Moist Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

Zesty Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe: Juicy Citrus Bliss

Sunshine bursts through every slice of this delectable orange drizzle traybake cake that promises pure citrusy bliss.

Tangy and sweet, the recipe weaves zesty orange flavors into a moist, tender crumb that melts on your tongue.

Each forkful delivers a bright, refreshing punch of citrus essence that dances across your palate.

The simple yet elegant dessert comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Soft, buttery layers infused with fragrant orange zest create a delightful treat perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings.

Rich and indulgent, this traybake transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Prepare to fall in love with a cake that celebrates the vibrant, sunny essence of fresh oranges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 12

Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Ingredients Unwrapped

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps create a tender cake crumb.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, golden-brown cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create a light, airy cake texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Orange Zest: Delivers bright, intense citrus aroma and natural orange essence.
  • Orange Juice: Adds tangy freshness and deepens the citrus flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle, complex warmth.
  • Milk: Ensures a moist, smooth cake consistency and softens the batter.
For Structural Ingredients:
  • Self-Rising Flour: Creates a soft, rising texture and provides the cake's foundational structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and creates a light, fluffy texture.

Tools to Use for Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy texture.
  • 9×13-inch baking tray: Provides ideal size for even baking.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Helps evenly distribute flour and remove lumps.
  • Zester or grater: Creates fine orange zest for maximum flavor.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees precise ingredient quantities.
  • Toothpick or cake tester: Checks cake doneness by inserting into center.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.

How to Make Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Blast your oven to a toasty 350°F and get your baking tray ready by coating it with a light layer of grease and snuggling in some parchment paper.

  • Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixing bowl and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy dream by beating them together until they’re perfectly blended and looking irresistible.

  • Bring in the Eggs

Crack in your eggs one at a time, giving each a serious whisking to make sure they’re fully incorporated and your batter looks smooth and silky.

  • Create the Magical Mix

Sift your flour with a gentle hand, folding it into the batter with tender love. Sprinkle in some orange zest, splash of fresh orange juice, a hint of milk, and a dash of vanilla extract to make your cake sing with flavor.

  • Spread the Love

Pour your gorgeous batter into the prepared tray, smoothing it out so every corner gets some attention and the surface looks perfectly even.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the waiting oven and let it dance for 25-30 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden and inviting.

Orange Drizzle Tips & Flavor Ideas

  • Zest Tip: Grate orange zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum moisture retention.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to maintain the cake's light texture.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk for a delicious dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Citrus Variation: Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the cake's delightful essence.

Presentation Tips for Orange Drizzle Traybake

  • Citrus Brunch Companion: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or a light mimosa for a delightful morning treat.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Slice into small squares and present on a delicate china plate with a dollop of whipped cream for sophisticated tea time.
  • Dessert Garnish Delight: Top each slice with candied orange peel, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a zesty orange glaze to enhance the cake's vibrant flavor profile.
  • Family Sharing Moment: Cut into generous rectangular pieces perfect for passing around during casual family gatherings or weekend celebrations.

Orange Drizzle Traybake Storage Details

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake fresh and delightful with these easy tips.
  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Leave the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon. Place under a cake dome or cover with a clean kitchen towel to protect its soft texture.
  • Freezing Friendly Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Moisture Maintenance Method: Add a slice of bread to the storage container to keep the cake soft and prevent it from becoming dry. Replace the bread slice every 24 hours if needed.
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Moist Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe

Moist Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Succulent orange drizzle traybake cake delivers zesty citrus notes in a delightful dessert. British baking tradition shines through with this simple yet elegant treat that you’ll savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 oranges (zest)
  • 2 tbsps fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for drizzle)
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice (for drizzle)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
  • 3 tbsps fresh orange juice (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Generously butter a 9×13-inch tray and line with parchment paper. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350F (175C).
  2. Creaming: Whip butter and sugar in a large bowl until light, fluffy, and completely smooth with no sugar crystals visible.
  3. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly beating after each addition to create a uniform, silky batter with no streaks.
  4. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Delicately sift self-rising flour and baking powder over the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula to maintain maximum airiness.
  5. Flavor Infusion: Blend orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract into the batter, mixing just until ingredients are perfectly combined.
  6. Baking: Pour batter into prepared tray, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
  7. Finishing: Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely in the tray before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • -Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients gently into wet mixture using folding technique to maintain cake’s airy texture and prevent dense, tough result.
  • -Zest Selection: Use fresh, organic oranges with bright, vibrant skin for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic citrus notes throughout the cake.
  • -Temperature Precision: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation and consistent cake structure.
  • -Moisture Management: Check cake’s doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry, crumbly texture; toothpick test is crucial for perfect moisture balance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 78 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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