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
Scale
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.
