Lemon Caster Sugar Drizzle Cake a Right Proper British Bake
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what makes British baking so darn good? I'll tell you. It often starts with caster sugar . This Lemon Drizzle Cake uses caster sugar to make a tangy, sweet dream.
Brief Overview
This Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe is a British classic. Think simple flavours and a light, airy crumb. It's easy to make in about an hour. Makes eight slices. Perfect for tea.
Main Benefits
Beyond being tasty, this cake brings joy. It's ideal for an afternoon treat or to impress your mates. What makes it special? The caster sugar ensures a melt-in-your mouth texture.
All About That Caster Sugar
Honestly, what is caster sugar ? It's finer than regular granulated sugar. It dissolves quickly and evenly. This is essential for a delicate crumb.
You can find it in most supermarkets or look into a caster sugar substitute . Some people might call it superfine sugar .
Understanding baking sugar types is crucial. This recipe shows off the magic that fine granulated sugar can bring to any bake.
Let's Bake!
So, ready to get baking? This recipe will introduce you to the world of British baking recipes . Trust me, you'll be hooked.
This recipe is for any baker looking to expand their horizons.
Serving It Up
This cake is amazing on its own. Serve it with a dollop of cream. Or a cup of tea. It's a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients & Equipment: Lemon Drizzle Cake Time!
Let's talk ingredients for our Lemon Drizzle Cake recipe . Honestly, it’s simpler than you think! And a great intro to British baking recipes, so lets get baking!
Main Players
- Self raising flour: 175g (or 1 1/2 cups, if you're in the US). If you don't have self raising, use cake flour and add baking powder.
- Unsalted butter: 175g (that's 3/4 cup) Make sure it's softened. Soft butter is key !
- Caster sugar : 175g . This is the magic.
- Large eggs: 3 of 'em.
- Lemons: 2, for zest. Then you will need 2 more lemons for the drizzle.
- Milk: just 2 tbsp .
About the caster sugar . A little secret? It is called superfine sugar. It's finer than normal granulated. Makes a huge difference in British baking recipes like this lemon drizzle cake recipe .
I remember the first time I tried using regular sugar. The cake was... grainy. Don't do that! It’s what gives this cake that melt-in-your mouth texture.
It’s also called fine granulated sugar , depending on where you are. If you are in a pinch and really need a caster sugar substitute , see variations.
Seasoning Secrets
This lemon drizzle cake recipe uses lemon zest as flavor enhancers. It makes the cake bright. You can try orange zest too.
Gear You'll Need
- A 9 inch loaf tin .
- Parchment paper.
- Mixer, hand or stand. Either works, love.
- Zester and juicer.
- Wire rack.
- Skewer.
That's about it. You don’t need fancy stuff. Just the essentials to create a seafood dinner . Simple, right?
Baking Magic: Mastering the Art of Caster Sugar
Honestly, what is caster sugar ? It's not just regular sugar. It's the secret ingredient to that perfect British bake.
Think superfine texture. It melts like a dream. This makes all the difference in a lemon drizzle cake recipe . Let's dive in.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first: Get organized. Measure out all your ingredients. Soften your butter. Preheat your oven to 180° C ( 350° F) .
Grease that 9 inch loaf tin. Line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze. A good mise en place is key.
step-by-step: Lemon Drizzle Cake Perfection
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat together 175g butter and 175g caster sugar . Aim for light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add 3 eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition.
- Add Zest: Stir in the zest of 2 lemons. This adds zing.
- Alternate Dry and Wet: Fold in 175g self raising flour , alternating with 2 tbsp milk. Don't overmix.
- Bake: Pour into the tin. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Test with a skewer.
- Make the Drizzle: Mix 85g caster sugar with juice of 2 lemons.
- Drizzle and Cool: Poke holes in the hot cake. Pour the drizzle over.
- Cool Completely: Let cool before slicing. Patience is key.
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Caster sugar substitute ? Fine granulated sugar can work in a pinch. Avoid overmixing. It leads to a tough cake. For a richer flavor, use browned butter. It adds a nutty depth.
This simple Lemon Drizzle Cake, a notable among many British baking recipes , proves the power of fine granulated sugar in baking.
It is so easy. With a few simple steps, you can create a showstopping seafood dinner with this cake as dessert.
So ditch those complicated Shrimp Recipes Easy for a moment. Enjoy the best of both worlds: savoury and sweet!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Perfect British Bake
Alright, let's chat more about this Lemon & Caster Sugar Drizzle Cake. Honestly, baking is a science, but it is also about getting a feel for things.
These notes are my little secrets to success.
Fab Serving Ideas
Presentation is everything, right? Slice that cake and put it on a pretty plate. Add a dollop of clotted cream.
Or, grab some Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. This seafood dinner would be a lovely contrast to a simple cake.
It is nice with a steaming mug of Earl Grey or fresh lemonade. Try vanilla ice cream too. It is a yummy cool contrast to that lemon tang.
Storing Like a Pro
This cake is best eaten fresh, you know? But leftovers happen. Wrap it up tight. Pop it in the fridge.
It will keep for about 3 days. Freezing? Sure thing. Wrap it in cling film, then foil. It will last for up to a month.
To reheat, thaw it completely. Then, let it come to room temp. A quick zap in the microwave also works.
But honestly, fresh is always best.
Remix It! Variations Galore
Fancy a change? Swap lemon for orange zest and juice. BOOM! Orange Drizzle Cake. Need a gluten-free version? Go for it.
Use a good gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum. Or, add some poppy seeds. Two tablespoons is usually perfect.
Speaking of ingredients, If you don't know what is caster sugar , it's basically superfine sugar , like a finer version of fine granulated sugar .
In a pinch, use caster sugar substitute by pulsing granulated sugar in a food processor. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll do! I find that using different baking sugar types can change the final result.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so this is a treat. Each slice is roughly 350 calories. It has 4g protein and 18g fat. There are 45g of carbs, with 30g of sugar.
But hey, life is too short to skip dessert! Also, this cake is made with lemon, so there is a vitamin C boost.
Isn't that a good enough reason? It's delicious and has zest!
So, there you have it. You have my notes on this British baking recipes . Don't be afraid to experiment. Most of all, have fun and get that lovely lemon drizzle cake recipe baking now.
Get to experimenting with how to cook shrimp . Enjoy making these shrimp recipes easy and remember that cooking is an art.
Don't worry, it is delicious. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
So, what is caster sugar, exactly? I've heard it mentioned on "The Great British Baking Show"!
Caster sugar, also known as superfine sugar, is granulated sugar that has been ground to a finer consistency. It's not quite as powdery as icing sugar (powdered sugar), but it's significantly finer than regular granulated sugar.
This finer texture allows it to dissolve more easily, making it ideal for baking delicate cakes like this Lemon & Caster Sugar Drizzle Cake.
Can I substitute regular granulated sugar for caster sugar in this lemon drizzle cake recipe?
While you can use granulated sugar in a pinch, the results won't be quite the same. Caster sugar's finer texture helps create a more tender and even crumb. If you do substitute, you might find the sugar doesn't dissolve as well, potentially leaving a slightly grainy texture.
For the best results, especially in delicate bakes, stick with caster sugar.
Icing sugar, granulated sugar, brown sugar... what is caster sugar's place in the sugar hierarchy?
Think of sugar as a spectrum: on one end, you have coarse sugars like turbinado (raw sugar), and on the other, the fine powder of icing sugar. Caster sugar sits comfortably in the middle.
Its finer crystals allow it to cream with butter beautifully for light, airy cakes, and dissolve quickly in meringues and syrups without adding unwanted texture.
I'm all out of caster sugar! Is there a way I can make my own from regular sugar?
Yes, absolutely! If you're in a baking emergency, you can make a decent substitute by pulsing granulated sugar in a food processor until it's finer. Be careful not to over process it into powdered sugar! Pulse it in short bursts and check the consistency frequently.
It might not be exactly the same, but it will work well enough for most recipes.
Does caster sugar affect the nutritional value of the lemon drizzle cake?
The nutritional impact primarily comes from the overall amount of sugar used in the cake and the drizzle, rather than the specific type of granulated sugar. Regardless of whether you use caster or granulated sugar, consuming this cake in moderation is key. It's a treat, after all, not a health food!
How should I store caster sugar to keep it fresh for my next baking adventure?
To keep your caster sugar fresh and prevent it from clumping, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard away from heat and moisture is ideal. Proper storage will ensure that your caster sugar stays in tip-top condition for all your baking needs!
Lemon Caster Sugar Drizzle Cake A Right Proper B
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
