Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe

The Best Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe for Zesty Sweet Bliss

Baking an orange drizzle cake sparks pure joy in kitchens everywhere.

Zesty citrus notes dance through light, fluffy layers of sweet comfort.

Soft crumb melts on your tongue with each delectable bite.

Fresh oranges bring bright, sunny memories to every slice.

Mediterranean sunshine infuses this simple yet elegant dessert with warmth.

Whispers of tangy sweetness promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Come see how this irresistible treat can turn an ordinary moment into something magical.

Why Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake Is Bright And Lively

Why Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake Is Bright And Lively
  • Celebrate Zesty Flavors: This orange drizzle cake bursts with bright citrus notes that dance on your taste buds, creating a refreshing and tangy dessert experience.
  • Impress Without Stress: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee a professional-looking result.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or special celebrations, this cake brings sunshine to any occasion with its vibrant orange essence.
  • Quick Assembly Magic: With minimal preparation steps and basic kitchen tools, you can transform simple ingredients into a stunning cake that looks like it came from a gourmet bakery.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides moisture and tender texture to the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cake's basic structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Citrus Flavoring:
  • Orange Zest: Provides intense, fresh orange flavor and aromatic essence to the cake.
  • Orange Juice: Adds natural citrus tang and moisture to the cake.
Filling and Topping:
  • Creme Fraiche, Orange Curd: Create a creamy and tangy filling that complements the cake's citrus flavor.
Drizzle Component:
  • Sugar Cubes: Used to create a sweet, crunchy drizzle topping for added texture and sweetness.

Step By Step For Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

Step By Step For Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab two round cake pans (20cm). Coat the inside with butter and line with parchment paper. Set your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-forced ovens).

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. Crack eggs into the bowl and blend thoroughly. Gently fold in:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Orange zest

Mix until ingredients are completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour cake batter evenly into prepared pans. Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Remove and let cakes cool inside the pans.

Step 4: Craft Orange Drizzle

Using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin, crush sugar cubes. Mix with fresh orange zest and juice to create a vibrant drizzle. Pour this mixture over the warm cakes, allowing it to soak in.

Step 5: Assemble Cake Layers

Whip creme fraiche until light and fluffy. Spread on one cake layer. On the second layer, spread a generous coating of orange curd.

Step 6: Final Presentation

Carefully sandwich the two cake layers together. Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy the burst of citrusy flavor!

Tips For Baking Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake Just Right

  • Zest with Care: Use a microplane or fine grater to collect only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and creme fraiche are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Prevent Dryness: Check cake doneness early with a toothpick test to avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry and crumbly.
  • Layer Evenly: Spread creme fraiche and orange curd smoothly and consistently for a balanced, professional-looking cake slice.
  • Sugar Crushing Trick: Use a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to crush sugar cubes with zest for a more even, fragrant drizzle.

Tasty Variations Of Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

  • Lemon Lover's Cake: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon, creating a tangy citrus version that brightens the entire dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the cake's soft texture.
  • Vegan Citrus Cake: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs as egg replacements, and dairy-free creme fraiche to craft a plant-based rendition.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing calorie content while preserving the cake's delightful flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas For Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

  • Pair with Zesty Prosecco: Complement the bright orange flavors with a crisp, bubbly Italian sparkling wine that echoes the cake's citrusy notes and cleanses the palate.
  • Serve alongside Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral bergamot and subtle lavender perfectly balance the cake's sweet and tangy orange profile, creating a delightful afternoon tea experience.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Cool, creamy vanilla gelato provides a smooth counterpoint to the cake's vibrant citrus intensity, enhancing the dessert's rich texture and flavor complexity.
  • Garnish with Fresh Orange Segments: Add fresh orange slices as a garnish to intensify the cake's natural citrus essence and provide a juicy, refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cake.

How To Store Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake Properly

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving to soften texture and enhance flavors.
  • Warm individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs About Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake

  • What ingredients give this cake its signature orange flavor?

The zest and juice from fresh oranges infuse the cake with a bright, citrusy taste, creating a vibrant and aromatic dessert that bursts with natural orange notes.

  • Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor and intensity. Bottled juice might lack the same depth and brightness that freshly squeezed oranges provide.

  • Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains gluten from flour and dairy from butter and creme fraiche, so it’s not ideal for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities. Consider alternative ingredients if needed.

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Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe

Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-35 mins
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Orange Drizzle Cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table with zesty citrus charm. Moist crumb and tangy glaze promise a delightful slice that will transport you to sunny Italian orchards.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) soft butter
  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) self-raising flour
  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) golden caster sugar
  • 4 eggs

Citrus Components:

  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 100 grams (3.53 ounces) white sugar cubes
  • 100 milliliters (3.38 fluid ounces) creme fraiche
  • 6 tablespoons orange curd

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare two 20cm cake tins with grease and parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, incorporating eggs gradually to create a smooth mixture.
  3. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and orange zest, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  4. Evenly distribute batter between prepared cake tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and springy to touch.
  5. While cakes are still warm, crush sugar cubes with fresh orange zest and juice to create a fragrant drizzle.
  6. Generously pour the citrusy drizzle over the warm cakes, allowing it to soak into the sponge.
  7. Whip creme fraiche until light and airy, creating a smooth spreadable texture.
  8. Spread creme fraiche on one cake layer, then carefully spread orange curd on the other layer.
  9. Carefully sandwich the two cake layers together, allowing the creamy and tangy fillings to meld.
  10. Slice and serve the vibrant orange drizzle cake, showcasing its delicate layers and zesty flavor.

Notes

  • Swap butter for plant-based alternatives to create a delightful vegan version of this citrusy treat.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Enhance the orange flavor by adding a splash of orange liqueur to the drizzle for an adult twist.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20-25 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 395 kcal
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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