Orange Brownies
Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a burst of citrusy goodness? These Orange Brownies are the perfect blend of fudgy delight and zesty flavor, making them a unique treat that’ll have everyone craving more. Infused with pure orange extract and a hint of freshly grated orange zest, these brownies will tantalize your taste buds and brighten up any gathering. They are super simple to whip up, which makes them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover what makes these Orange Brownies irresistible!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– The delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing orange twist.
– Super easy to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing.
– The brownies are incredibly fudgy and moist, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
– Each bite is packed with vibrant orange flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate.
– Ideal for sharing at parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
What Goes In
- 2 cups sugar – Sweetens the brownies to perfection.
- 1 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature – Provides structure and helps achieve that fudgy texture.
- 2 tsp pure orange extract – Infuses the brownies with a vibrant orange flavor.
- 1 tsp grated orange zest – Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for the brownie structure.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the orange glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth finish.
- 2 tbsp orange juice – Enhances the glaze with a tangy kick.
- 1 tsp orange zest – For the glaze, amplifying the orange flavor.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the batter until smooth.
- Spatula – For scraping down the sides of your bowl and spreading the batter.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The perfect size for these brownies.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal and clean-up.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements.
Orange Brownies Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing the brownies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use a whisk to blend them together until creamy. Add in the salt, eggs, pure orange extract, and grated orange zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and fudgy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth. This glaze adds a lovely finish to your brownies!
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful fusion of chocolate and orange flavors!
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Reduce sugar by 1/2 cup for a lower-sugar version, but keep in mind this may affect the texture slightly.
- Add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
Steer Clear of These
While creating your delightful Orange Brownies, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls:
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Avoid using low-quality orange extract, as it can compromise the flavor.
- Steer clear of underbaking; ensure the toothpick test is followed closely.
- Don’t skip the glaze; it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Orange Brownies are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week.
- You can also freeze the brownies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Popular Questions
Can I make these Orange Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I replace the orange flavor with another fruit?
Yes! You can experiment with other flavors like lemon or raspberry. Just substitute the orange extract and zest accordingly.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
If you don’t have fresh orange zest, you can omit it, but the flavor will be less intense. Alternatively, you can use a little extra orange extract.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating they are fudgy and not overbaked.
Save & Share
If you love these Orange Brownies as much as we do, be sure to save the recipe and share it with your friends and family! Tag us on social media when you make them, and let us know how they turned out!
These Orange Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience that combines the richness of chocolate with the brightness of orange. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and indulge in a slice of citrusy heaven. Happy baking!
Orange Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly.
- Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use a whisk to blend them until creamy. Add salt, eggs, orange extract, and grated orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and fudgy.
- Step 5: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 6: While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Step 7: Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment to lift them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Step 8: Once the glaze has set, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- These brownies can be made ahead of time; store in an airtight container.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut oil for butter.
- Add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
