Spring Picnic Recipe Ideas

A Light Bite for a Relaxing Day

There’s something lovely about a spring picnic. The days are getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and it’s the perfect chance to enjoy something homemade in the fresh air. Whether you’re going to a local park or just your garden, having a sweet treat with you makes it feel extra special. A lemon drizzle cake is one of those easy bakes that never disappoints. It’s simple, tasty, and travels well.

A Quick Look Back

Picnics have been a favourite British tradition for many years. In the past, families would gather outdoors with homemade foods packed in baskets. Lemon drizzle cake became popular around the 1950s when people started looking for easy bakes that stayed fresh and could be shared easily. Its fresh lemon flavour and soft sponge made it a winner.

Fact of the Day

The first versions of lemon cake came from places like Italy and Greece. Instead of flour and butter, they used semolina and olive oil, creating a different texture with a burst of citrus flavour.

Why Lemon Drizzle Cake is Perfect for Spring Picnics

Lemon drizzle is light and refreshing, which makes it ideal for sunny weather. It doesn’t melt or spoil quickly, so you can pack it and take it anywhere. It’s also easy to slice and share, which is great if you’re eating with friends or family.

How to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ingredients
225g unsalted butter, softened
225g caster sugar
4 medium eggs
225g self-raising flour
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of 1 and a half lemons
85g granulated sugar for the drizzle

Steps

1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 180°C or 160°C if using a fan oven. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

2. Make the cake mixture
Mix the butter and caster sugar together until it looks pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in the lemon zest.

3. Fold in the flour
Gently fold the self-raising flour into the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined.

4. Bake the cake
Pour the mixture into the tin and smooth out the top. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

5. Make the drizzle
While the cake is baking, mix the lemon juice and granulated sugar in a small bowl.

6. Add the drizzle
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke little holes all over the top with a skewer and slowly pour the lemon mixture on top. Let it soak in while the cake cools in the tin.

Enjoying Your Lemon Drizzle Cake

Once cooled, slice it up and pack it in a container ready for your picnic. It tastes even better the next day and makes a lovely snack with a cold drink or cup of tea. A simple bake with a big flavour, perfect for welcoming spring.