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Easy Lemon Drizzle Traybake Cake

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 squares 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Lemon Drizzle Traybake is a light and zesty sponge infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Topped with a sweet and tangy lemon drizzle, it’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

For the Lemon Drizzle:

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  5. Sift in flour and salt, then mix until just combined. Add milk and mix until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 2: Bake

  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Drizzle

  1. While the cake is still warm, mix lemon juice and sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
  2. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the cake, then pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the top.
  3. Let the cake soak in the drizzle and cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glaze (Optional)

  1. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

  1. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • Extra Moist Cake: Replace ¼ cup milk with sour cream or yogurt for an even softer texture.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy.