Description
Mediterranean sunshine fills each slice of this orange drizzle cake, delivering citrus-kissed sweetness with delicate crumb and zesty glaze. Delightful layers promise pure comfort and refreshing flavor that will transport you straight to coastal Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 175 grams (6.2 ounces) self-raising flour
- 175 grams (6.2 ounces) butter
- 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
- 2 medium eggs
Liquid Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons milk
Glaze/Syrup Ingredients:
- 75 grams (2.6 ounces) caster sugar
- Juice of 1 large orange
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C (160°C fan) and positioning a rack in the middle. Thoroughly coat a 450g loaf tin with butter and line with parchment paper.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add wet ingredients including orange zest. Blend using an electric mixer until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Transfer batter smoothly into the prepared loaf tin, using a spatula to create an even surface. Gently tap the tin on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place cake in preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and ensure a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, create a citrusy syrup by heating orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir continuously until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes slightly thickened.
- Remove cake from oven and immediately pierce multiple holes across the surface using a thin skewer or toothpick. Pour warm syrup evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Allow cake to cool completely inside the tin, which helps it absorb the syrup and maintain moisture. Once cooled, carefully remove from tin using parchment paper edges.
- Slice cake into generous portions and serve at room temperature, enjoying the vibrant orange flavor and tender crumb.
Notes
- Zest Selection: Choose fresh, bright oranges with vibrant, deep orange skin for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic zesting.
- Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Moisture Control: Poking holes while the cake is hot allows the syrup to penetrate deeply, creating a wonderfully moist and flavorful result.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg