If you’re ready to wow your taste buds with something decadently citrusy and irresistibly moist, then Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These brownies perfectly marry rich buttery cake with bright, lively orange flavor, nestled under a creamy, tangy orange frosting that’s out of this world. Every bite is a delightful dance of sweet and zesty, making them a truly memorable dessert experience that’s as comforting as it is refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the simple flour that gives structure to the vibrant orange zest that layers in brightness, these essentials are your key to success.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and chewy texture for the brownies.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the ideal sweetness to complement the orange notes.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the brownie.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Brings in rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 4 eggs: Binds the ingredients and creates structure.
- 2 tsp pure orange extract: Infuses a powerful and natural orange flavor boost.
- 1 tsp grated orange zest: Delivers fresh citrus oils for brightness and aroma.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: For the luscious base of the frosting with a smooth tang.
- 4 Tbsp softened butter: Adds creaminess and helps the frosting hold its shape.
- 1 (1-lb) box confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a delicate finish.
- 2 Tbsp orange zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor in the frosting.
- 2 Tbsp orange juice: Provides a fresh, zesty kick to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously greasing a 9×13 pan. A well-greased pan ensures your brownies release easily, keeping every square perfect and intact.
Step 2: Making the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Then add the softened butter, eggs, orange extract, and freshly grated orange zest. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat everything together until the batter is thoroughly blended and smooth. This quick process infuses that beautiful orange flavor right into the base of the brownies.
Step 3: Baking the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely light golden brown and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan. Once baked, remove the brownies and allow them to cool completely—this is key before frosting to prevent melting.
Step 4: Creating the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Now for the star topping. In a large bowl, whip together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while continuing to beat, building a luscious frosting that holds its shape. Stir in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice to give the frosting a vibrant, zesty lift that perfectly complements the cake layer.
Step 5: Frosting and Serving
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula or butter knife. Once frosted, cut the delicious slab into squares and get ready to delight in each bite of Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of additional orange zest or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can add just the right pop of color and freshness to these brownies. For a more festive touch, consider topping with candied orange slices or a few small edible flowers to elevate presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These orange brownies shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn your dessert into a luxurious treat. For a brunch or afternoon delight, a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the citrus notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe stacked on a pretty plate with fresh berries scattered around for a burst of color and flavor. Alternatively, cut into smaller bite-sized squares and offer them on a dessert tray for parties—they’re sure to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their moist texture and fresh flavor. For longer keeping, use an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies after they are fully frosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 2 months and thaw to almost freshly baked quality.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy warm brownies, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back softness and releases the orange aroma beautifully without melting the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange extract?
Yes! Fresh orange juice is excellent for adding natural flavor, but since it contains more liquid, you may want to slightly reduce other liquid ingredients or add a bit more flour to maintain the right batter consistency.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute with an equal amount of mascarpone or a thick sour cream, but cream cheese delivers the classic tang and thickness that pairs best with the orange flavor in this recipe.
Are these brownies very sweet?
They strike a perfect balance: sweet yet bright with orange zest and juice cutting through the richness. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps with texture and moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter and cream cheese, but you can explore vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. You might need some trials to get the texture right, but it’s definitely doable!
What’s the best way to zest an orange for this recipe?
Use a microplane grater to gently remove just the colorful outer zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This will give you bright, aromatic pieces that enhance the brownies perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe is a shining example of how classic comfort meets fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s easy enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress friends and family with your baking skills. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your go-to when you want a little citrus sunshine in dessert form.
Print
Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies are a delicious twist on classic brownies, combining a moist, orange-infused base with a rich, tangy cream cheese and orange frosting. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp pure orange extract
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tbsp softened butter
- 1 (1-lb) box confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt, stirring together to blend evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: Add softened butter, eggs, pure orange extract, and grated orange zest to the dry ingredients. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the mixture until well blended and smooth.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the brownies are light golden brown and set in the center. Once done, remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whip together the softened butter and cream cheese with a hand-held electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fully combined. Then beat in the orange zest and orange juice for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the orange cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- You can substitute orange extract with fresh orange juice and additional zest for a more natural orange flavor.
- Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- For sharper orange flavor, increase the orange zest in both batter and frosting slightly.
