Description
Lemon Drizzle Layer Cake
You Will Need:
2 cups plain flour
1 1/2 cups caster sugar
1 cup butter
4 eggs
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup lemon glaze
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two pans.
Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, then buttermilk, lemon juice, and zest.
Mix in flour until smooth. Divide batter into pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes and cool. Drizzle lemon glaze on top and between layers.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices.
Fresh, fragrant, and full of zest! Save this recipe for any special occasion!
#ButtermilkLemonCake
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for foolproof release.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
4. Mix in the buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point, which is normal.
5. Gradually add the plain flour, mixing on low speed just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle or spread a portion of the lemon glaze over the top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Pair a slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the citrus tang. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh berries, edible flowers, or candied lemon peel alongside the fresh lemon slices. It’s the perfect centerpiece for afternoon tea, spring celebrations, or as a bright finish to a rich meal.
How-to Summary
To make a Lemon Drizzle Layer Cake, cream butter and sugar, then incorporate wet and dry ingredients. Bake two layers, cool completely, and assemble with a simple lemon glaze for a moist, tangy, and impressive dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but for similar tang and tenderness, make a substitute: add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/3 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I store this cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
My glaze is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
For a glaze that’s too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar. For one that’s too thick, add more lemon juice, a few drops at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once cool and store at room temperature. Assemble and glaze the cake on the day of serving.
Why is my cake dense and not fluffy?
This is often due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten. Mix just until the flour is incorporated. Also, ensure your butter is properly creamed with the sugar until very light and fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing and proper emulsion.
- Overbaking: Check the cake a few minutes before the timer ends. An overbaked cake will be dry.
- Assembling while warm: Never glaze a warm cake, as the glaze will melt and soak in unevenly. Patience is key.
- Zesting the white pith: Only grate the bright yellow outer zest of the lemon. The white pith underneath is bitter.
Conclusion
This Lemon Drizzle Layer Cake is a timeless classic that delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and tart flavors with a wonderfully moist crumb. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning, professional-looking cake that’s sure to impress. Its vibrant, fresh taste makes it ideal for brightening up any gathering, from casual brunches to formal occasions. Save this recipe—it’s a keeper you’ll return to again and again.