Wondering what to serve with lemon drizzle cake? Explore perfect pairings, from fresh berries and cream to tea and sparkling wine, and elevate your dessert!
I absolutely adore lemon drizzle cake. The zesty flavour and moist sponge make the most refreshing treat. It’s probably one of my favourite things to bake and eat.
When it comes to what to serve with lemon drizzle cake, you might not have really thought about it. Most of the time we dismiss cake pairings, and just serve a slice of lemon drizzle cake on a plate as it comes.
It certainly doesn’t need anything to highlight the flavour. It is perfect as it is! But the best accompaniments for lemon drizzle cake can give you something extra. Below we’ll look at some of the best things to serve with lemon drizzle for a delicious snack or pudding.
Often, what you pair with your cake will depend on things like who is eating it and the occasion. You might be tempted to add several options at a birthday party, for example.
But it also hugely depends on your tastes and preferences. What do you like? This guide includes plenty of ideas, but at the end of the day, you need to find something that you love, and that you think makes your lemon drizzle cake eating experience better. If you like it just as it is, that’s cool too.
Classic Pairings with Lemon Drizzle Cake
So, what goes with lemon drizzle cake? The first, and most popular options that we think about are the traditional accompaniments for cake.
Fresh Berries
Serve lemon drizzle cake with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) to balance the sweetness with their tartness.
Blueberries are a popular pairing for lemon, but raspberries are great if you want something a little tarter.
These also have the advantage of adding a bit of colour to your plate.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream is a wonderful option if you want to tone down the zesty cake. Cream compliments the flavour without overwhelming, the two work together incredibly well. You can also add some berries for something extra special.
Clotted Cream
Offer a richer option by serving lemon drizzle cake with traditional clotted cream, a classic British favourite.
Thick clotted cream is perfect if you are looking for something a little fancy.
Beverages to Pair with Lemon Drizzle Cake
How about what to drink with lemon drizzle cake?
The right drinks to serve with lemon drizzle cake can offer refreshment while complementing the flavours. Even if you don’t usually add cream or anything else to your plate, chances are you serve your lemon drizzle with a drink.
Tea
Classic black teas such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, offer floral and citrus notes that enhance the lemon flavours.
Tea pairings are great because there are so many options. I love a classic Yorkshire tea with my afternoon slice of cake, but for something fruity, think back to those fresh berries. A raspberry fruit tea could be wonderful.
Coffee
The bitterness of a rich coffee like an Americano, espresso or cappuccino tastes great with the sweetness of a fruity drizzle cake. This is ideal when you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
Sparkling Wine
For a special occasion, Prosecco, champagne or cava make a great addition to lemon drizzle cake. Refreshing and extra special!
Lemonade
Of course, caffeine and alcohol aren’t the only drinks that you can serve with a slice of lemon drizzle cake.
For extra lemon, a glass of fresh lemonade is perfect. Raspberry lemonade might be even better.
Elderflower Cordial
For a lighter combination, a sweet elderflower cordial can complement the tangy lemon flavour of the cake beautifully.
Milk
Kids especially might like a glass of cold milk with their lemon drizzle cake. It can reduce the impact of the lemon, and create a more pleasing dining experience.
Ice Cream and Sorbets with Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ice cream or sorbet are fantastic dessert pairs we have to consider when we think about what to serve with lemon drizzle cake.
They can be refreshing, tangy or creamy, light or heavy, sweet, and a great way to cool down in the summer.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Classic vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, smooth element that balances the citrus tang of lemon drizzle cake.
Lemon or Raspberry Sorbet
A fruity sorbet like lemon or raspberry enhances the citrus flavour while adding a refreshing palate cleansing element.
Creative Ways to Serve Lemon Drizzle Cake
We’ve looked at the traditional ways to elevate lemon drizzle cake, but what about some more creative lemon drizzle cake dessert ideas?
Let’s take a look at how to serve lemon drizzle cake with some more adventurous additions.
Lemon Drizzle Cake Trifle
Layer slices of lemon drizzle cake with custard, whipped cream, and fruit for a fun twist on a traditional trifle.
This is a super decadent dessert that’s always a hit!
Lemon Drizzle Cake Parfait
Crumble lemon drizzle cake into glasses and layer with yoghurt and fresh berries for a lighter, no-fuss dessert with tons of flavour.
Warm Lemon Drizzle Cake
Briefly grill slices of lemon drizzle cake and serve warm with ice cream or a fruit compote for a unique and warming dessert.
Adding some warm custard is another option.
Light Sides and Sauces for Lemon Drizzle Cake
Instead of adding something heavy, let’s look at what goes with lemon drizzle cake in terms of light lights and sauces for lemon drizzle cake.
Berry Coulis
Drizzle a homemade berry coulis (raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berries) over the cake for a vibrant and fruity contrast.
Alternatively, use store-bought sauce for an easy addition.
Citrus Curd
If you absolutely love lemon and everything citrus, add a drizzle or scoop of lemon or lime curd to your cake.
Greek Yoghurt
For a tangy, yet healthy addition to your cake, add a dollop of Greek Yoghurt.
Occasions to Serve Lemon Drizzle Cake
When to serve lemon drizzle is maybe as important as what to serve it with. The two certainly work together.
Are there lemon drizzle cake occasions? Is it just an afternoon tea dessert? I’d eat lemon drizzle all of the time!
Afternoon Tea
A lemon drizzle cake is the perfect addition to an afternoon tea with traditional finger sandwiches and scones.
Summer Garden Party
Lemon drizzle is fruity and refreshing. Lighter than chocolate fudge, but no less amazing. It’s perfect for a summer BBQ or garden party.
Special Occasions
Lemon drizzle cake is perfect for birthdays and other celebrations because it tastes great, and lasts for a while!
FAQs
What drink goes best with lemon drizzle cake?
Lemon drizzle is lovely with Earl Grey Tea, rich coffee, elderflower cordial or sparkling wine.
Can I serve lemon drizzle cake with ice cream?
Yes, vanilla ice cream is especially tasty with lemon drizzle cake.
What are the best fruit pairings with lemon drizzle cake?
Raspberries and blueberries are both popular fruit pairings with lemon drizzle cake.
Is lemon drizzle cake suitable for afternoon tea?
Yes, lemon drizzle cake is great for afternoon tea.
What sauce goes well with lemon drizzle cake?
Berry coulis, fruit curds and pouring creams are all lovely with lemon drizzle cake.
What can I serve with lemon drizzle cake for a summer party?
Offer berries, sauces, ice cream and cream at a summer party.
Can I make lemon drizzle cake more indulgent?
Add lemon curd, or a lemon buttercream topping for a more indulgent lemon drizzle cake.
What’s a light side to serve with lemon drizzle cake?
For a lighter side, serve with fruit or Greek yoghurt.
Conclusion
Lemon drizzle cake is a delicious sweet treat that’s fantastic on its own, but also perfect with simple sides like fresh berries and cream. There’s no right or wrong way to serve lemon drizzle, so try different combinations to find one you like.
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