Meyer Lemon Syrup Cake Recipe
A moist and tangy Meyer Lemon Syrup Cake that combines the zesty brightness of Meyer lemons with a soft, buttery cake base, enhanced by a sweet lemon syrup soaking through for extra flavor and moisture.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Cake
- 125 g softened unsalted butter
- 175 g caster sugar
- Zest of 1 Meyer lemon
- 2 eggs
- 175 g plain flour
- 10 g baking powder
- Pinch of fine salt
- 60 ml milk
For the Lemon Syrup
- Juice from 2–3 Meyer lemons
- 50 g icing sugar
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20 cm (8 inch) cake tin to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cream butter, sugar, and zest: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, caster sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the batter for a soft texture.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gently mix in the plain flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined, taking care to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Incorporate milk: Stir in the milk to achieve a smooth batter consistency, making it easier to pour and bake evenly.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Prepare lemon syrup: While the cake bakes, combine the Meyer lemon juice and icing sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely to create a syrup.
- Soak the cake: When the cake is warm, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork, then pour the lemon syrup over it to allow the cake to absorb the syrup and enhance its moisture and flavor.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing and serving to let the flavors set and the syrup fully absorb.
Notes
- Use Meyer lemons when possible for a sweeter, less acidic lemon flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely to avoid the syrup running off when slicing.
- The syrup soaking step can be adjusted by adding more or less lemon juice depending on your tartness preference.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Meyer lemon cake, lemon syrup cake, moist lemon cake, citrus dessert, homemade cake