Name: Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250 g Butter, softened (or baking spread); 250 g Caster sugar; 1 Teaspoon Orange extract; 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla extract; 4 Medium Eggs; 210 g Self-raising flour; 40 g Cocoa powder; 3 Tablespoons Milk; Zest of 1 Medium orange; 100 g Terry’s Chocolate Orange (divided: 100 g melted for icing plus 16 segments for decoration); 100 g Butter, softened; 100 g Icing sugar; 10 g Cocoa powder; 1-2 Tablespoons Milk; Handful Orange sprinkles and/or fresh orange zest

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 218 reviews

If you adore the vibrant, zesty flavour of orange combined with rich, indulgent chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe. This tray bake is a sensational way to transform simple pantry ingredients into a spectacularly moist, fluffy cake bursting with citrus sunshine and deep cocoa richness. Packed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces both inside the batter and as a delightful topping, this cake makes every bite a celebration of textures and flavours. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a slice of homemade joy, this recipe is here to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth with the perfect balance of chocolate and orange.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square-shaped chocolate cake piece sits on a white marbled surface, showing two distinct layers: a dark, rich brown spongy cake base and a smooth, thick layer of dark chocolate frosting on top. On the frosting, there is a half-moon shaped chocolate piece with a slightly dusty texture and embossed writing, placed near one edge. Small, golden star-shaped sprinkles and tiny bits of orange zest decorate the area around the chocolate piece. In the background, parts of two other chocolate pieces can be seen, blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable treat. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the butter bringing richness, the orange extract lending that unmistakable citrus aroma, or the self-raising flour providing the perfect bounce and crumb.

250 g Butter, softened: This adds luxurious moisture and richness that makes the cake melt in your mouth.
250 g Caster sugar: The right amount of sweetness to balance the chocolate and orange flavours perfectly.
1 Teaspoon Orange extract: Gives an intense, fresh citrus fragrance that lifts the entire cake.
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla extract: A subtle layer of warmth that enhances all your other ingredients.
4 Medium Eggs: Essential for structure and creating a tender, airy crumb.
210 g Self-raising flour: Helps the cake rise to the perfect height with a light texture.
40 g Cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolatey intensity without overwhelming the orange notes.
3 Tablespoons Milk: Adds moisture and helps smooth the batter for an even bake.
Zest of 1 Medium orange: Fresh citrus zest to brighten every mouthful naturally.
100 g Terry’s Chocolate Orange: Mixed into the batter for irresistible pockets of chocolate orange goodness.
100 g Butter, softened (for icing): Creates a creamy, indulgent base for the chocolate orange frosting.
100 g Icing sugar: Sweetens the topping while keeping it smooth and silky.
10 g Cocoa powder (for icing): Intensifies the chocolate flavour in the frosting for consistency.
1-2 Tablespoons Milk (for icing): Loosens the icing to the perfect spreading consistency.
16 Terry’s chocolate orange segments: To decorate the top with those iconic, zesty chocolate pieces.
Handful Orange sprinkles and/or fresh orange zest: Adds a festive pop of colour and aroma for that final joyful touch.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Line an 8×10-inch tray bake tin with baking paper so your cake slides out effortlessly once baked—no sticking or crumbling here!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in colour. This step is key for a wonderfully tender crumb. Next, stir in the orange and vanilla extracts to infuse the batter with rich, aromatic flavour right from the start.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

One by one, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition for a smooth, cohesive batter. Then, gradually fold in the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and milk little by little, carefully combining everything until you achieve a smooth, thick texture. Stir through the fresh orange zest for that zingy brightness throughout, and finally, fold in the broken Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces—small bursts of chocolatey citrus hide delightfully in your cake!

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick poked into the centre comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the gorgeous scent of chocolate and orange, signaling something very special is on its way.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes—this lets it set gently. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing. Patience here means your topping will melt perfectly and not slide off!

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

Melt 100 g of Terry’s Chocolate Orange gently until smooth and then allow it to cool to room temperature—it’s important for the icing texture. Meanwhile, mix the softened butter, icing sugar, and cocoa powder until silky smooth. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen the frosting to just the right consistency, then stir in the cooled melted chocolate. This frosting is everything you want in a chocolate orange icing: rich, creamy, and irresistible.

Step 7: Ice and Decorate

Spread the chocolate orange icing evenly over the cooled cake with a spatula. Top with 16 chocolate orange segments, placing them thoughtfully to highlight their shape, and sprinkle a handful of orange sprinkles or fresh orange zest for that extra pop of festive colour and zesty aroma. Your beautiful Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe is ready!

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Slice into generous portions, admire the rich chocolate speckled with vibrant orange, and serve. Each bite balances moisture, citrus brightness, and chocolate pleasure like a dream.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe

The image shows several square chocolate brownies arranged on a white marbled surface. Each brownie has two layers: a thick, moist dark brown cake base and a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting layer on top. The frosting is decorated with orange star-shaped sprinkles scattered around and a half-moon shaped piece of Terry’s chocolate placed near the center of each brownie, with the word

Garnishes

Top your slices with a dusting of cocoa powder or a light sprinkle of orange zest for a refined finish that enhances the fresh orange flavours. A spoonful of whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone also pairs beautifully for added creaminess.

Side Dishes

This tray bake shines with a simple cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee, cutting through the sweetness and balancing the rich cocoa tones. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy custard to elevate your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not arrange individual slices on a decorative platter lined with orange slices and chocolate curls for a show-stopping presentation? You could also cut bite-sized squares for a party tray, making it perfectly shareable and irresistibly inviting for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe stays delicious and moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered prevents it from drying out and preserves those fresh chocolate and orange aromas.

Freezing

This cake freezes brilliantly! Wrap the cooled, uniced cake tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the icing and decorations fresh for that just-baked feeling.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, gently warm your portion in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just enough to soften the chocolate and enhance the orange scent without drying the cake. This quick reheat makes every bite taste freshly baked and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of Terry’s Chocolate Orange?

Absolutely! While Terry’s Chocolate Orange gives the signature zesty twist, regular milk or dark chocolate chunks or chips will still produce a delicious chocolate cake. To mimic the orange flavour, consider adding a bit more orange zest or a drop extra of orange extract.

Is this cake suitable for freezing with the icing on?

It’s best to freeze the cake without the icing to preserve texture and flavour. Once thawed, add the frosting and toppings fresh for the best presentation and taste.

Can I substitute the self-raising flour with plain flour?

If you only have plain flour, simply add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the recipe to replicate the rising effects of self-raising flour. This swap helps maintain the light, fluffy texture of the cake.

What can I use instead of orange extract?

If you don’t have orange extract on hand, freshly squeezed orange juice mixed with a little orange zest works well as a natural alternative. It adds freshness and keeps the citrus essence bright and lively.

Is this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

This particular recipe contains dairy and gluten, but you can easily swap butter for a dairy-free spread and use gluten-free self-raising flour to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or texture.

Final Thoughts

From the first fragrant notes of orange zest to the deeply comforting chocolate layers, this Chocolate Orange Tray Bake Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in cake form. It’s wonderfully simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion, bringing sunshine and smiles to your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured favourite you’ll return to again and again. Go ahead—bake this joyful treat and share the happiness!