Zesty Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe For Citrus Lovers

Sweet memories often spark when a classic orange drizzle traybake cake emerges from the oven.

Citrus aromas drift through kitchens, promising pure delight in every slice.

Home bakers recognize this treat as a nostalgic comfort that brightens dreary afternoons.

Zesty notes dance across light, fluffy textures, creating magical moments of pure pleasure.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary, turning ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert.

Rich, moist crumbs tell stories of warmth and connection.

She craves a slice that whispers of sunshine and happiness.

Grab a fork and let’s make magic happen!

Why Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Is A Burst Of Citrus In Every Bite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake delivers delightful homemade goodness in under an hour, perfect for busy home bakers who want stunning results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Citrus Delight: Bursting with bright orange flavors, this cake suits multiple occasions from casual family gatherings to afternoon tea parties, offering a refreshing twist on traditional desserts.
• Foolproof Baking Adventure: With simple steps and basic ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently create a professional-looking dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery, boosting kitchen confidence.
• Versatile Treat for All Seasons: Whether served warm as a comforting winter dessert or chilled during summer, this traybake adapts beautifully to any mood or moment, making it a year-round favorite.

What You’ll Need For Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy foundation that provides richness and sweetness to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and moisture to the batter.
• Self-Rising Flour, Baking Powder: Essential dry ingredients for creating a light, soft cake texture.

• Orange Zest: Bright, intense citrus aroma that adds depth to the cake's flavor.
• Orange Juice: Natural sweetener and moisture contributor with vibrant citrus notes.
• Milk: Helps create a tender crumb and adds softness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Subtle background flavor that complements the orange.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
• Baking Tray: Standard 9×13-inch pan for even baking and consistent cake shape.

How To Whip Up A Perfect Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking tray and give it some love with a quick spray of cooking oil or butter. Tuck a sheet of parchment paper inside, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.

Step 2: Cream the Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your mixer and whip together butter and sugar until they transform into a dreamy, cloud-like mixture that’s light and fluffy.

Step 3: Welcome the Eggs

• First egg
• Second egg
• Third egg

Blend each egg thoroughly before adding the next, creating a smooth and silky texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

• Self-rising flour
• Baking powder

Gently fold the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Citrusy Brightness

• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is just combined, maintaining the batter’s delicate structure.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared tray, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with perhaps a few tender crumbs clinging to it.

Pro Tips To Brighten Up Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Moisture Magic: Add milk to the batter for an extra tender, soft crumb that stays deliciously moist after baking.
• Temperature Trick: Let eggs and butter sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother incorporation and better cake texture.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add an extra teaspoon of baking powder for similar rising results.
• Storage Savvy: Keep the traybake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Way To Store Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Keep the orange drizzle traybake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, but bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months – simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy a sweet treat.

Great Pairings For Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Zesty Orange Wine Companion: Pair this citrusy traybake with a crisp Moscato d'Asti or a light Riesling. These sweet white wines complement the orange's bright flavor, enhancing the cake's delicate tanginess without overwhelming its subtle notes.
• Creamy Coffee Contrast: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccino or vanilla latte. The rich, velvety coffee balances the cake's sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor experience that tingles your taste buds with warmth and comfort.
• Fresh Dairy Delight: Enjoy with a cold glass of whole milk or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy dairy cuts through the cake's citrus intensity, providing a cool, smooth counterpoint that makes each bite more refreshing.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Brew a cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea. These gentle, aromatic teas interact beautifully with the orange's zesty undertones, offering a sophisticated and soothing accompaniment to your traybake slice.

Fresh Variations On Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake To Try

• Citrus Splash Cake: Replace orange with lemon or lime zest and juice for a tangy alternative that brightens the whole dessert. Adjust the liquid quantities to maintain perfect cake consistency.
• Nutty Orange Delight: Fold in chopped almonds or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and depth. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
• Chocolate Orange Fusion: Mix in dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder to create a rich, decadent version. Drizzle melted chocolate over the orange glaze for an indulgent finish.
• Spiced Citrus Version: Add ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the batter for warming notes that complement the orange flavor. These spices create a more complex and sophisticated cake profile.

Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Questions Answered

• What makes this Orange Drizzle Traybake special?

The cake combines bright, zesty orange flavors with a tender, moist texture that makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoon tea to family gatherings.

• Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

No, self-rising flour is crucial for this recipe. If you only have all-purpose flour, you’ll need to add baking powder to create the right rise and texture for the cake.

• How do I get the best orange flavor in this cake?

Use fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. The zest contains essential oils that provide intense citrus flavor, while fresh juice ensures a vibrant, natural taste.

• Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This traybake is surprisingly simple. The recipe follows basic cake-making techniques like creaming butter and sugar, and requires minimal special skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels.

Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent orange drizzle traybake cake brings sunny Mediterranean vibes to classic British baking. Zesty citrus glaze and tender crumb promise a delightful slice that draws you into pure dessert bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Citrus Flavoring:

• Zest of 2 oranges
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Drizzle and Glaze:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Carefully line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy cloud with a creamy texture.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly blending each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
4. Gently sift flour and baking powder over the wet ingredients, folding delicately to maintain the cake’s light consistency without overmixing.
5. Infuse the batter with vibrant orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, smooth milk, and aromatic vanilla extract. Stir until ingredients are just harmoniously combined.
6. Transfer the fragrant batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and testing doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before carefully lifting out using the parchment paper edges.

Notes

• Choose ripe, fragrant oranges for the most vibrant citrus flavor and maximum zest extraction.
• Softening butter at room temperature ensures smoother, more even mixing and a lighter cake texture.
• Always sift flour to prevent lumps and create a more delicate, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• For a gluten-free version, swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add extra baking powder.
• Gently fold ingredients to maintain air bubbles, which help create a soft, fluffy cake structure.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a tough, dense cake that lacks the signature light and airy consistency.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent drying out, as ovens can vary in temperature and baking performance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg