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Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes

Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes

Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes are vanilla-lemon sponge cupcakes infused with a lemon sugar syrup while still warm. The drizzle sinks into the sponge, keeping it moist and giving it that signature tangy flavour. Unlike heavily iced cupcakes, these rely on the syrup for moisture and taste, keeping them light and balanced.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • Unsalted butter: 175 g, softened

  • Caster sugar: 175 g

  • Eggs: 3 large

  • Self-raising flour: 175 g

  • Lemon zest: from 2 lemons

  • Milk: 2 tablespoons

For the Lemon Drizzle

  • Granulated sugar: 75 g

  • Fresh lemon juice: 2–3 tablespoons

Instructions

  • Prepare the oven and tray – Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a cupcake tray with paper cases.

  • Cream butter and sugar – Beat together until pale and fluffy to create a light base.

  • Add the eggs – Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  • Add lemon zest – Stir in the lemon zest to release its natural oils and aroma.

  • Fold in the flour – Gently fold in the self-raising flour, then add the milk to loosen the batter slightly.

  • Fill the cases – Divide the mixture evenly between the cases, filling each about two-thirds full.

  • Bake until golden – Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

  • Prepare the drizzle – Mix the granulated sugar with lemon juice until just combined.

  • Drizzle while warm – Spoon the lemon drizzle over the cupcakes as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing it to soak in.

  • Cool before serving – Leave the cupcakes to cool fully so the flavour settles.