Zesty Sunshine Magic: Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

Baking a tantalizing lemon drizzle traybake cake that melts in your mouth brings pure sunshine to your kitchen.

This zesty lemon drizzle traybake cake recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Every slice promises a burst of citrusy goodness with its moist, tender crumb.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better.

Bright lemon zest and a generous drizzle of syrup make this cake irresistibly delicious.

You’ll love how the sharp citrus notes dance with the soft, buttery base.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 13

Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake Ingredient List

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb for the cake.
• Caster Sugar: Helps create a light, airy texture and provides sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Self-Rising Flour: Provides the primary structure and ensures a soft, risen cake.
• Baking Powder: Gives extra lift and helps the cake rise evenly.

• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and complements the zesty notes.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, glossy drizzle that adds extra moisture and shine.
• Lemon Juice (for drizzle): Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds a zingy coating.

Tools That Help With Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

• 9×13-inch baking tray: Essential for creating the perfect traybake size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal a breeze.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar, and beating eggs evenly.
• Sifter: Ensures flour is light and lump-free for a tender cake texture.
• Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh lemon zest easily.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients and spreading batter evenly.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Bake Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a rectangular baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for a smooth cake release.

• Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixer and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture. This is where the magic begins!

• Egg Dance

Crack eggs into the creamy base, one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to create a silky smooth foundation.

• Flour Power

Gently sift flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Fold carefully to keep the batter light and airy – no aggressive mixing allowed!

• Zesty Splash

Sprinkle in lemon zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and add a splash of milk. Stir just until everything comes together in harmony.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns a gorgeous golden color.

• Drizzle and Delight

Once cooled, drizzle with lemon glaze for an extra zingy punch of flavor. Slice and enjoy your sunshine-inspired treat!

Zesty Tips For Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Lemon Zest Magic: Grate lemon zest finely to ensure maximum flavor without bitter white pith in your cake.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Bake the cake a day ahead and store in an airtight container to enhance moisture and flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add extra baking powder for perfect texture and rise.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk for a delicious dairy-free version that maintains the cake's rich taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Slice the cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months for quick dessert options.

Serve Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake With Style

• Citrus Brunch Delight: Serve slices alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a gorgeous weekend breakfast treat.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair with Earl Grey tea and delicate china plates for a sophisticated mid-afternoon snack perfect for catching up with friends.
• Dessert Presentation Magic: Drizzle extra lemon glaze on top, garnish with candied lemon peels, and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style plating that looks stunning.
• Picnic Perfect Slice: Pack individual squares in parchment paper for a portable dessert that travels beautifully and brings sunshine to outdoor gatherings.

How To Store Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut cake into equal portions before storing to maintain freshness and control serving sizes.
• Fridge Fresh Technique: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for up to 5 days to prevent moisture loss.
• Quick Freeze Method: Slice cake, separate layers with parchment paper, then freeze in sealed freezer bag for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Room Temperature Tip: For maximum moistness, let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft, delicate crumb.

Moist Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Lemon drizzle traybake cake delivers zesty delight in every slice, perfect for afternoon tea. Tangy citrus and sweet glaze create a classic British dessert that brings sunshine to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) self-rising flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsps lemon juice
• zest of 2 lemons

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage for effortless cake removal.
2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy, and voluminous cream.
3. Egg Integration: Gradually incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending and maintaining a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Delicately sift self-rising flour and baking powder over the wet ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to preserve the batter’s airiness.
5. Flavor Infusion: Add freshly grated lemon zest, squeeze in lemon juice, and pour milk into the batter, stirring minimally to maintain the cake’s light and delicate structure.
6. Baking Preparation: Carefully transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, level surface for uniform baking.
7. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven until the cake develops a golden-brown exterior and a clean skewer test confirms perfect doneness.
8. Cooling and Drizzle Preparation: Allow the cake to cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Simultaneously, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, tangy drizzle.
9. Finishing Touch: Generously pour the zesty lemon drizzle over the slightly warm cake, allowing it to penetrate the tender crumb and create a glistening, flavor-packed topping.

Notes

• Softening Butter Technique: Ensure butter is at room temperature, soft enough to indent with a finger but not melting, for perfect creaming with sugar.
• Egg Incorporation Strategy: Add eggs at room temperature and mix gradually to prevent batter curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Zest and Juice Balance: Grate lemon zest before juicing to maximize flavor intensity and prevent dry cake edges.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute self-rising flour with gluten-free alternative and add extra baking powder to maintain light, fluffy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg