The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to any occasion. With its light and fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply enjoying at home. The vibrant orange flavor, complemented by a refreshing drizzle of icing, makes it a standout dessert. Whether you’re serving guests or indulging yourself, this traybake promises to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe features simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh orange zest and juice gives this cake a zesty kick that will awaken your taste buds.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 generous slices, it’s an ideal dessert for gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
- Moist and Delicious: Thanks to the use of self-raising flour and butter, each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring scales
- Baking tin (8×10 inches)
- Baking paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients effectively without spilling.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures that your batter becomes smooth, allowing for even baking.
- Baking tin: The right size baking tin helps achieve the ideal thickness for your traybake.
Ingredients
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) and prepare an 8×10-inch tin by lining it with baking paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the eggs one at a time while whisking. Then, slowly incorporate the self-raising flour and milk in batches until you achieve a smooth cake batter. Finally, fold in the orange zest gently.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer your batter into the lined tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Enjoy making your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake!
How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Serving the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cake presentation and flavor.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries, like strawberries and blueberries, for a fresh contrast.
- Citrus slices: Add orange or lemon slices for an extra citrus kick that complements the cake’s flavors.
Ice Cream or Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs well, offering a fluffy texture alongside the moist cake.
Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: A shot of rich espresso enhances the flavors of the orange cake while providing a delightful caffeine boost.
- Herbal tea: Serve with a calming herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, to create a soothing taste experience.
How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
To achieve the ultimate version of the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, consider these helpful tips that ensure great results every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in creating a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense texture.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked.
- Cool completely before icing: Allowing the cake to cool fully prevents the icing from melting off, ensuring it stays beautifully on top.
Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Complementing your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake with side dishes can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some perfect pairings that work wonderfully together.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds color and flavor harmony.
- Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides texture contrast and added nutrition.
- Chocolate mousse: The rich creaminess of chocolate mousse contrasts with the zesty cake, creating a delightful balance.
- Cheesecake bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy counterpart without overpowering the citrus flavor.
- Pavlova: This light meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fruit makes an elegant pairing.
- Lemon sorbet: A tangy sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of sweet cake, enhancing your dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can be delightful, but several common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Ensure you use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This helps maintain the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Skipping the zest: The orange zest adds essential flavor to the cake. Don’t skip it; instead, incorporate it for that zesty punch.
- Ignoring oven temperatures: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always preheat your oven correctly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Cutting the cake too early: Allowing the cake to cool completely before cutting helps prevent it from falling apart.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist.
Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 160℃ (150℃ fan). Place on a baking tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Use a covered pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through, taking care not to burn it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake so special?
The combination of fresh orange zest and juice creates a vibrant flavor profile that elevates this traybake cake above others. The drizzle icing adds sweetness and moisture, making each bite irresistible.
Can I customize the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap out oranges for lemons or limes for a different citrus twist.
How do I ensure my BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake rises well?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
Is there a gluten-free option for this BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?
Yes! You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its light texture pairs perfectly with tea or as a dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions or glazes. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends!
BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, a perfect fusion of vibrant orange flavor and moist, fluffy texture. This easy-to-make cake is ideal for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy afternoons at home. The refreshing drizzle made from freshly squeezed orange juice adds an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the citrusy notes. With 12 generous slices, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on your own. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible dessert!
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
- For the icing: 200 g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1–2 tablespoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and line an 8×10-inch baking tin with baking paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the eggs one at a time while whisking. Slowly incorporate self-raising flour and milk until you have a smooth batter. Gently fold in the orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the lined tin, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 127mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or swapping oranges for other citrus fruits like lemons.