BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful treat that combines light and fluffy cake with a zesty orange glaze. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or an afternoon tea with friends. With its fresh orange flavor and appealing presentation, this cake will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This cake requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Refreshing Flavor: The zest and juice of fresh oranges bring a bright, tangy taste that elevates the cake.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an afternoon snack, a dessert at dinner parties, or even as a sweet treat in lunchboxes.
- Moist Texture: Made with self-raising flour and butter, this traybake maintains a moist crumb that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable Icing: You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by modifying the icing sugar and juice ratio to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, gathering your tools will help streamline the process. Having everything on hand ensures you won’t miss a step in creating this delicious dessert.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric whisk or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×10-inch baking tin
- Baking paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric whisk: An electric whisk makes it easier to achieve a light and fluffy texture quickly.
- Baking tin: The right-sized baking tin ensures even cooking and helps maintain the cake’s shape during baking.

Ingredients
Light and fluffy orange traybake with glace icing and fresh orange zest on top.
For the Cake
- 250 g Softened butter
- 250 g Caster sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 Medium Eggs
- 250 g Self-raising flour
- 3 Tablespoons Milk
- Zest of 1 Orange
For the Icing
- 200 g Icing sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1-2 Tablespoons Orange zest
How to Make BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens). Line an 8×10-inch tin with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually whisk in the eggs one at a time. Then add self-raising flour and milk little by little, mixing until you have a smooth batter. Finally, fold in the orange zest for that citrus punch.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your lined tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Carefully flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Enjoy creating this delightful BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake that’s sure to be loved by everyone!
How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
This delightful orange traybake cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family gathering, serving it right can enhance its appeal and flavor.
With Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Oranges: Fresh orange slices add a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cake’s drizzle.
- Berries: A mix of strawberries and blueberries provides a colorful contrast and refreshing taste.
With Whipped Cream
- Lightly Sweetened Cream: A dollop of whipped cream offers a creamy texture that balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Flavored Cream: Infuse the whipped cream with vanilla or orange zest for an extra kick.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mini Pastries: Pairing the traybake with small pastries gives guests a variety of textures and flavors.
- Brownies or Blondies: These rich treats contrast beautifully with the lightness of the orange drizzle cake.
Accompanied by Tea or Coffee
- Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can refresh the palate after enjoying a slice.
- Coffee: The bitterness of coffee pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
To achieve the best results with your orange drizzle traybake, keep these tips in mind. They will help ensure your cake is moist and flavorful.
- Bold Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for zest and juice to enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness in the batter.
- Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar will result in consistent texture and taste.
- Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help maintain accurate baking temperatures, avoiding under or over-baking.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool fully before applying icing for a smooth finish without melting.
Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Pairing side dishes with your orange drizzle traybake can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these complementary options that balance sweetness with savory notes.
- Bold Greek Yogurt: A scoop of tangy Greek yogurt offers a contrasting tartness that enhances the cake’s sweetness.
- Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to provide richness alongside the cake’s flavors.
- Nut Mix: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios adds crunch and earthy flavors that complement the citrus notes.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with melon, kiwi, and berries adds freshness and brightness to each bite.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw provides texture contrast while balancing out sweetness.
- Vegetable Crudités: Sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers offer a refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate after each slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can result in a lumpy batter. Always ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise, so inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for the best results.
- Skipping the cooling phase: Cutting into a warm cake can create a mess. Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing for clean pieces.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven heats differently; using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking temperatures for even results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- The cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 160℃ and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake.
What makes the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake so special?
The unique combination of zesty orange flavor with a light and fluffy texture makes this cake stand out as a favorite dessert.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes! Feel free to substitute oranges with lemons or limes for different flavor profiles while following the same recipe.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the icing sugar slightly without compromising the overall taste of the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful treat at any gathering!
BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Indulge in the delightful BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, a refreshing dessert that combines a light and fluffy cake with a vibrant orange glaze. Perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to afternoon tea—this cake’s zesty flavor and appealing presentation make it a surefire hit. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this treat that is sure to impress. Customize the sweetness of the icing to match your taste, and enjoy this versatile dessert that can be served as a snack, at dinner parties, or in lunchboxes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Various
Ingredients
- 250 g softened butter
- 250 g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 medium eggs
- 250 g self-raising flour
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Zest of 1 orange
- 200 g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1–2 tablespoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and line an 8×10-inch tin with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually whisk in eggs one at a time; then add self-raising flour and milk gradually until smooth. Fold in the orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
