🍊🍰 Orange Drizzle Cake: A Zesty, Moist Delight to Brighten Your Day

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with citrusy brightness and a tender, moist crumb, this Orange Drizzle Cake is the perfect treat! A classic British loaf with a sunny twist, this cake combines the tangy zest of fresh oranges with a light, fluffy batter, finished with a sticky, sugary drizzle that creates a delightful crunch on top. It’s the kind of cake that feels both comforting and refreshing—perfect for afternoon tea, a brunch gathering, or a sweet ending to any meal. With its vibrant flavor and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into this citrusy masterpiece! ✨

Why You’ll Love This Orange Drizzle Cake

This Orange Drizzle Cake is a celebration of bright, zesty flavors and tender texture. The orange juice and zest infuse the cake with a fresh, tangy note that balances the sweetness of the batter, while the drizzle adds a glossy, sugary finish that seeps into the cake, keeping it moist for days. It’s a versatile dessert that’s easy to whip up with pantry staples, yet it feels special enough to serve at gatherings or celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Plus, the citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients (Serves 10)

This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients to create a cake that’s light, flavorful, and beautifully moist. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 🧈 Unsalted butter: 175g, softened (plus extra for greasing) – Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy batter; use extra for greasing the tin.
• 🍚 Caster sugar: 175g – Fine sugar dissolves easily, creating a light texture.
• 🥚 Medium eggs: 3 – Bind the batter and add structure; medium eggs are perfect for this size cake.
• 🌾 Self-raising flour: 175g – Contains a leavening agent for a fluffy rise; if unavailable, use plain flour with 1.5 tsp baking powder.
• 🍊 Zest of 2 oranges – Adds intense citrus flavor; use unwaxed oranges or wash thoroughly.
• 🍋 Orange juice: 2 tbsp (for the batter) – Freshly squeezed is best for vibrant flavor.
• 🥛 Whole milk: 1 tbsp – Keeps the batter moist and tender.

For the Drizzle:

• 🍊 Orange juice: 4 tbsp – Freshly squeezed for the best taste; use the oranges you zested.
• 🍚 Granulated sugar: 100g – Creates a sticky, crunchy topping as it soaks into the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a perfectly moist Orange Drizzle Cake that’s packed with citrusy goodness.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Tin
   Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) with the fan setting (or 350°F/175°C for conventional ovens). Grease a 2lb (900g) loaf tin with a bit of softened butter, then line it with baking parchment, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This ensures the cake releases cleanly after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, ensuring a light, tender crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Add the Eggs
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle (look grainy or separated), add a spoonful of the self-raising flour to stabilize it. Curdling won’t ruin the cake, but this trick helps keep the batter smooth. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, the mixture should be creamy and homogenous.
4. Fold in the Dry and Wet Ingredients
   Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl, then gently fold it into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the orange zest, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the whole milk, folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake light and fluffy. The batter should be thick but pourable, with a vibrant orange flecked throughout.
5. Bake the Cake
   Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back lightly when touched. If it browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Prepare and Apply the Drizzle
   While the cake bakes, mix the 4 tablespoons of orange juice and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve, but don’t worry if it remains slightly grainy—it will create a crunchy topping. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer to prick the top all over—this allows the drizzle to soak in deeply. Slowly pour the drizzle over the hot cake, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Let the cake cool completely in the tin, allowing the drizzle to set and soak into the crumb.
7. Cool and Serve
   Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out of the tin. Transfer to a serving plate and slice into 10 even pieces. The cake should be moist and tender, with a glossy, slightly crunchy top that’s bursting with orange flavor.

Tips for the Best Orange Drizzle Cake

• Fresh Oranges: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor—avoid bottled juice, which can taste flat.
• Extra Zest: For an even stronger citrus hit, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter alongside the orange zest.
• Optional Glaze: For a fancier finish, mix 100g icing sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice to make a glaze, and drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well—slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
• Texture Tip: Don’t skip the milk—it ensures the cake stays soft and moist, even after a few days.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Drizzle Cake is perfect on its own, but a few additions can elevate the experience. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. For a lighter option, pair it with a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey or chamomile complements the citrus notes beautifully. It’s also a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with candied orange slices before serving.

Nutritional Highlights

With around 240 calories per slice, this cake is a relatively light treat. The oranges provide a boost of vitamin C, while the eggs and butter add protein and healthy fats. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, savoring the bright, zesty flavors.

Why This Recipe Works for Everyone

The Orange Drizzle Cake is a crowd-pleaser due to its simple ingredients and vibrant flavor profile. It’s perfect for bakers of all levels, with a straightforward method that yields stunning results. Whether you’re serving it at a tea party, a family gathering, or as a weekday treat, its citrusy freshness and tender crumb make it universally loved. Plus, it’s easily adaptable—add a glaze, swap in lemon for variety, or even make it gluten-free with the right flour.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Drizzle Cake is a delightful way to bring a burst of sunshine to your table, no matter the season. The combination of a tender, citrus-infused crumb and a sticky, sugary drizzle creates a cake that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s a recipe that’s as enjoyable to bake as it is to eat, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Give it a go, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below—don’t forget to share your photos! Happy baking! 🍊🍰✨

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