Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

The perfect lemon drizzle cake brings together bright citrus flavors and pillowy softness in every bite. This incredibly moist traybake transforms simple pantry ingredients into a showstopping dessert that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of fresh lemons and vanilla.

I've made this cake countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to disappear within minutes. My nieces particularly adore helping with the lemon zesting, filling the kitchen with citrus fragrance as they carefully grate the bright yellow peels.

Essential Ingredients For Success

• Butter (250g, room temperature): forms the foundation of this cake, creating a rich, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Choose unsalted butter and let it soften naturally for an hour before baking
• Caster sugar (250g): provides the perfect crystal size for creaming with butter, incorporating tiny air pockets that result in that coveted fluffy texture
• Fresh lemons: stand as the star ingredient - select bright, heavy fruits with smooth, firm skin for the most vibrant flavor and abundant zest

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Detailed Instructions

Getting Started:

Prepare your baking sanctuary by preheating the oven and lining your tin

Set your oven to a steady 180°C (160°C for fan ovens), allowing proper heat distribution throughout

Line an 8x10-inch tin meticulously with baking paper, ensuring no spots are exposed

Creating The Base:

Begin the magical transformation of ingredients

Combine softened butter with caster sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the mixture becomes notably lighter in both color and texture

Watch as the butter and sugar transform into a pale, fluffy cloud that will give your cake its characteristic lightness

Building Flavors:

Incorporate the remaining ingredients with care

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain the airy texture you've created

Fold in self-raising flour gradually, treating the batter with a gentle touch to preserve its lightness

Introduce fresh lemon zest, allowing its oils to perfume the entire mixture

The Magic Of Fresh Ingredients

Fresh, high-quality ingredients transform this simple cake into something extraordinary. The natural oils in fresh lemon zest provide an intensity of flavor that dried alternatives simply cannot match. Through years of baking, I've learned that organic lemons often yield more aromatic zest, though any fresh lemons will create beautiful results.

Companion Pairings

A slice of this zesty delight pairs wonderfully with afternoon tea, particularly Earl Grey whose bergamot notes complement the lemon perfectly. For special occasions, serve it alongside fresh berries and a dollop of clotted cream, transforming this humble traybake into an elegant dessert worthy of any celebration.

Personalize Your Creation

Transform this versatile recipe by incorporating different citrus fruits alongside the lemon. Orange zest adds a sweeter note, while lime brings an exciting tropical twist. For those seeking alternative options, replace regular flour with gluten-free alternatives - just remember to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain that perfect texture.

Keeping Your Creation Fresh

Store your lemon drizzle masterpiece in an airtight container at room temperature, where it maintains its perfect texture for up to five days. The flavors actually develop beautifully over the first 24 hours, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert. For longer storage, individual slices freeze remarkably well for up to three months.

My absolute favorite aspect of this cake is the intense lemon flavor that develops in the crust. Every time I serve it at family gatherings, my grandmother reminisces about how it reminds her of the cakes she enjoyed during her childhood in England.

Mastering The Perfect Rise

Understanding your oven's unique characteristics plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect rise. Position your rack in the middle of the oven, allowing heat to circulate evenly around the cake. This attention to detail ensures consistent baking and that characteristic level top that makes this traybake so appealing.

The Science Of Moisture

The key to this cake's incredible moisture lies in the proper balance of ingredients and timing. When creating the drizzle, apply it while the cake is still warm but not hot, allowing optimal absorption without making the cake soggy. This technique has taken me years to perfect, and the results are consistently outstanding.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

• Always zest your lemons before juicing them - it's much easier and you'll get more zest from firm fruits
• For the fluffiest texture, ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before beginning
• When applying the drizzle, poke tiny holes in the cake's surface with a skewer to allow even distribution

After years of baking this lemon drizzle traybake, I can confidently say it's one of the most reliable and rewarding recipes in my collection. The combination of bright citrus flavors, tender crumb, and that perfectly crunchy top creates an irresistible treat that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises to become a treasured addition to your repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How many lemons do I need?

About 2-3 lemons total for zest and juice in both cake and icing.

→ Why let icing set?

Makes cake easier to slice cleanly and prevents mess when serving.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, stores well in airtight container up to 5 days.

→ Why cool before icing?

Prevents icing from melting and ensures proper setting.

→ What's the best tin to use?

8x10 inch rectangular tin gives perfect thickness for traybake.