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Paul Hollywood Lemon Drizzle Cake

Paul Hollywood Lemon Drizzle Cake
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Paul Hollywood is known for traditional British baking done properly. Lemon drizzle cake is a classic British loaf made with a butter-based sponge and finished with a lemon-sugar syrup poured over while still warm.

Unlike frosted cakes, this one relies on syrup to add moisture and flavor. The drizzle sinks into the sponge, creating that signature moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sponge

  • 225 g unsalted butter, softened

  • 225 g caster sugar

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

  • 225 g self-raising flour

  • Zest of 2 lemons

  • 2 tablespoons milk

Quality note: Use unwaxed lemons for better zest flavor.

For the Lemon Drizzle

  • Juice of 2 lemons

  • 100 g caster sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.

Proper lining ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.

This step creates air in the sponge and ensures a light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs Gradually

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

If the mixture looks like it might curdle, add a spoonful of flour to stabilize it.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Zest

Sift in the self-raising flour.

Add lemon zest and milk, then fold gently until combined.

Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 5: Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.

Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Drizzle

While the cake bakes, mix lemon juice and caster sugar until combined.

The sugar should not fully dissolve — slight graininess creates the classic crust.

Step 7: Add the Drizzle

Once the cake comes out of the oven, prick the top all over with a skewer.

Pour the lemon drizzle evenly over the warm cake.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing.

As it cools, the syrup soaks in and forms a crisp, sugary topping.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/paul-hollywood-lemon-drizzle-cake/