Moist Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
This Moist Lemon Drizzle Cake combines a tender, fluffy crumb with a bright, tangy lemon flavor. Infused with Greek yogurt and vegetable oil for moisture, the cake is topped with a fragrant lemon syrup that soaks into the batter, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest. Ideal for teatime or a light dessert, this bundt cake is easy to prepare and bursting with refreshing lemon notes.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Cake
- 250 g Granulated sugar (1.25 cup)
- 3 Medium eggs
- 1 Lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
- 120 ml Vegetable oil
- 118 g Greek yogurt (3.5 oz / ½ cup)
- 275 g All-purpose flour (2.2 cups)
- 1½ tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 Medium lemon juice
Lemon Syrup
- 2 Lemons juice (from 2 medium lemons)
- 50 g Granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and bread a standard size bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder; set aside.
- Mix sugar and lemon zest: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar with lemon zest and rub them together with your fingers to release the lemon oils, enhancing aroma and flavor.
- Beat eggs with sugar mixture: Add eggs to the sugar-lemon mixture and beat until light, creamy, and fluffy, incorporating air for a lighter cake texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract (approximately 1 tsp) into the egg mixture, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Combine flour mixture: Sift the flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients, then gently fold with a spatula until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Add lemon juice and baking soda: In a small bowl, mix the juice of one medium lemon with the baking soda, then fold it into the batter. The mixture will foam slightly, helping the cake rise.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Prepare lemon syrup: While cake bakes or still warm, combine juice from two lemons, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
- Infuse cake with lemon syrup: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top. Drizzle the warm lemon syrup evenly over the cake to soak through the holes, imparting moistness and citrus flavor.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan so the syrup sets and flavors deepen. Once cooled, carefully remove from pan, place on a serving plate, and optionally grate additional lemon zest on top for garnish.
Notes
- Ensure lemon used for zesting is unwaxed and thoroughly washed.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Greek yogurt adds moisture and tang; substitute with sour cream if unavailable.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with wet ingredients.
- The lemon syrup should be slightly warm when poured over the cake to maximize absorption.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: lemon cake, lemon drizzle cake, moist lemon cake, bundt cake, citrus dessert, yogurt cake, lemon syrup, homemade cake