Description
Indulgent orange drizzle traybake cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table. Zesty citrus glaze and moist crumb promise a delightful slice you’ll savor with pure pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 fresh orange
Orange Drizzle and Topping:
- 1.75 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×10-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce vanilla extract, then carefully add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate flour and milk into the mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a smooth, consistent batter texture.
- Fold fresh orange zest gently into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, carefully spreading it to reach all corners and create an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and orange juice until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once cooled, drizzle the citrus glaze evenly over the cake’s surface, allowing it to cascade naturally.
- Sprinkle additional fresh orange zest on top for a vibrant finish, then let the icing set before cutting into individual squares.
Notes
- Zest Mastery Grate orange zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum flavor intensity.
- Butter Temperature Ensure butter is truly softened but not melted, allowing it to cream perfectly with sugar and create a light, fluffy texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend, adding a touch of xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure and prevent crumbling.
- Make-Ahead Magic Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising its delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg