This Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a bright and zesty treat that makes your taste buds dance! With its soft cake base and refreshing orange flavor, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Whenever I make this cake, it disappears fast! The simple drizzle adds a sweet finish that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying during a cozy afternoon! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour gives the cake a nice structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve tried both, and they turn out great!
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar works perfectly, but for a little twist, you can substitute half with brown sugar. It adds a hint of caramel flavor that pairs nicely with orange.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for a fluffy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It keeps the richness while being dairy-free!
Eggs: Large eggs provide moisture and help the cake rise. For a vegan alternative, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce, though the texture may slightly change.
Oranges: Fresh is best! The zest and juice give the cake its flavor. If you can’t find fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice, but the zest is better fresh for more zing.
How Do I Get a Light and Fluffy Cake?
To achieve that perfect light and fluffy texture in the traybake, start by creaming the butter and sugar properly. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; it will blend better with the sugar.
- Beat them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy — this could take about 3-5 minutes.
- When adding the eggs, ensure they’re mixed in well after each addition; this helps maintain the airy texture.
- Lastly, when folding in the flour mixture, be gentle! Over-mixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake.
How to Make Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 100ml fresh orange juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Drizzle:
- 150g icing sugar
- A few tablespoons of orange juice
- Additional orange slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes to prepare the cake and 25-30 minutes for baking. After the baking, allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the tray before transferring to a rack. Total time is roughly 1 hour before you can enjoy your delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it’s warming up, grease a traybake tin that is about 9×13 inches. This will help your cake come out easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for a soft cake!
3. Add the Eggs:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the bowl, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now, sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Gently fold these dry ingredients in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until there are no streaks of flour left!
5. Add Orange Flavor:
Add the fresh orange juice and the zest from the two oranges to your batter. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
6. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared traybake tin and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a skewer in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Prepare the Orange Drizzle:
While the cake is baking, make the drizzle. In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with a few tablespoons of orange juice to get a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust with more juice if necessary until you reach the right texture.
8. Drizzle and Cool:
Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and pour your orange drizzle over the warm cake, spreading it so it covers all the top. Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Garnish and Serve:
When the cake is completely cool, you can garnish it with slices of orange on top. Then, slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind your cake may be denser. Consider using 75% whole wheat flour and 25% all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Adjusting the liquid slightly may also help if the batter seems too thick.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make the cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder is certified gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly but it should still turn out delicious!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and drizzle with the icing just before serving. This keeps the cake fresh and moist!
How to Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
