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British·Dessert

Mary Berry-Style Lemon Drizzle Cake

A classic, easy-to-make British loaf cake featuring an oleo saccharum base—lemon zest rubbed into sugar—and finished with a tart lemon juice syrup soak for maximum moisture.

Prep

—

Cook

50m

Total

—

Serves

—

Method

  1. 01

    Place white sugar in a bowl and grate the zest of two lemons directly over it. Mix well and, if time permits, let the mixture sit for 30–60 minutes to create an 'oleo saccharum,' allowing the sugar to extract the fragrant oils from the zest.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:26
  2. 02

    Add the self-rising flour, a little extra baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the lemon sugar. Whisk the dry ingredients together briefly to combine.

    Step 2
    Watch · 1:45
  3. 03

    Add the very soft butter, eggs, and a splash of milk to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, start on low speed and increase to high, beating for about one minute until the batter is light and fluffy.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:14
  4. 04

    Transfer the batter into a loaf pan lined with buttered parchment paper. Smooth the top and tap the pan on the counter to settle the batter. Bake in the center of a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:12
  5. 05

    While the cake bakes, prepare the drizzle by whisking lemon juice and sugar together until the sugar is completely dissolved into a syrup.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:08
  6. 06

    Let the hot cake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the surface, reaching down to the bottom. Slowly ladle the lemon syrup over the top, allowing it to fully saturate the cake.

    Step 6
    Watch · 5:03
  7. 07

    Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. For the best texture, wrap it and refrigerate overnight before unmolding and slicing. Optionally garnish with a powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze and fresh lemon zest curls.

    Step 7
    Watch · 5:48

From Chef John

  • “You are after all the Evelyn Rose of how this recipe goes.”
  • “We want full penetration as well as complete permeation.”
  • “Loaves have less calories than cakes... just a little bit of branding advice.”