Nigella Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's Oatmeal Parkin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: Serves 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200g medium oatmeal; 200g plain flour; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 200g golden syrup; 50g black treacle; 150g unsalted butter; 150g light brown sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 4 tbsp milk

Delve into the zesty world of Nigella Lawson's Lemon Drizzle Cake, a classic British dessert beloved for its moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor. This cake stands out not just for its delightful taste but also for its simple yet effective method of infusing lemony sweetness into every bite.

Nigella Lawson's Lemon Drizzle Cake: A Brief Overview

Nigella Lawson's Lemon Drizzle Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With its origins deeply rooted in British cuisine, this cake embodies the essence of comfort food. Its moist, sponge-like texture, combined with the sharpness of the lemon, makes it a favorite among cake enthusiasts.

Ingredients List for the Lemon Drizzle Cake

For the Cake:
- Butter: 225g, softened
- Caster Sugar: 225g
- Medium Eggs: 4
- Self-Raising Flour: 225g
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Lemon (finely grated zest of): 1
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
For the Filling and Topping:
- Caster Sugar: 100g
- Lemon Juice: from 2 lemons
- Mascarpone Cheese: 125g
- High-quality Lemon Curd

Preparation Instructions

The cake's preparation involves creaming the butter and sugar before incorporating eggs, flour, and lemon zest, creating a smooth and fluffy batter. Baked until golden and springy to the touch, the cake is then drenched in a lemony sugar syrup that crystallizes, forming a deliciously tangy crust. For an indulgent twist, a mixture of mascarpone and lemon curd serves as both filling and topping, adding a creamy, luxurious layer to the cake.

Storage and Reheating

Lemon Drizzle Cake keeps well in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature, ensuring the moistness and flavors are preserved. If you need to refresh the cake, a brief stint in a warm oven can revive the lemony aroma and soften the sugar crust slightly.

Nutritional Information

This cake, like many desserts, is rich in sugars and fats. Each serving contains a significant amount of calories, alongside carbohydrates from sugar and flour, and fats from butter and mascarpone. For those mindful of their intake, enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Lemon Drizzle Cake

Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensuring your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can the cake be frozen? Absolutely, without the mascarpone topping. Wrap it well and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and add the topping before serving.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out? Ensure not to overbake and store it correctly in an airtight container.

In conclusion, Nigella Lawson's Lemon Drizzle Cake with Mascarpone Lemon Cream is a testament to the beauty of baking, where simplicity meets flavor in every slice. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this cake promises to deliver joy and zest to your dessert table.

For more detailed instructions and to explore other delicious recipes, visit Nigella's official website.