Jamie Oliver’s Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake is a simple sponge cake infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Once baked, it’s soaked with a lemony syrup that gives it a tender texture and a refreshing, tangy flavor. This cake is made with gluten-free flour, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the zest of two lemons and mix to combine.
Sift the gluten-free self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter, being careful not to overmix, to keep the cake light.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
While the cake is baking, mix the granulated sugar with the juice of one lemon in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is partially dissolved; this will create a slightly crunchy topping.
When the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, poke small holes in the top of the cake using a skewer and slowly pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. Enjoy plain or with a dusting of icing sugar on top.