This lemon tea cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty citrus flavour. It's the perfect simple bake to enjoy with a cuppa—whether you're entertaining or just treating yourself.
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Yes second lemon recipe in a week but when the question of what to bake arises at the moment my first answer is 'something with lemon!'
On Tuesday I had a friend and her new gorgeous baby girl to morning tea. I really should have baked the day before but time got away from me and I found myself whipping up something at the last minute (I know, totally not me... not).
My grandma's cinnamon tea cake is one of my absolute favourites to whip up at the smallest cake craving so I thought I'd attempt to adapt it to a lemon version. I actually only had a little bit of butter left so the recipe was perfect.
I made it up as usual adding some lemon zest to the batter and once the baked cake had sat for a few minutes I poked a whole lot of holes in it and poured over a warm lemon syrup.
Luckily I thought to taste the syrup first. The first batch I made I think I left on the stove too long. Actually time got away from me so I have no idea how long it sat but it was well and truly burnt.
The second batch I left just until the sugar had dissolved and started bubbling.
Finished off with a sprinkling of lemon zest this was another zesty homage to my lemon tree.
It's a great cake to make when you don't have time to let it cool and from ingredients-in-the-cupboard to cake-on-a-plate it's about 45 minutes as long as you don't waste any time. It's best served on the day of baking but I enjoyed the last slice two days later after zapping it for 10 seconds in the microwave.
So now I need a little inspiration. What should I make with my next couple of lemons? I spotted a few yellowing on the tree yesterday so they should be ripe for the picking this weekend. Hit me with your best ideas.. or challenges, I love a challenge. Enjoy!
Recipe
Lemon tea cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- ½ cup milk
Syrup
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1/4/ cup caster sugar
- grated lemon zest for decoration
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 175C (380F) fan-forced and grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, zest and sugar together until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and mix it through.
- Beat through half the flour then half the milk and repeat then beat until the batter is smooth.
- Scrape the batter into the tin and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack straight from the oven but leave it in the tin.
- Meanwhile make the syrup.
- Place the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat, stirring, over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture bubbles.
- Poke holes all over the top of the cake and pour the syrup on top.
- Leave in the tin to cool.
Nutrition
Chris says
Just made this recipe, and it went perfectly! Thanks :)
Claire says
So glad you liked it Chris!
Melody ambler says
Your recipes look yummy, and I would love to sign up. But, would there be any way you could Pinterest to the share sites. Thank you.
Claire says
Hi Melody. Thank you! If you hover over any of my images, a little 'pin it' button should appear. I hope that helps!
I also have a Pinterest account and you can follow me here http://www.pinterest.com/clairekcreation/
The Life of Clare says
Bring on the lemon recipes! Our lime tree has buckets of limes that need to be used!
Claire says
Ok they will keep coming!
Martine @ Chompchomp says
It looks so light and delightfully fluffy! I love lemon cake, it makes you feel like your not indulging despite being totally delicious.
Claire says
That's so true Martine. It almost tastes healthy.
Lisa the Gourmet Wog says
bring on the lemon recipes Claire! Love lemons :) Love your cake stand, it's stunning!
Claire says
Ok Lisa you asked for it! :-)
Garlic Girl says
I made this for my birthday. A simple and tasty lemon cake. I added a little extra lemon because I like it tart. So delicate and great soft texture. Great with tea.
Jessica says
Everything about this is so lovely, Claire - particularly the thought of such a sweet morning tea with your friend and her baby! Lemon cake is the perfect thing with tea.
Claire says
It was a lovely morning Jess!
celia says
Lovely cake from your backyard lemons, Claire! Gorgeous photos too! :)
Claire says
Thanks Celia!
The Café Sucre Farine says
Did you not know Claire, that it's a food blogging rule that you cannot post more than 1 lemon recipe per week. Only exception is if you have a lemon tree in your yard ............... oops, I guess it's okay for you! This cake looks FABULOUS, I love the way you adapted the recipe to make your little lemon tree so very happy (and your gram too!)
Claire says
Well good thing I'm an exception to the rule! Thanks Chris.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
What a pretty cake and stand. You did your granny proud. :)
Lemon sorbet?
Claire says
Thanks Maureen. I haven't told her my adaption yet. Might have to make her one. Yes definitely lemon sorbet when it warms up.
Danielle says
Hi Claire, just loving this cake and the lemon recipes, keep 'em coming please ;-) Gorgeous styling too!
Claire says
Ok Danielle!
Katy Potaty says
I am so glad that you are able to cook with your own produce so soon after moving into your new home, Claire!
I would love a recipe for lemon and ginger shortbread, if you're feeling creative...?!
Claire says
Ooh I like the sound of that. Challenge accepted!
Amy says
That bunch of flowers in the background are beautiful! What colours!!
If you get stuck you could always juice the very ripe ones and freeze the juice in icecube trays. Will come in handy when you have no lemons!
ps where did the flowers come from?
Claire says
Aren't they?! Oh yes I freeze lots too. They were a housewarming present from Kristin!
Maria says
Oh, I've been on a lemon kick this summer, too. Nice to have your own lemon tree, isn't it? Anyway, I devoted an entire post to my Lemon Love, highlighting all the recipes I've posted in the past couple years that use lemons. Check it out for ideas! I share in your enthusiasm : )
Claire says
So nice Maria! Ooh I'll have to check it out. They really are delicious aren't they?!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I love lemons so you won't hear me complaining about too many lemon recipes in a row! :D
Claire says
Ok good!
Hotly Spiced says
I love your cake stand. And how lovely to be baking with your own lemons. I love lemon cake - it's perfect for morning or afternoon tea xx
Claire says
Thanks Charlie it was a Birthday present from mum and dad. x