This Lemon and Elderflower Drizzle Cake is a delightful addition to your cake recipes for holidays, offering a bright, floral flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing your guests with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest are essential. You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Elderflower Cordial: This gives the cake its signature floral note. Look for it in the drinks aisle or specialty food stores.
- Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have it, combine all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175g self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Drizzle:
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Tools Needed: 20cm round cake tin, electric mixer (optional), mixing bowls, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Cake Tin and Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cake wonderfully tender.
3. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest
Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor.
4. Fold in Dry Ingredients and Milk
Sift in the self-rising flour and baking powder, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Add the milk and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Drizzle
While the cake is still warm, mix together the icing sugar, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial in a small bowl. This creates a sweet and tangy glaze.
7. Drizzle and Cool
Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer. Pour the elderflower drizzle evenly over the warm cake. Let the cake cool completely in the tin before removing it.
Variation Ideas:
- Berry Burst: Add 100g of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum).
- Orange & Elderflower: Swap lemon zest and juice for orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Lemon and Elderflower Drizzle Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices, well-wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time for holidays?
A: Yes, you can bake this cake 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Q: What if I don’t have elderflower cordial?
A: You can omit it and simply make a lemon drizzle. The cake will still be delicious.
Q: My cake sank in the middle, what happened?
A: This usually means the oven door was opened too early or the cake was underbaked. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
Q: How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?
A: Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Q: Can I add frosting instead of a drizzle?
A: Absolutely! A simple lemon buttercream frosting would be lovely. Let the cake cool completely first.
Q: Why is this considered one of the great cake recipes for holidays?
A: Its light, refreshing flavors and elegant appearance make it perfect for festive gatherings, offering a delightful alternative to heavier desserts.