BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light and fluffy texture, zesty flavor, and a sweet glaze on top, this cake stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a weekday dessert, this cake will make every moment special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious cake ready to bake in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a sweet snack, this cake suits various occasions.
• Zesty Flavor Profile: The fresh orange zest adds a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens up your dessert table.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture: Using self-raising flour ensures a light cake that melts in your mouth.
• Glaze for Extra Sweetness: The icing made from orange juice and sugar creates an irresistible finish.

Tools and Preparation

To create the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking tin (8×10 inches)
• Baking paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Whisk: A good whisk ensures your butter and sugar blend into a light and fluffy mixture.
• Baking tin: Using the correct size tin ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect shape for your traybake.

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 Glaze

• 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly incorporate the self-raising flour and milk into the mixture until you have a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the orange zest.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to your lined tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Down

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe yields approximately 12 slices of deliciousness! Enjoy every bite of your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake!

How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

This light and fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or an afternoon tea. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Mixed Berries: Serve slices with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus Segments: Add some fresh orange or grapefruit segments on the side to enhance the citrus flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy complement that balances the sweetness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a hint of vanilla or orange zest to your whipped cream for an extra zing.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Desserts: Include small portions of other desserts like brownies or mousse alongside this cake for variety.
• Cheese Selection: Pair with soft cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese to offer a savory contrast.

How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to retain that light and fluffy texture characteristic of the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing; this prevents it from melting and ensures a smooth finish.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

Pairing side dishes with your cake can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce adds indulgence and richness.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats offer a chewy texture that pairs well with the soft cake.
6. Tea or Coffee: Serving with tea or coffee enhances the flavors and makes it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the zest: Failing to add orange zest can lead to a dull flavor. Always incorporate fresh zest for that vibrant citrus note.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for perfect results.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting the cake too soon can make it crumble. Allow it to cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
• Using old ingredients: Expired baking powder or stale ingredients can ruin your cake. Always check the freshness of your ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 180℃ and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake:

How do I enhance the flavor of my BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?

You can enhance flavor by using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice and adding more zest.

Can I substitute ingredients in the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?

Yes! You can replace butter with margarine or use dairy-free milk to make it suitable for different dietary preferences.

How long does the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake last?

The cake stays fresh for about 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that contains baking powder.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. This light and fluffy treat is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different citrus fruits. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!