As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you use my affiliate links, but there's no extra cost for you!
If you’re looking for an easy homemade bake that’s full of flavour, this lemon and raisin loaf cake recipe is a great place to start. The fresh lemon adds a lovely zing, while the raisins bring natural sweetness and a soft, juicy texture to every slice.
Loaf cakes are one of my favourite things to bake because they’re simple, require very little decorating, and are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea (or coffee). Whether you’re baking for visitors, packing slices into lunchboxes, or just fancy a weekend treat, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Why you’ll love this lemon and raisin loaf cake
One of the things I love most about this cake is how well the flavours work together. Lemon keeps the sponge light and fresh, while the raisins add little bursts of sweetness throughout. It’s a classic combination that never goes out of style.
This lemon and raisin loaf cake also keeps well for several days when stored in an airtight container, making it ideal for baking ahead. In fact, many people find the flavour is even better the following day once the lemon has had time to develop.
If you’re new to baking, don’t worry – this is a straightforward recipe that’s suitable for beginners. Just follow the steps below and you’ll soon have a beautifully golden loaf that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients (serves 6-8)
- 150g butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 150g self raising flour (plus a little extra)
- 3 eggs
- juice of 2 lemons
- zest of 1 lemon
- 200g raisins
Method
- Preheat oven to gas 5 / 375F / 190C, and grease & line the bottom of loaf tin.
- Mix together the butter and sugar until smooth & creamy.
- Add the flour & the eggs bit by bit and mix well.
- Add the lemon juice & zest and mix until well combined.
- Mix the raisins into the cake mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf tin then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Leave to cool, or serve warm.
- Enjoy!
Tips
Coat the raisins in flour before adding to the mix to stop them sinking to the bottom of the cake.
FAQ
How do I store lemon and raisin loaf cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this loaf cake?
Yes. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf well and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Can I use sultanas instead of raisins?
Absolutely. Sultanas or even dried cranberries work well in this recipe.
Can I add a lemon drizzle?
Yes! Mix the juice of one lemon with around 100g icing sugar and drizzle over the cooled cake for an extra citrus kick.
More cake recipes:
Coconut coffee triple layer cake
Victoria sponge cupcakes
Lemon & blueberry surprise cupcakes
Carrot cake mini loaves
Pineapple upside down cake
3D Rainbow cupcakes
Black forest cupcakes
Mini coffee cakes
Banana loaf cake
Chocolate lover cake
Passionfruit and mascarpone roulade
Orange & lime battenberg
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
Love the sound of lemon with raisins, like you I'm obsessed with all things lemony. My Dad makes a lemon yoghurt cake that is amazing! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Hi Stacey, just a few words to say thankyou for your lemon and raisin cake recipe. My partner Prue and I wanted to bake something together to relieve the boredom of “Lockdown”. Prue is from New Zealand and they are a nation of cake lovers. We found your recipe and as we are both lemon fans we decided to have a go .After several weeks of being confined the biggest compliment I can pay to your cake is to say we have now made our third effort. We live in a small village on the North Hertfordshire/ Cambridgeshire border, at the moment things are very quiet and so we enjoy working together in the kitchen. Oh ! And by the way, our neighbour thinks it is absolutely delicious also. All the best and stay well.
Hi Keith, thanks for your comment! That’s so good to hear – I just fancy a slice of this myself now!