Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Sticky Date & Orange Traybake! This treat is a warm hug in dessert form. The rich sweetness of the dates combined with a zesty hint of orange creates a flavor explosion that’s just heavenly! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about it, and I felt like a superstar in the kitchen! The comforting texture of the traybake just melts in your mouth, and trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 200 g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- For the caramel glaze:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 50 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (1/3 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Sticky Date & Orange Traybake
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this Sticky Date & Orange Traybake! I promise you, once you get the hang of it, the process will feel like a breeze. Just follow these steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a traybake that’ll impress everyone!
Soaking the Dates
First things first, we need to soak those lovely chopped dates! In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with the baking soda, then pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This is crucial because it softens the dates, making them wonderfully gooey and easy to mix into the batter. You’ll want them to be nice and plump, so don’t rush this step!
Making the Batter
Now, while your dates are soaking, it’s time to make the batter! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your baking tray. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually take about 3-5 minutes for this—patience is key here! Next, beat in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost!
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with those soaked dates (including the water). Mix until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your traybake might turn out dense!
Baking Instructions
Pour the batter into your prepared tray and spread it evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Preparing the Caramel Glaze
While that beauty is baking, let’s get started on the caramel glaze! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir it all together until it comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once it’s looking good, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this glaze warm so it drizzles perfectly over your traybake!
Finishing Touches
Once your traybake is out of the oven, let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. This is a great time to get that caramel glaze ready! Drizzle it generously over the top, allowing it to soak in a bit. Now, let your traybake cool completely before slicing it into squares or rectangles. I love serving it on a simple white plate—it really lets the dessert shine! Get ready for the rich, moist texture and that zesty orange flavor to blow everyone away!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Sticky Date & Orange Traybake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips that I swear by:
- Use fresh dates: I can’t stress enough how important it is to use fresh, soft dates for this recipe. They’ll give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this traybake shine!
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly. A little too much flour or sugar can really change the outcome!
- Don’t overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense traybake, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
- Check for doneness: Remember, every oven is different! I recommend checking your traybake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A skewer should come out clean, but be careful not to overbake!
- Let it cool: Patience pays off! Allow the traybake to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set nicely and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Get creative: Feel free to add your own twist! Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the caramel glaze for added texture and flavor—yum!
With these tips, I just know you’ll impress everyone with your Sticky Date & Orange Traybake. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich flavor: The combination of sweet dates and zesty orange creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this traybake is a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dessert is sure to impress and please a crowd.
- Comforting texture: The moist, gooey center paired with the luscious caramel glaze makes every bite a comforting experience.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can bake it in advance and simply drizzle the glaze just before serving—perfect for meal prep!
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or even a scoop of ice cream on the side for a delightful twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Sticky Date & Orange Traybake, and now you’re left with some leftovers. No worries! This dessert stores beautifully. To keep it fresh, simply place any uneaten pieces in an airtight container. It’ll stay good on your countertop for about 2 days, or you can pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well; we don’t want any unwanted dryness sneaking in!
If you’re looking to enjoy it later, you can also freeze the traybake. Just slice it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, when it comes time to reheat, I recommend doing so gently. You can pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just to warm them up. Or, if you prefer, you can place a slice in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, you’ll bring back that lovely moist texture, and it’ll taste just as delightful as when it was fresh out of the oven! Just be careful not to overheat it—nobody wants a dry traybake!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious Sticky Date & Orange Traybake! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Sodium: 100 mg
So there you have it! This delightful dessert is rich in flavor while being a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt. Just remember to savor each bite, and enjoy the wonderful experience this traybake brings!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Absolutely! While brown sugar gives that lovely caramel flavor, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or even regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the taste!
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream for the caramel glaze?
No problem at all! You can make a simple glaze using milk and butter instead. Just use about 75 ml (1/3 cup) of milk with a tablespoon of butter for a similar effect. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste delicious!
Can I make this traybake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free. It should turn out just as tasty!
How can I make my Sticky Date & Orange Traybake more festive?
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! You could add some festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, or even toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the glaze gives it a lovely holiday vibe too!
How long will the traybake last when stored?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your Sticky Date & Orange Traybake will last for about 3 days in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw it overnight for the best texture!
Sticky Date & Orange Traybake: 7 Comforting Moments
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sticky Date & Orange Traybake is a rich dessert that combines the sweetness of dates with a hint of orange.
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- For the caramel glaze:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 50 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (1/3 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they soften.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking tray (approximately 20 x 30 cm or 8 x 12 inches) with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked dates (including the water). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the traybake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the traybake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Allow the traybake to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve on a simple white plate, and enjoy the rich, moist texture with a hint of orange.
Notes
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the caramel glaze before it sets.
- This traybake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or as a sweet treat for guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Sticky Date, Orange, Traybake, Dessert, Baking