Lemon Drizzle Traybake Recipe for a Sweet Citrus Treat

If you’re craving a zesty, moist, and totally irresistible treat, look no further than this Lemon Drizzle Traybake! Bursting with fresh citrus flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it’s an ideal pick-me-up for any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside a cup of tea or serving it as a delightful dessert, this traybake brings sunshine to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, Fresh Flavor: The lemon zest and juice make every bite lively and refreshing, brightening your day instantly.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples that you probably already have, it’s quick to whip up without any fuss.
• Moist, Soft Texture: Thanks to the drizzle syrup soaked into the cake, each slice stays wonderfully tender and delicious.
• Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a single tray, it’s easy to cut into generous squares, making it great for family, friends, or parties.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it warm or cold, or dress it up with toppings to suit any occasion or craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a key role in making this Lemon Drizzle Traybake a masterpiece of sweet and tangy delight. From zesty lemons to golden syrupy drizzle, each component adds texture, flavor, and that beautiful moist crumb we love.

• Self-Raising Flour: The base of the cake providing a light and fluffy texture to your traybake.
• Castor Sugar: Fine granules that dissolve easily, ensuring even sweetness throughout.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the crumb rich and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Eggs: Binding the ingredients together for structure and an airy lift.
• Fresh Lemons: Both zest and juice, adding vibrant citrus aroma and tanginess.
• Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Granulated Sugar (for drizzle): Combined with lemon juice to create the signature sweet and tart syrup that soaks into the cake.

Variations for Lemon Drizzle Traybake!

Feel free to make this Lemon Drizzle Traybake your own by experimenting with simple yet delicious variations. Whether catering to dietary needs or switching up flavors, the recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend to keep the texture just as lovely for sensitive diets.
• Drizzle Boost: Add a little honey or maple syrup to the drizzle for extra depth and natural sweetness.
• Berry Twist: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for pops of color and flavor.
• Herbal Hint: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for an unexpected but delicious herbal note.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes to keep it vegan friendly.

How to Make Lemon Drizzle Traybake!

Step 1: Prepare Your Tray and Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper. This sets the stage for an even bake and easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift the self-raising flour and combine it with the castor sugar. This ensures a smooth batter with no lumps and an even rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time along with the lemon zest. This mixture adds richness and the burst of lemon aroma.

Step 4: Combine and Add Milk

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk until everything is well incorporated but don’t overmix or the cake will be tough.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Create and Add the Lemon Drizzle

While the cake is baking, combine granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice to make the drizzle syrup. As soon as the cake is out of the oven, poke holes with a skewer across the surface and pour the drizzle evenly over, letting it soak in.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the traybake to cool in the tray to let the syrup seep deeper before cutting into squares and serving up that heavenly citrus goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Drizzle Traybake!

• Fresh is Best: Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize bright citrus flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir batter until ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender and soft.
• Even Drizzle: Pour the syrup while the cake is hot to get deep flavor penetration.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the batter to blend smoothly for a consistent texture.
• Parchment Paper Saves Time: Lining your tray means easy lifting and no scraping stuck cake off your tray.

How to Serve Lemon Drizzle Traybake!

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a pretty, fresh appearance that enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

This traybake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement and balance the zesty tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or serve alongside seasonal berries and a drizzle of honey for an elegant twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover traybake tightly in cling film or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This lemon drizzle traybake freezes beautifully; wrap individual slices in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices briefly in a microwave or oven to revive the soft texture and enhance the fresh lemon aroma before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising?

You can, but you’ll need to add baking powder to help the cake rise properly; about 2 teaspoons per 200g of flour works well.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a suitable milk alternative like almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.

How tart will the Lemon Drizzle Traybake be?

It has a balanced tangy-sweet flavor, with the drizzle adding a pleasant citrus zing without being overly sharp.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Definitely! Adjust baking time to about 15-20 minutes and drizzle the lemon syrup over the warm cupcakes for a tasty handheld version.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater and avoid the white pith underneath to get the most flavorful and aromatic zest.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten any ordinary day with a sweet citrus treat, this Lemon Drizzle Traybake! is your go-to recipe. It’s straightforward, quick, and guarantees a deliciously tangy result that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again!

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