Rustic Lemon Drizzle Cake with Thyme

If you’re craving something light, fragrant, and irresistibly zesty, our Rustic Lemon Drizzle Cake with Thyme and Garden Party Lemon Bundt are the perfect dessert duo. These lemon-infused cakes bring the charm of a countryside bakehouse straight to your table — moist, buttery, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or elegant gatherings.
Rustic Lemon Drizzle Cake with Thyme

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ cup milk
For the Lemon Drizzle:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Baking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest and thyme.
- Mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk and lemon juice.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once cooled slightly, drizzle lemon glaze on top for that signature tangy shine.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Lemon zester
- Whisk
- Loaf pan
Benefits
- Naturally aromatic: Thyme and lemon create a soothing fragrance.
- Light & fluffy texture: Perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Versatile dessert: Ideal for brunch, garden parties, or afternoon tea.

Garden Party Lemon Bundt

Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Baking Time | 45 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar, butter, sour cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Pour into pan and bake 40–45 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Let cool before pouring over the lemon glaze.
Tools You’ll Need
- Bundt pan
- Electric whisk or mixer
- Cooling rack
- Sifter for powdered sugar
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C from fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Boosts digestion due to thyme and citrus.
- Low in preservatives — made from scratch, with wholesome ingredients.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Lemon Drizzle Cake | Lemon Bundt |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 35g |
| Fat | 12g | 14g |
| Protein | 4g | 5g |
| Sugar | 18g | 22g |
Perfect Pairings
- Drink: Iced mint tea or lavender lemonade enhances the citrus notes.
- Shake Option: Vanilla or lemon milkshake complements the tangy sweetness.
- Side Snack: Fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or whipped cream.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen for 1 month.
FAQs
How do I make the lemon flavor stronger?
Add extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to intensify the citrus aroma.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
You can use dried thyme (½ teaspoon) or skip it for a classic lemon-only flavor.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, replace melted butter with equal parts olive oil for a more Mediterranean touch.
Final Thoughts
Both Rustic Lemon Drizzle Cake with Thyme and Garden Party Lemon Bundt capture the heart of homemade baking — light, aromatic, and perfect for gatherings. Whether served warm with tea or chilled with a drizzle of glaze, these lemon-infused desserts bring elegance and comfort to any table.
For best results, use fresh lemons, pure vanilla, and real butter — the trio that makes all the difference in flavor.
