The zingy burst of lemon in a perfectly baked cake is always a pleasant surprise. A Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is a masterpiece of citrusy flavour, bringing together the vibrant brightness of fresh lemons with the comforting indulgence of a soft, moist crumb. It’s a treat that tantalises the taste buds and leaves you longing for just one more slice. I have known a cake to vanish!!
The Joy of Lemon
Lemon has a way of cutting through the richness of desserts, providing a fresh and tangy contrast. In a lemon cake, this tang is balanced with the sweetness of sugar, creating a delightful harmony. The fragrant zest infuses every bite with citrusy essence, while the juice lends a natural tartness that lingers on the palate. Each forkful offers a burst of sunshine, making it the perfect cake to brighten any day.
A Cake for All Occasions
One of the best things about a Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is its versatility. It effortlessly takes centre stage at birthdays, afternoon teas, or even casual weekend gatherings. Served simply with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze, it’s elegant yet understated. For a more indulgent experience, pair it with a dollop of clotted cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
And let’s not forget how well it complements a cup of tea. The gentle acidity of the lemon cuts through the tannins of a robust Earl Grey, making it a match made in dessert heaven. Prefer something bubbly? A glass of chilled Prosecco is an excellent partner, adding a celebratory sparkle to your cake indulgence.
Personal Touches
While the classic lemon cake is perfection on its own, there’s always room for a little creativity. A handful of blueberries folded into the batter adds pops of sweetness and colour, while a hint of thyme or rosemary brings an earthy complexity. For those who love a stronger citrus punch, a tangy lemon curd layer between two cake rounds will take things up a notch.
Alternatively, a cream cheese frosting can be slathered on top for a rich contrast to the cake’s bright flavour. For an extra flourish, consider adding candied lemon slices as a beautiful and edible decoration.
A Slice of Sunshine
Lip Smacking Lemon Cake is a cake that doesn’t mater if you’re sharing it with friends or savouring it in a quiet moment of indulgence, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet and tangy, treat yourself to a slice of this lemony delight. After all, a little zest goes a long way!

Lip Smacking Lemon Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225 g unsalted butter softened
- 225 g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large lemons zested and juiced
- 50 ml whole milk
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 150 g icing sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
- Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.225 g unsalted butter, 225 g caster sugar
- Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.4 large eggs
- Stir in the fresh lemon zest, allowing its fragrance to infuse the batter.2 large lemons
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder.225 g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk and lemon juice.50 ml whole milk, 2 large lemons
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and gently fold until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Mix the icing sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, slightly runny glaze.150 g icing sugar, 3 tbsp lemon juice
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.
14 comments
The flavour is bright and cheerful, and it stays moist for days.
The texture is soft and fluffy, and the fresh lemon zest gives it such a vibrant flavour.
Just like my mum used to make. Only problem is that it didn’t last very long! Need more.
I love a good lemon cake, and this one exceeded my expectations.
One slice wasn’t enough! The lemony aroma filled my kitchen while baking, and the taste was just as incredible.
It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea. Will be making this again.
The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. An absolute must-try for citrus lovers.
This cake is like happiness in dessert form! The lemon flavour is just right—not too overpowering, not too subtle.
Whether it’s a special event or just a weekend treat, this cake never disappoints.
I personally prefer a stronger lemon kick, so next time I might add more zest, but overall, it’s an amazing bake.
The glaze gives it an extra zing that makes it impossible to resist.
I loved the texture of this cake—so light yet moist.
This lemon cake is a total showstopper! The balance between sweet and tangy is just perfect, and the glaze takes it to another level.
My family devoured it in minutes.