BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of citrus with its light and fluffy texture. This cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for various occasions like birthdays, picnics, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Its vibrant orange flavor, paired with a sweet glaze and a hint of zest, makes it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time, even if you’re a beginner.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest creates a refreshing burst of flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 generous slices, making it great for gatherings and celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as an afternoon snack; it’s delightful any time of day.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright color and drizzle icing make this cake visually appealing for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking tin (8×10-inch)
• Baking paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for incorporating air into the mixture, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking tin: The right size ensures even baking and perfect portioning for your cake.

Ingredients

Light and fluffy orange traybake with glace icing and fresh orange zest on top.

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

How to Make BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and prepare your baking tin by lining it with baking paper.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely aroma.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Flour, and Milk

Gradually whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the self-raising flour and milk. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter. Then fold in the zest of one orange to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before icing or serving. Enjoy this delightful BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake!

How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually appealing. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Family Gathering

• Serve slices of orange drizzle traybake cake on a large platter for family gatherings. This makes it easy for everyone to grab a piece and enjoy together.

Afternoon Tea

• Pair your cake with a selection of teas. The light citrus flavor complements herbal and black teas perfectly, creating a refreshing afternoon break.

Birthday Celebrations

• Use this cake as a birthday dessert by decorating it with extra icing and fresh orange slices. It adds a vibrant touch to any birthday party.

Picnics

• Pack slices in individual containers for picnics. The cake travels well, making it an ideal sweet treat while enjoying nature.

Coffee Breaks

• Enjoy the cake with coffee or espresso. The citrus notes beautifully enhance the rich flavors of coffee, making for a perfect snack at any time.

How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

To achieve the ultimate version of the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges for zest and juice. This enhances the flavor and aroma of your cake significantly.

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. This helps in achieving that light and fluffy texture you desire in your cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light one.

• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful contrast to the tangy orange flavors.
3. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each slice for added richness.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the citrus notes.
5. Tea Selection: Offer various tea options such as Earl Grey or chamomile, which pair wonderfully with orange flavors.
6. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone that provide a creamy counterpart to the zesty cake.
7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add texture and another layer of flavor that works well with citrus desserts.
8. Chocolate Fondue: For those who love chocolate, serving fondue allows guests to dip fruit or cake pieces into chocolate delightfully!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a tough texture. Combine the ingredients until just smooth for a light and fluffy cake.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven affects rising. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick into the center.
• Forgetting to Line the Tin: A sticky cake can ruin your efforts. Always line your baking tin with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 160℃ (320℉) and warm for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per slice until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan 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.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! You can substitute lemons or limes for orange zest and juice for different flavors.

How do I make my cake more moist?

In addition to using fresh juice, adding an extra tablespoon of milk can help retain moisture during baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

You can make your own by combining plain flour with baking powder; use about 1 cup of plain flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only light and fluffy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize this recipe with different citrus fruits or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!