3 Top Baking Tips from the Queen of Tray Bakes, Orla Drumgoole
Right, let’s set the scene. You're sitting in your child’s bedroom, dodging toys on the floor, with a half-cold cup in hand, while warning your other half to stay quiet because you're about to go live on Instagram. Sound familiar? Welcome to the gloriously unpolished world of real-life food lovers!
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the brilliant Orla, the warm heart and steady hands behind Irish Mammy Cooks. Orla’s a retired teacher, a proud mammy, and a total whizz in the kitchen — especially when it comes to tray bakes. She’s known for sharing easy, no-fuss recipes with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’re back in your mum’s kitchen, licking the spoon and sneaking seconds. Her followers are in their hundreds of thousands across Instagram and facebook.
Meet Orla: The Irish Mammy Who Cooks (and Bakes and Inspires)
Orla started her cooking blog as a way to share the joy of food with others — but what began as a few humble posts has grown into a proper community. Her recipes aren’t about showing off or fancy techniques; they’re about feeding people well, making food that brings comfort, and reminding us all that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
And her tray bakes? Legendary. Think apple and custard, chocolate chip wonders, buttery slices of pure joy — all baked in one tray and sliced up to feed a crowd (or just yourself with a good cup of tea).
Baking with Heart (and a Bit of Chaos)
Forget spotless marble countertops and perfect piping — this chat was full of the real stuff. Like the fact that half the Instagram lives happen perched on kids' beds or surrounded by laundry. But hey, that’s what makes it relatable. It’s not about being picture-perfect; it’s about showing up, being yourself, and sharing the joy of cooking with whoever fancies a listen.
And that’s the magic of it, really. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or a Michelin star — just a bit of butter (not hot, mind you), some everyday ingredients, and a dollop of enthusiasm.
Tray Bakes: The Lazy Legend of the Baking World
Here’s the thing — tray bakes are brilliant. They’re easy, they feed a crowd, and there’s no faffing about with muffin cases or waiting on five different batches to cook. One tray. One bake. Loads of happy mouths.
The now-famous apple and custard tray bake? A total hit. Millions of views. And what’s the secret? Custard powder — the kind you’ve probably got shoved at the back of your cupboard. Turns out it adds a soft custardy flavour without any fuss. (And yes, custard powder is basically just cornflour and vanilla — don’t panic.)
There’s real joy in using what you have, winging it a bit, and turning odds and ends into something delicious. That leftover apple? Chuck it in. Bit of pastry knocking about? Stick it on top. That’s not lazy, that’s clever.
Confidence Over Perfection
One of the biggest takeaways? Confidence in the kitchen isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about giving it a go, making peace with the odd flop, and trusting your instincts. Some of the best dishes come from “I wonder what would happen if…” moments.
And if you’re still building that confidence? Don’t worry — just start small. Watch others, follow along with recipes if it helps, and then slowly start adding your own twist. Before long, you’ll be the one improvising a hot cross bun recipe or turning a pancake disaster into a win.
A Place for Positivity
What makes this whole cooking blog thing special isn’t just the recipes — it’s the kindness, humour, and authenticity behind it all. It's not about going viral; it's about helping people realise they can bake, cook, and make something lovely for their families. That positive energy spreads — and we all need a bit more of that online.
Whether it’s old students dropping in to say hello, followers getting excited about their very first Christmas cake, or messages saying, “I’m 70 and I made your bake and loved it” — that’s what it’s all about. Real food, real people, real joy.
Top Tips for Home Bakers (Straight from the Source)
Never use hot butter – Melted? Sure. Boiling hot? No way. It’ll wreck your rise.
Clean as you go – Otherwise, it’s chaos. Absolute chaos.
Prep first – Have your bits out before you start. You’ll save yourself the “where’s the sugar?!” panic mid-mix.
Also, parchment paper is your friend. Honestly, don’t even bother trying to get cakes out of trays without it.
You don’t need a perfect kitchen, top-notch gear, or a fancy food education to be a great home cook. What you do need is a bit of heart, a sense of humour, and a willingness to try.
Whether you’re baking for the neighbours, freezing a tray bake to bring to your daughter in uni, or just cooking dinner with whatever veg is going soft in the fridge — you’re doing great.
And if nothing else, remember this: if it’s for you, it won’t go by you. Wise words to live (and bake) by.