Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake with Creamy Glaze

Can a Cake Be Too Pretty to Eat? Not This One. Indulge your senses with this Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake with Creamy Glaze, where sunshine and delight meet in every bite. This cake is not only aesthetically pleasing but delivers a burst of flavor with its ultra-moist texture and vibrant lemon essence, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Read on to discover why this cake will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake is a showstopper for several reasons. First, it’s packed with fresh lemon flavor, making it refreshingly light yet satisfying. The balance of sweetness from the creamy glaze compliments the tartness of the lemon, ensuring each slice is a treat. Moreover, its stunning presentation with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and mint leaves ensures it will be the focal point of any gathering. You’ll love the ease of making it, too!

Pro Tips for Making the Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled variations.

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain the cake’s moist texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs and butter are at room temperature for an even batter and better rise.
Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before adding the creamy glaze for a flawless finish.

Chill Before Serving: Chilling the cake for 30 minutes after assembly enhances the flavors and stabilizes the glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable cake:

For the Lemon Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest

½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

1 cup mascarpone or cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

1 cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff

For the Creamy Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp melted butter
1-2 tbsp milk, if needed to thin

For Garnish:

Fresh strawberries

Lemon slices
Mint leaves

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your cake:

Step 1: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter between two greased 8-inch cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Step 5: For the filling, beat the mascarpone (or cream cheese), powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in the stiff whipped cream until combined. Spread between the cooled cake layers.
Step 6: To prepare the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, and milk (if needed) until smooth and drizzle consistency.

Step 7: Pour the creamy lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
Step 8: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and mint leaves. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for the best presentation.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different citrus fruit?

A1: Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

A2: Keep the cake covered in the fridge to maintain its freshness for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Thaw and assemble when ready.

Q4: Is this cake suitable for special diets?

A4: This recipe contains gluten and dairy, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour and dairy-free alternatives.

Q5: What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

A5: Cream cheese is a great alternative, although the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Zesty Lemon Drizzle Cake with Creamy Glaze is a delightful combination of beauty and flavor that’s impossible to resist. Each slice is a celebration of freshness and sweetness, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create an eye-catching dessert that tastes even better than it looks. Embrace the sunshine in a slice and let your taste buds bask in the tangy goodness!