Mary Berry’s Lemon and Ginger Cake is a delightful combination of fresh lemon and ground ginger in a moist sponge cake. Topped with a lemon glaze or drizzle, this cake brings out a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s versatile enough for a casual afternoon treat or as a unique dessert for a gathering.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm round cake tin or loaf tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground ginger. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with fresh lemon flavor.
Gently fold in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk and lemon juice, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the cake should feel springy to the touch.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more lemon juice if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to run down the sides.
Slice and serve the cake as is, or enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing treat.