Scottish Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe - Authentic Recipe With Tips
Bring a slice of Scotland to your kitchen with this lemon drizzle cake, featuring a perfect blend of buttery crumb and citrus zest for a truly delicious treat.
Nov 13, 2024637 Shares39.8K Views
Scottishbaking is celebrated for its simplicity and authenticity, with recipes that honor natural flavors and high-quality ingredients. Among these cherished desserts is the lemon drizzle cake, a zesty, moist treat perfect for gatherings or teatime. This Scottish-inspired recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy lemon and rich butter, capturing the charm of a traditional home-baked cake.
Ingredients For Scottish Lemon Drizzle Cake
For a flavorful lemon drizzle cake, here’s what you’ll need:
Cake Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour: Ensures the cake has a light, fluffy structure.
- 225g unsalted butter: Softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 250g caster sugar: Sweetens and gives a fine texture.
- 4 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the batter.
- Zest of 2 large lemons: Infuses a bright, citrusy aroma.
- 2 tablespoons full-fat milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises well.
Lemon Drizzle Ingredients
- Juice of 1 ½ lemons: For a tangy, refreshing drizzle.
- 80g caster sugar: Adds a slight crunch to the drizzle.
Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake Family Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions For The Perfect Lemon Drizzle Cake
Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C for fan ovens. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin or an 8-inch round cake tin with baking paper, making it easier to remove the cake after baking.
Mix The Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which will give the cake a tender crumb.
Add The Eggs And Lemon Zest
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. This method helps prevent the batter from splitting. Add the zest of two lemons, allowing the fresh citrus aroma to permeate the mixture.
Combine The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This step ensures the batter remains light, with a smooth, pourable texture.
Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early, as it may cause the cake to sink.
Prepare The Lemon Drizzle
While the cake bakes, mix the lemon juiceand caster sugar to create a simple syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This tangy drizzle will give the cake its signature moist texture and fresh flavor.
Apply The Lemon Drizzle
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes in the tin. Use a skewer to poke small holes across the top, then pour the lemon drizzle syrup evenly over the cake. Let the syrup absorb fully before removing the cake from the tin.
Optional - Dust With Icing Sugar
For an elegant touch, you can sprinkle a light layer of icing sugar over the cooled cake. This decorative finish adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Tips For A Moist And Fluffy Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the cake to bake unevenly. Letting the butter, eggs, and milk come to room temperature allows for better incorporation.
- Choose No-Wax Lemons: Using no-wax lemons for zesting ensures that the zest is safe to consume and maximizes flavor.
- Check for Doneness Carefully: To avoid overbaking, begin testing the cake around the 35-minute mark. A clean skewer indicates the cake is done.
- Keep the Oven Closed: Opening the oven door too soon can cause the cake to sink, resulting in a dense texture. Avoid peeking until the last few minutes of baking.
Scottish Baking Traditions In Lemon Drizzle Cakes
Scottish desserts often prioritize straightforward techniquesand simple, quality ingredients. This lemon drizzle cake exemplifies that tradition, using butter, sugar, and fresh lemon to create a treat that’s at once humble and indulgent.
Many Scottish bakers also add a small amount of whisky or buttermilk to their cakes for added depth, and this recipe offers that option for a unique Scottish touch. For a true food experience, check out Scotland’s vibrant food scene at its top food festivals, which showcase everything from traditional baking to modern culinary innovations.
Variations Of The Lemon Drizzle Cake
Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
Use a gluten-free baking blend in place of self-raising flour. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for structure.
Dairy-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread and use almond or oat milk. The flavor remains true, and the crumb stays tender.
Scottish Whisky-Infused Lemon Drizzle Cake
For a twist, add a tablespoon of Scottish whisky to the batter or drizzle. The whisky deepens the flavor without overpowering the lemon.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, especially as part of an afternoon tea. For a special touch, serve with a dollop of clotted cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest. You can also garnish with edible flowers to elevate the presentation for celebrations.
See Also: Grandma Wright’s Clootie Dumpling Recipe
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: In warmer climates, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh, allowing it to return to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
FAQs
What Makes This Recipe Unique To Scottish Baking Traditions?
Scottish baking emphasizes high-quality, simple ingredients that highlight natural flavors. This lemon drizzle cake embodies that tradition with its balanced lemon flavor and moist crumb.
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead Of Fresh Lemons?
Fresh lemons are recommended as they provide a brighter flavor and zest, which enhances the cake’s natural citrus taste.
How Can I Make The Lemon Flavor Stronger?
For more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of zest to the batter or increase the lemon juice in the drizzle slightly.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent My Cake From Becoming Too Dense?
Use room-temperature ingredients, and avoid overmixing once the flour is added. These steps help keep the cake light and airy.
Can I Make This Cake Without Eggs?
A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can be used as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
This Scottish lemon drizzle cake combines bright, zesty lemon with a tender, buttery crumb, making it a refreshing yet comforting dessert. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for everything from casual gatherings to afternoon teas. Enjoy the timeless charm of this classic, and share a slice with friends and family for a true taste of Scottish baking.
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