You are going to love these light and fluffy Orange Brownies. These brownies are made without chocolate but a sweet citrus flavor.
Fresh orange zest and orange juice gives these brownies so much flavor. They are fudgy, dense, moist and the best orange flavor dessert you will have.
The orange brownies are topped with a orange cream cheese frosting that makes it the perfect combination. They are perfect to make for any occasion.
You might also like Orange Soda Cupcakes for more orange flavor. The kids also enjoy Easy Blondie Recipe, Mini Brownie Cupcakes and Nutella Brownies. For something really decadent, make S’mores Brownies Recipe.
We love the taste of fresh orange juice and combining with the brownie ingredients makes this dessert so delicious. Treat yourself this weekend and make a batch of these citrus filled brownies.
Table of contents
Why We Love Orange Brownies
- Simple Ingredients – These brownies are made from scratch with a hint of orange. If you are a baker you probably already have all the ingredients. You may just need to pick up an orange at the grocery store.
- Easy to Make – These brownies quickly combine in large mixing bowl. Then topped with a made from scratch orange cream cheese frosting.
- Loaded with Flavor – Orange desserts are always a family favorite. Orange slices are zest and juiced to add flavor to many baked goods. The citrus flavor and amazing texture makes this dessert always a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- All Purpose Flour. This is just regular plain flour, not self-rising.
- Butter. Softened at room temperature.
- Large Eggs. Room temperature.
- Orange Extract. Gives the brownies lots of orange flavor.
- Grated Orange Zest. The fresh zest takes the recipe up a level.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese. It is easier to mix if softened.
- Butter. Always use real butter and make sure it is softened.
- Powdered Sugar. I prefer to sift the powdered sugar to make sure it is lump free.
- Orange Zest. You can use the same orange as the cupcakes. You will have plenty of zest.
- Orange Juice. Use this as needed.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the complete list of ingredients.
How to Make Orange Brownies
Step 1 – Heat Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2. Beat together the butter and sugar. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3. Then mix in the eggs, orange extract and orange zest until combined.
Step 4. Turn the mixer speed to low and add in the flour and salt.
Step 5. Mix until just combined.
Step 6. Pour the batter evenly into the baking dish. Bake brownies for 25-30 minute. Cook until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Allow to cool.
Step 7. Beat together the cream cheese and butter.
Step 8. Add in the orange zest.
Step 9. Then add the powdered sugar and combine.
Step 10. Slowly mix in the orange juice. Mix until the frosting is the desired taste and consistency that you prefer.
Step 11. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled brownies. Finally, cut the brownies and enjoy.
How to Cut Orange Brownies
- Cool Brownies Completely – The orange brownies need to cool completely before slicing them.
- Knife – Begin cutting the brownie, cleaning the knife with each slice. We like to cut into medium size squares. We also like to use a plastic knife to cut the brownies.
- Spatula – Use a spatula to scoop out brownie and serve.
Expert Tips
- Baking Pan – Prepare the baking dish by spraying the pan with cooking spray or line with a parchment paper. We used a 9×13 baking pan to make these brownies, you can also use two 8×8 baking pan.
- Mixing Brownie – Don’t over mix the brownie batter. Just mix until the brownie mix is combined. We recommend mixing with a stand mixer or electric mixer.
- Baking Brownies – Be careful to not over bake the brownies. We like the soft center so we like to use the toothpick to check if done.
- Ingredients – When we are mixing the ingredients, it is best if the eggs and butter are at room temperature. The ingredients mix together easily.
- Frosting – Make sure to cool the orange brownies before frosting them.
Variation Ideas
- Chocolate and Orange – This recipe can be made into chocolate orange brownies recipe. Add in cocoa powder for all your chocolate orange lovers. You can even make dark chocolate orange brownies.
- Frosting – We love making frosting from scratch but you can use store bought frosting if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar – Feel free to substitute the white sugar with brown sugar. You can even do half brown sugar and half white sugar.
- Chocolate Chips – Feel free to add in chocolate chips if you love chocolate brownie and orange combination.
Storage
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Can you Freeze Orange Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze orange brownies. Place the brownies in an air tight container. We recommend cutting the brownies in slices and then freeze.
This helps to store in a smaller container and helps with freezer space. Brownies will last about 3 months if stored properly in the freezer.
More Easy Orange Dessert Recipes
- Easy Orange Crush Cupcake Recipe
- 29 Best Orange Desserts
- Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Recipe
- Orange Creamsicle Popsicle Recipe
More Easy Brownie Recipes
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies
- Snickerdoodle Blondies
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Easy Brookie Recipe
- Lunch Lady Brownies
Do yourself a favor and make these Orange Brownies today. They are fantastic! Please leave a comment and star rating once you try them.
Orange Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 4 Large Eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Orange Extract
- 1 teaspoon Grated Orange Zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 4 Tablespoons Butter softened
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
- 1-2 Tablespoons Orange Juice as needed
Instructions
For the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Beat together the butter and sugar with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and orange zest until combined.
- Turn the mixer speed down to low and add in the flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minute until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before topping with the frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Beat together the cream cheese and butter with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until smooth and combined.
- Add in the orange zest and powdered sugar. Mix until incorporated.
- Slowly mix in the orange juice until the frosting is the desired taste and consistency that you prefer.
- Spread the frosting on top of the cooled brownies. Cut the brownies into squares and serve! Enjoy!
