Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

CB

Created By

BIG SEE

Published

May 04, 2026

Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

"An incredibly easy and delicious lemon drizzle cake inspired by Mary Berry's classic recipe. It requires no complex techniques—just mix everything in one bowl and bake!"

Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Servings
10 people
Calories
426 kcal

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 426 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbs: 56g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g

🛒 Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 lemons (zested)
  • 2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Lemon Drizzle Topping

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Infuse the Sugar

⏱️ time: 60 mins mins

Add the white sugar to a mixing bowl and grate the lemon zest directly into it. Mix well and let it sit for 1 hour if possible to fully release and infuse the lemon flavor. You can skip this step if you are short on time.

💡 Chef's Tip: Rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar with your fingertips helps release the essential oils for a much more intense citrus flavor.

Step 2: Prep Oven and Pan

⏱️ time: 5 mins mins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

⏱️ time: 5 mins mins

Whisk together the self-rising flour, baking powder, and fine salt in a small bowl, then add it to the lemon-infused sugar. Add the room-temperature unsalted butter, eggs, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until the batter is completely smooth and fluffy. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

💡 Chef's Tip: Make sure your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

⏱️ time: 50 mins mins

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Drizzle

⏱️ time: 5 mins mins

While the cake is baking or cooling, whisk together the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 6: Apply Drizzle and Cool

⏱️ time: 5 mins mins

Poke holes all over the warm cake using a skewer or toothpick, then pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the top. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature in the pan before removing and slicing.

💡 Chef's Tip: Poking deeper, closely spaced holes ensures the sweet-tart lemon syrup penetrates all the way to the bottom of the loaf.

📝 Author Notes

This beautiful lemon drizzle cake is my take on Mary Berry's classic recipe. It is not only one of the most delicious cakes you will ever enjoy, but also one of the easiest. There is no sifting, separating, or creaming required. We just put everything in one bowl, mix, and bake. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool! Serve it with fresh, seasonal fruits like sweet berries or ripe, juicy stone fruits.

🥡 Storage Tips

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor and texture actually improve after being thoroughly chilled.

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