Rich and fudgy chocolate orange brownies recipe with chocolate frosting that's made from scratch, using simple ingredients. Easy to make and very decadent.
These QUICK and EASY chocolate orange brownies prove that fruits and chocolate were meant to go together.
Seriously, these brownies are super FUDGY, very MOIST and packed with intense CHOCOLATE flavor that is complimented by citrus flavors...YUM!
These orange flavored chocolate brownies get their main flavor from TWO sources:
- Orange zest
- Orange extract
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I modified one of my sister's fudge brownies recipe to come up with this DECADENT dessert that's great for Spring and Summer parties.
To be honest, I was a little worried that the use of oranges might give these brownies a medicinal aftertaste.
Thankfully, that did not happen.
After making these brownies a few times and TESTING different quantities of ingredients, I was able to successfully make the perfect batch of chocolate brownies with orange zest and orange extract.
Here are some TIPS for making PERFECT chocolate orange brownies from scratch:
- Both, cocoa powder and chocolate chips are used in this recipe. Don't omit one or the other. They are both required for the perfect fudgy brownie texture.
- In this recipe, you can use semisweet chocolate chips OR milk chocolate chips. I don't recommend using dark chocolate chips since it's too bitter and over-whelms the overall flavor.
- I prefer using orange emulsion oil since it's stronger and doesn't evaporate while baking. However, if you don't have that, you can easily use orange extract instead.
- Don't omit the orange zest. It adds a wonderful fresh aroma to these brownies.
- These simple chocolate orange brownies can be decorated with thinly sliced oranges, candied oranges or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
- DON'T use wax paper to line the cake pan. The brownies stick to it and it's a mess! I suggest lining the pan with aluminum foil and spraying it with a little bit of oil. That makes it very easy to remove the brownies, once they have cooled down completely.
- I prefer really fudgy, almost under-cooked brownies BUT if you are not fond of that, you can bake for a little longer.
- TECHNICALLY, your brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean with some crumbs. It should NOT be dripping with batter. If your inserted toothpick comes out dry, you have over-baked your brownies and they will have a more “cake-like” texture.
- To make chocolate brownies with orange icing, use this orange buttercream icing instead of chocolate frosting.
- To make white chocolate orange brownies, stir in about ⅓ cup white chocolate chips in the batter and top off the brownies with this white chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Leftovers can be STORED in a sealed container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you are storing in the fridge, leave the brownies on the countertop for a few minutes to come down to room temperature before digging in.
How to make chocolate orange brownies?
The process is a little different than my other brownie recipes. Start off by melting the butter and chocolate chips together in a bowl. Now, mix in the sugar. Then, mix in the eggs. Mix in the extracts and zest. Finally, add the flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. Stir in nuts, if you like. Spread this brownie batter into a square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. When the brownies cool down, spread chocolate frosting. Cut slices and decorate each slice with thin orange slices. Enjoy!
Mocha brownies with coffee glaze
Chocolate Orange Brownies
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 2¼ cups Granulated sugar
- 4 Large eggs
- 1 Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Orange extract or orange emulsion oil
- 2 tablespoon Orange zest
- 1¼ cups Cocoa powder
- 1½ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder
Add-ins
- ¼ cup Chopped walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips
- 15 Round orange slices for decoration
- Chocolate buttercream icing or Coconut cream chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, add chocolate chips and butter. Heat in the microwave at 30 second intervals until everything has completely melted and you have a smooth mixture.
- Dump this chocolate mixture into a mixing bowl. Add sugar and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture should not be boiling hot!
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest and mix until just combined.
- Add cocoa powder and mix until just combined.
- Slowly, add the flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick!
- Gently, stir in any add-ins you like.
- Pour this brownie batter into a square cake pan (Dimensions: 9×9) that's been lined with foil paper and sprayed with oil.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 28-30 minutes.
- When these brownies have cooled down, spread chocolate frosting all over the top and cut them into square pieces. Decorate each slice with a couple of round orange slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Well, that's all for today.
Until next time, tata my lovelies!
Lucy
Wow these look perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Abeer Rizvi
Thanks... they were sooooooo chocolicious!
Mary Frances
Yumm!! This looks so good. I'm so tempted to get myself some brownie now!
Abeer Rizvi
hahaha... you really should make a batch of these!
Emily
Is the extract/oil essential to maintain the texture? Could I just use more zest to achieve the same effect?
Abeer Rizvi
I use the extract/ oil to enhance the orange flavor. It has nothing to do with the texture. You can add a littl more zest, if you like but don't add too much since that will make the brownies bitter.
Mehnaz
Yummy!! Looks very decadent! Can I use orange juice instead of extract? If yes then how much? Thanks for the recipe.
Abeer Rizvi
No, I am sorry but the juice doesn't have the same fragrance and flavor as the extract. You need to use that extract.
Isabelle Lane
Best brownies I have ever made
AJ
If I make this in a 9x13 pan will they come out too thin? I don't have a 9x9 pan, but I really want to make these!
Abeer Rizvi
Yes, that's a big pan and they will be thinner and I feel thinner brownies are never fudgy.
KMB
Delicious!. I accidentally forgot to buy oranges, so used tangerine rind off our tree. Won't do that again, but was still great flavor, rich brownie with the texture I like. This might also be good with orange liqueur added.