This Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. A moist orange sponge is topped with a tangy and sweet orange drizzle, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or a bake sale favorite, this simple traybake is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Citrusy – Packed with fresh orange juice and zest for maximum flavor.
- Soft and Moist – A perfectly tender sponge soaked in a sweet orange drizzle.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for tea time, parties, or casual gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)
- Baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
- Fresh orange zest
- Fresh orange juice
- Milk (for extra moisture)
- Vanilla extract
For the Orange Drizzle:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh orange juice
Directions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla – Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Mix the Batter – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and milk until smooth.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the Orange Drizzle:
- Mix the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle Over Warm Cake – While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the surface with a fork or skewer and pour the orange drizzle evenly over the top. Let it soak in.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the Cake Cool – Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Orange Poppy Seed Cake – Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for extra texture.
- Chocolate Orange – Stir in chocolate chips for a delicious orange-chocolate combo.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
- Extra Zesty – Add more zest to the batter for a stronger orange flavor.
- Orange Icing – Instead of drizzle, top with a thick orange glaze for a sweeter finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for extra freshness.
- Freezing – Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness a few minutes before the baking time ends.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking tray and adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I get an extra strong orange flavor?
Use more zest and replace some milk with extra orange juice.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Let the cake cool completely before slicing with a sharp knife.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes! If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake in cupcake liners for about 18-20 minutes.
What can I serve with this cake?
It pairs well with whipped cream, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the drizzle before it sets for a light crunch.
Conclusion
This Easy Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a delightful citrusy treat that’s soft, moist, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or a special occasion, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a burst of orange goodness in every bite!
PrintOrange Drizzle Traybake Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Drizzle Traybake Cake is a soft, fluffy sponge bursting with fresh orange flavor. Topped with a zesty orange drizzle and an optional sweet glaze, it’s perfect for afternoon tea, bake sales, or a simple homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp orange zest (about 2 oranges)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
For the Orange Drizzle:
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
For the Glaze (Optional):
3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Sift in flour and salt, then mix until just combined.
- Pour in milk and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 2: Bake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Make the Orange Drizzle
- While the cake is still warm, mix orange juice and sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the cake, then pour the orange drizzle evenly over the top.
- Let the cake soak in the drizzle and cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Extra Moist Cake: Replace ¼ cup milk with sour cream or yogurt for a richer texture.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy.
- For a More Intense Orange Flavor: Add ½ tsp orange extract to the batter.
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