Orange Dream: Decadent Brownies Topped with Creamy Citrus Frosting
Indulge in a burst of sunshine with these irresistible Orange Brownies. The rich, fudgy brownies are infused with the bright and zesty flavors of orange, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Topped with a velvety smooth cream cheese frosting, these brownies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress.
Course: Dessert Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 55-60 minutes Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
Instructions
Preparing the Brownies:
- Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Creaming wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
- Combining dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Incorporating orange flavor: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice and finely grated orange zest to infuse the brownies with a bright citrus taste.
- Baking the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting.
Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Softening ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Adding sweetness: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until incorporated.
- Infusing orange flavor: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice and finely grated orange zest to create a delightful citrus-flavored frosting.
Assembling the Brownies:
- Frosting the brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnishing (optional): For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the brownies with additional orange zest or slices.
Tips for Brownie Perfection
- Richer flavor: For a more intense chocolate experience, substitute dark chocolate chips for some of the flour in the brownie batter.
- Intense orange flavor: If you love the taste of orange, increase the amount of orange zest and juice in both the brownie batter and the frosting.
- Storing brownies: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you'll create a batch of Orange Brownies that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delightful treat and savor the perfect combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange.
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