Sticky Lemon Polenta Cake

Sticky Lemon Polenta Cake is a moist, zesty loaf made with instant polenta, lemon juice, and a warm drizzle of lemon and honey syrup. Its unique texture and bright flavour make it both comforting and refreshing, perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert. Naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare, it’s a versatile treat that welcomes creative twists with herbs, spices, and toppings.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Cooling 20

Total Time 55

Servings Slices

Ingredients

2 tsp lemon extract
1 large lemon juice and zest
3 tbsp granulated sweetener
2 large eggs free range beaten
50 ml rapeseed oil and 1 tsp to oil a 1lb loaf tin
50 ml water
100 g polenta instant
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the drizzle:

1 large lemon juice and zest
1 tbsp granulated sweetener
1 dessertspoon honey

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°/gas 4.
Oil the loaf tin and set aside ready to use.
In a bowl, add the lemon extract, juice and zest of 1 lemon, sweetener, eggs and oil then beat together well.
2 tsp lemon extract, 1 large lemon, 3 tbsp granulated sweetener, 2 large eggs, 50 ml rapeseed oil
Stir in the water and beat again until frothy, gently stir in the polenta and bicarbonate of soda then immediately place in the baking tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.
50 ml water, 100 g polenta, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the remaining lemon juice and zest into a small pan with the sweetener and warm gently for 1 minute, add the honey and warm 1-2 more minutes until it becomes syrupy.
1 large lemon, 1 tbsp granulated sweetener, 1 dessertspoon honey
Drizzle the hot honey and lemon over the cooled cake and leave to soak for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Recipe tips

This cake is wonderful with limes or oranges instead of lemon (reduce the sweetener if using sweet oranges).

Great served with fresh berries and a blob of unsweetened Greek-style yoghurt.

Freezing instructions: Slice, then wrap in foil to freeze (you can then use slices as required). May be a little crumbly when defrosted, but it will still taste delicious.

Nutrition