Indulge in the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. This cake is light and fluffy, with a refreshing burst of orange flavor. Its sweet glace icing and vibrant orange zest on top make it not just tasty but also visually appealing. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply craving a sweet snack, this traybake will impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious cake.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or dessert after dinner.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of orange zest and juice ensures every bite is full of refreshing citrus goodness.
- Great for Sharing: Cut it into squares and share with friends or family; it’s always a hit!
- Moist & Fluffy Texture: The self-raising flour combined with the right mixing technique creates a delightful cake consistency.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. This will help streamline the baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking tin (8×10 inches)
- Baking paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly for a smooth batter.
- Baking tin: Using the correct size ensures even baking and proper cake rise.
- Wire rack: Cooling the cake properly prevents sogginess and maintains texture.

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 Icing:
- 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 line an 8×10-inch tin with baking paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Flour, and Milk
Whisk in each egg one at a time, followed by adding the self-raising flour and milk gradually. Mix until you have a smooth batter. Then fold in the zest of one orange gently.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter to your lined tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
After baking, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Enjoy making this delightful BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake!
How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Serving your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy homemade whipped cream adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the citrusy flavor of the cake.
Garnished with Fresh Berries
- A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can add vibrant colors and tartness, balancing the sweetness of the icing.
Drizzled with Extra Orange Juice
- For an added burst of orange flavor, drizzle some freshly squeezed orange juice over each slice just before serving.
Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream
- The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the tangy notes of the orange cake for a delicious dessert duo.
Paired with Herbal Tea
- Serve your cake alongside a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, which provides a soothing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange slices of your traybake on a decorative platter with other desserts for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
To achieve the perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, consider these helpful tips that ensure both flavor and texture are on point.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
-
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder helps aerate them, leading to a lighter cake texture.
-
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to prevent dense cake; small lumps are okay.
-
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
-
Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool fully before applying icing; this prevents it from melting off.
Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
When serving your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, consider these side dishes that perfectly complement its bright flavors.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness alongside the sweet cake.
-
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a tropical twist that pairs well with citrus flavors.
-
Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert cleanses the palate and enhances the orange taste in your traybake.
-
Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
-
Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping fruit pieces; it creates an indulgent contrast to the orange cake.
-
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can complement the sweetness without overwhelming it, providing savory notes.
-
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti can be dipped in coffee or tea alongside your moist traybake for an enjoyable texture contrast.
-
Herbed Focaccia Bread: The savory bread offers a nice balance to sweet desserts and makes for an interesting pairing choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake even more delightful. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
-
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the cake, while one that is too cool may leave it undercooked.
-
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Accurate ingredient ratios ensure a consistent texture and flavor in your cake.
-
Skipping the Zest: Don’t forget the orange zest! It adds essential flavor and aroma. Always include fresh zest for the best results.
-
Overmixing the Batter: Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture.
-
Failing to Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart and ensures even cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 160℃ and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet with low heat, cover, and warm slowly to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake:
What makes this cake so special?
The combination of fresh orange juice and zest provides a zesty flavor that brightens every bite.
Can I substitute other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! You can use lemon or lime instead of orange for a different citrus twist in your traybake.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Simply replace self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend while keeping other ingredients the same.
Can I add frosting instead of icing?
Yes, feel free to top it with your favorite frosting or cream cheese icing if you prefer a richer taste.
Final Thoughts
This BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. Its light, fluffy texture combined with zesty flavors makes it irresistible. You can customize it by adding nuts or using different citrus fruits, making it versatile for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’ll be glad you did!
BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Indulge in the delightful BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, a perfect blend of light and fluffy texture with a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. This cake is topped with sweet glace icing and garnished with vibrant orange zest, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Ideal for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this traybake will surely impress friends and family alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan ovens) and line an 8×10-inch baking tin with baking paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by gradually adding self-raising flour and milk until you have a smooth batter. Gently fold in the orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg




Leave a Comment