This Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake is a light, fluffy, and zesty cake with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, or whenever you need a refreshing citrus treat, this one-bowl recipe is quick, simple, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – No complicated steps, just mix and bake!
Bright and Zesty Flavor – Fresh lemon juice and zest make this cake extra refreshing.
Soft and Moist – A perfectly tender crumb with a delicious lemon drizzle.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for tea time, parties, or a casual dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour (or self-rising flour if preferred)
Baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Milk (for extra moisture)

For the Lemon Drizzle:

Powdered sugar
Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Make the Cake:

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs – Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Combine Wet and Dry – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Lemon Drizzle:

Mix the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle Over Warm Cake – While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the surface with a fork or skewer and pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the top. Let it soak in.

Cool and Serve:

Let the Cake Cool – Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Version – Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for extra texture.
Lemon and Raspberry – Fold fresh raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
Extra Lemony – Add more zest and a lemon glaze on top for an intense citrus flavor.
Iced Lemon Cake – Instead of drizzle, top with a thick lemon icing.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration – Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for extra freshness.
Freezing – Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time ends.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking tray and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I get an extra strong lemon flavor?

Use more zest and replace some milk with extra lemon juice.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Let the cake cool completely before slicing with a sharp knife.

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Bake in cupcake liners for about 18-20 minutes.

What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with whipped cream, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream.

Can I add a crunchy topping?

Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the drizzle before it sets for a light crunch.

Conclusion

This Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake is light, refreshing, and full of citrusy goodness. With its moist texture and sweet-tart lemon glaze, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe today and enjoy a bright, zesty treat!