Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is the perfect blend of zesty citrus and sweet softness, offering an irresistible moist texture with a refreshing punch of lemon that can elevate any tea party or cozy afternoon snack.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the simplicity of a traditional British lemon cake with a modern twist. The cake itself is light and airy, with a tangy yet sweet lemon flavor.

The magic happens when a tangy lemon syrup is poured over the warm cake, soaking in to create a delightful drizzle that adds both flavor and moisture. The cake has a delicate crumb, enhanced by the aromatic zest of fresh lemons. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but a visual delight, with its shiny, sugary drizzle gleaming on top.

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To recreate Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. For The Cake

   • 225g unsalted butter, softened
   • 225g caster sugar
   • 4 large eggs
   • 225g self-raising flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • Zest of 2 lemons
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
   • 60ml milk

2. For The Lemon Drizzle

   • 100g caster sugar
   • Juice of 2 lemons

These simple, fresh ingredients create a cake that’s not too sweet, but beautifully balanced with the acidity of the lemons and the richness of the butter.

Equipment Needed

The tools you’ll need are straightforward and typical for any baking enthusiast:

1. A mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
2. An electric hand mixer (optional but ideal for achieving a smooth batter).
3. A greased and lined loaf tin (usually 23cm x 13cm).
4. A zester or grater to extract the fresh zest from the lemons.
5. A saucepan for making the lemon drizzle syrup.
6. A cooling rack to allow the cake to cool evenly and absorb the drizzle.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Making this Lemon Drizzle Cake is a simple and straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Grease and line your loaf tin to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric hand mixer for speed and efficiency. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the self-raising flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add the milk, mixing until you get a smooth batter.

3. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface with a spatula. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The cake should rise beautifully, turning a light golden color. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

4. Make the Lemon Drizzle:
   While the cake is baking, make the drizzle by combining the lemon juice and caster sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

5. Drizzle Over the Cake:
   While the cake is still warm, pour the lemon syrup over it. The syrup will soak into the cake, giving it a wonderful texture and burst of flavor.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cake cool completely before slicing. The drizzle will harden slightly, forming a deliciously tangy glaze on top of the cake.

Expert Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest and juice bring the brightest, most fragrant flavor to the cake. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if you can.
2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
3. Check Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so it’s wise to check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
4. Perfect Texture: For an even moister cake, let the lemon drizzle soak into the cake while it’s still warm. This allows the syrup to infuse the cake with flavor and moisture.
5. Optional Garnish: For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle some extra lemon zest or a few edible flowers on top of the cake.

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a wonderful treat that’s easy to make yet packed with delicious flavors. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon tea, a special gathering, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself.

The tangy lemon drizzle adds a burst of freshness, making each bite a delightful experience. With the tips and simple ingredients, you can recreate this comforting and refreshing cake in your own kitchen.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is an absolute classic with its tangy, moist texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zest.

However, there’s always room for fun twists!

Here are some easy recipe variations to elevate this delicious treat:

1. Blueberry Lemon Drizzle Cake

   Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter to infuse a burst of fruity flavor. The sweet, tart blueberries complement the zesty lemon drizzle, making it a fantastic option for summer baking.

2. Almond and Lemon Drizzle Cake

   For a nuttier flavor, swap a portion of the flour for ground almonds. This variation will add a rich texture to the cake, as well as a lovely almond fragrance that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

3. Lemon and Ginger Drizzle Cake

   To spice things up, incorporate ground ginger or fresh grated ginger into the batter. The warmth of ginger adds a lovely kick to the otherwise refreshing lemon, creating a comforting, aromatic treat.

4. Coconut Lemon Drizzle Cake

   Coconut lovers will enjoy this tropical variation. Add desiccated coconut to the cake batter and top the cake with coconut flakes before baking. The coconut enhances the cake’s moisture and adds a delightful texture.

5. Lemon Poppy Seed Drizzle Cake

   Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and a hint of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemon zest. This variation will give your cake a more elegant and sophisticated appeal.

6. Lemon Lavender Drizzle Cake

   Lavender adds a floral note to the cake, creating a lovely contrast with the bright, tangy lemon flavor. To infuse the lavender flavor, steep it in warm milk or butter before adding it to the batter.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Lemon drizzle cake, while delicious, is often baked in large quantities, and saving the leftovers is crucial to maintain its freshness. Follow these simple tips to store your cake properly:

1. Room Temperature Storage (Short Term)

   If you plan to consume the cake within 2-3 days, wrap it tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container and store it at room temperature. This helps preserve the cake’s moisture and flavor.

2. Refrigeration (Longer Term)

   For longer storage (up to a week), refrigerate your cake. Ensure that the cake is well-wrapped in plastic or kept in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You may want to bring it to room temperature before serving, as it will taste best when not too cold.

3. Freezing Leftovers

   If you want to store the cake for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then foil.

   Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.

4. Preventing Sticky Icing

   The glaze or drizzle is key to the cake’s charm but can sometimes make storing tricky. If you plan to store the cake for longer than a day, it’s best to freeze or refrigerate it without the glaze. You can drizzle the icing on right before serving, ensuring that the cake remains as fresh as possible.

What Goes Well With Lemon Drizzle Cake?

Lemon drizzle cake, with its light, tangy flavors, pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few delightful combinations to consider:

1. Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream

   A dollop of fresh whipped cream or clotted cream complements the citrus notes of the lemon drizzle cake beautifully. The richness of the cream balances the tartness of the cake.

2. Fresh Berries

   Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. The sweet and slightly tart flavors of the berries pair perfectly with the lemony goodness of the cake.

3. Tea

   A cup of Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea enhances the flavors of the cake and makes it feel even more indulgent. The warmth and slight bitterness of the tea provide a perfect balance to the sweetness of the drizzle.

4. Lemon Sorbet or Ice Cream

   For a refreshing, summery treat, serve your cake with a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the soft and moist cake.

5. Yogurt or Mascarpone Cheese

   A smooth, tangy yogurt or mascarpone cheese topping creates a creamy contrast that elevates the overall flavor of the cake. You can also mix a little honey into the yogurt for extra sweetness.

6. Prosecco or Lemonade

   If you’re serving lemon drizzle cake for a special occasion, a glass of prosecco or a fresh, chilled lemonade pairs wonderfully with the cake. The sparkling nature of prosecco complements the citrus while the lemonade enhances the overall refreshment.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and customizable to suit a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re experimenting with variations like blueberry, ginger, or coconut, or simply looking for the best way to store your leftovers, this cake offers endless possibilities for creativity.

And when paired with a cup of tea, fresh berries, or a scoop of cream, it becomes the perfect treat for any occasion. So go ahead and bake, store, and enjoy this zesty, sweet masterpiece!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

For Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients: self-raising flour, unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, lemons (for zest and juice), baking powder, and icing sugar for the drizzle.

Can I Use All-purpose Flour Instead Of Self-raising Flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. However, you’ll need to add baking powder to help the cake rise, as self-raising flour already contains a leavening agent.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake Gluten-free?

To make the cake gluten-free, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that other ingredients like baking powder and icing sugar are also gluten-free.

How Do I Make The Lemon Drizzle For Jamie Oliver’s Cake?

To make the lemon drizzle, mix lemon juice with icing sugar until the mixture is smooth. Drizzle it over the warm cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. It will stay fresh for a few days if kept in an airtight container. However, the drizzle is best added just before serving to maintain its texture.

What Temperature Should The Oven Be For Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for a fan-assisted oven or 190°C (375°F) for a conventional oven.

Can I Use A Different Citrus Fruit For The Drizzle Cake?

Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes, but the taste will be different from the classic lemon drizzle.

How Can I Make The Cake More Moist?

To make the cake more moist, you can add a little bit of yogurt or sour cream to the batter. Another tip is to ensure that you don’t overbake the cake, which can dry it out.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Drizzle Cake?

The cake usually takes about 40-45 minutes to bake, but you should check the cake with a skewer to ensure it’s cooked through. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I Add Other Flavorings To The Cake Batter?

Yes, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or even a handful of poppy seeds to the batter for extra flavor and texture.