The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful dessert that brings sunshine to any occasion. Its light and fluffy texture, paired with a delectable orange glaze, makes it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. This cake stands out not just for its vibrant flavor but also for its ease of preparation. With fresh orange zest on top, it’s a treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice provide a refreshing taste that brightens your day.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake fits right in.
- Great for Sharing: With 12 slices, it’s ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- Moist and Delicious: The self-raising flour ensures a light texture while the drizzle keeps it moist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking tin (8×10 inches)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ensures that your butter and sugar become light and fluffy, essential for the cake’s texture.
- Baking tin: The right size helps the cake bake evenly.
- Wire rack: Allows for proper cooling, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
For the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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) and line an 8×10-inch tin with baking paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Whisk in:
1. The eggs one at a time.
2. Gradually add self-raising flour and milk until you achieve a smooth batter.
3. Finally, stir in the orange zest.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your lined tin:
1. Spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Let the cake cool in the tin for around 10 minutes.
2. Flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this delightful cake as a perfect dessert!
How to Serve BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Serving the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful experience. Its light and fluffy texture combined with a refreshing orange flavor makes it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of this delicious traybake.
With Fresh Cream
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs perfectly, adding richness to each bite.
- Double Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with thick double cream to complement the cake’s moisture.
With Fruits
- Mixed Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offer a tart contrast that elevates the cake’s sweetness.
- Citrus Slices: Garnish with additional orange slices for a burst of color and flavor.
As Dessert Platter
- Dessert Board: Create a dessert platter featuring the traybake alongside other sweets like brownies or cookies for variety.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve slices with a cup of strong coffee or tea, enhancing the flavors of the cake.
How to Perfect BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
To ensure your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you in achieving that light and fluffy texture while maximizing flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and aeration.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain the cake’s fluffiness and avoid a dense texture.
- Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Let the cake cool fully before applying icing to prevent melting and ensure a smooth finish.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Pairing side dishes with your BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the citrus flavors with its creamy sweetness.
- Coconut Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet adds a tropical twist that pairs well with orange.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent combination of flavors.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce provides a rich contrast that enhances the cake’s taste.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the cake’s flavors without overpowering them.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the cake’s texture and taste. Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Skipping the creaming process: Failing to cream butter and sugar properly can result in a dense cake. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy for the best outcome.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too vigorously after adding flour can make the cake tough. Stir gently until just combined, especially when incorporating the flour and milk.
Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Not allowing the cake to cool properly: Removing the cake from the tin too soon can cause it to break apart. Let it cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Oven: Preheat your oven to 160℃ and place the cake on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?
The total time from prep to serving is about 40 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
Can I use different citrus fruits in this traybake?
Yes! You can substitute orange with lemon or lime zest for a refreshing twist on the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake.
What should I serve with BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, enhancing its flavor profile beautifully.
How do I add more flavor to my BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter or infusing your icing with additional citrus juice.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is not only light and fluffy but also bursting with citrus flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for gatherings or casual tea time. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or toppings, making this delightful dessert truly your own!

BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake
Discover the joy of baking with the BEST Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake, a delightful dessert that combines a light, fluffy texture with vibrant citrus flavors. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea. Topped with a zesty orange glaze and fresh orange zest, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, bakers of all skill levels can create this crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm or chilled, and watch it become the star of your dessert table!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
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 parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually fold in self-raising flour and milk until smooth. Finally, stir in the orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness. Consider adding lemon or lime zest for a different citrus twist.






