Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe for Citrus Lovers

Nestled between comfort and creativity, this orange drizzle traybake cake sparks pure culinary magic.

Zesty citrus notes dance across a tender crumb, promising delightful sensations.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients merge into something spectacular.

Each slice carries whispers of sunshine and sweet memories.

Fragrant orange essence weaves through every delectable layer, inviting curious taste buds to explore.

Moist, vibrant, and utterly irresistible, this cake transforms an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure pleasure.

You’ll want to slice into this sunshine-infused treat right away.

Helpful Tips for a Tangy Orange Drizzle

• Zest with Precision: Grate only the bright orange outer layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath for pure citrus flavor.
• Prevent Flour Lumps: Sift the self-rising flour through a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, lump-free cake batter.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Customize Texture: For a more moist cake, add an extra tablespoon of milk or replace some milk with fresh orange juice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to maintain the cake's light texture.

Store Orange Traybake Cake Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Place cake slices in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small drizzle of fresh orange juice to refresh the flavor and moisture.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance taste and texture.

What Pairs with Orange Drizzle Traybake

• Mix a bright, zesty orange margarita with fresh lime juice and triple sec to mirror the cake's vibrant orange notes.
• Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a smooth, cool counterpoint to the cake's warm citrusy flavor.
• Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea with hints of bergamot, which beautifully enhances the orange zest undertones in the dessert.
• Add a small slice of mild, creamy mascarpone cheese to provide a luxurious, tangy balance against the cake's sweet and citrusy profile.

New Twists for Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Orange Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free option.
• Lemon Variation: Swap orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy citrus alternative that maintains the cake's bright flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce total sweetener quantity by 25% to create a lighter, less caloric dessert.

Orange Drizzle Cake FAQs

• What is orange zest and how do I get it?

Orange zest is the colorful outer layer of an orange peel, which contains fragrant essential oils. Use a fine grater or zester to carefully scrape the orange’s surface, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

• Can I substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour to achieve the same rising effect.

• Why do I need to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps create a smoother, more uniform batter by allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. This technique prevents lumps and ensures a better cake texture.

• How do I know if my cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy when lightly touched.

Why Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Is Bright and Bold

• Perfect for busy parents wanting a delightful dessert that takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor in under an hour.
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe ideal for novice bakers, requiring basic mixing skills and standard kitchen equipment.
• Great for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or weekend family desserts with its bright, refreshing orange flavor that appeals to all ages.
• Uses common baking ingredients like self-rising flour, butter, and eggs, ensuring most home cooks can whip this up without a special trip to the grocery store.

What You’ll Need for Orange Drizzle Cake

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that gives rich flavor and tender texture, choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and moisture, fresh eggs at room temperature work best.
• Self-Rising Flour: Provides cake's structure and light texture, ensures even rising without additional leavening.

• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Bright, fresh citrus notes that enhance cake's flavor profile, use fresh oranges for most intense taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to citrus flavor, pure vanilla extract recommended over imitation.

• Milk, Baking Powder: Keeps cake moist and helps with rising, whole milk provides richer taste compared to low-fat options.

How to Make Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking tray and line it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg addition, creating a smooth and consistent batter.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift self-rising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix and maintain the batter’s airiness.

Step 5: Mix Wet Flavor Enhancers

• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir these ingredients into the batter until just combined, preserving the mixture’s delicate texture.

Step 6: Fill Baking Tray

Pour the cake batter into the prepared tray. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring a smooth surface for consistent baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Citrusy orange drizzle traybake cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table. Zesty crumbs infused with tangy glaze promise a delightful slice of pure pleasure you’ll savor with each mouthful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 oranges (zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (whole or semi-skimmed)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for drizzle)
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (for drizzle)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch tray with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Position the oven rack and warm the oven to 350F (175C).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with no visible sugar granules.
3. Introduce eggs individually into the creamed mixture, thoroughly incorporating each one before adding the next. Ensure each egg is fully integrated to maintain a smooth texture.
4. Gently sift self-rising flour and baking powder over the wet ingredients. Fold the dry components into the batter using a delicate, sweeping motion to preserve the cake’s lightness.
5. Infuse the batter with vibrant orange essence by stirring in orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are just harmonized, avoiding overmixing.
6. Transfer the fragrant batter into the prepared tray, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a level surface.
7. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test the cake’s doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.

Notes

• Enhance the zesty flavor by adding extra orange zest for a more intense citrus punch.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version of the traybake.
• Check the cake’s doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to a dry texture.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg