooden spoon
  • Fine grater or zester
  • Sieve
  • Spatula
  • Skewer

Allergy Details

Check ingredients for allergens; reach out to a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains wheat and gluten

Nutrition (per serving)

This info serves as a general guide and isn't medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 320
  • Fat content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams

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