Zesty Orange Brownies Recipe

Paula Deen Orange Brownies Recipe: Sunny Sweetness!

Zesty orange brownies burst with a citrusy twist that redefines dessert expectations.

These golden-hued delights challenge traditional chocolate norms with their vibrant flavor profile.

Sunshine-infused batter creates a tantalizing treat that dances between sweet and tangy.

Creamy layers meld together, producing a sensational texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each bite promises a surprising culinary journey that breaks free from ordinary brownie conventions.

Cream cheese frosting crowns this masterpiece, transforming a simple recipe into an unforgettable indulgence.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that sparks pure joy and delicious excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies

For Brownie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a richer, more natural taste.
  • Sugar: Opt for fine granulated sugar for smoother texture.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for better flavor distribution.
  • Softened Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for pure, clean taste.
  • Eggs: Fresh, room temperature eggs ensure better mixing.
  • Orange Extract: Pick pure, high-quality extract for intense citrus flavor.
  • Orange Zest: Use fresh, bright orange with vibrant color and strong aroma.
For Creamy Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Select full-fat, room temperature dairy for silky consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sift to eliminate lumps for smooth frosting.
  • Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Use ripe, juicy oranges with strong citrus notes.

Tools to Gather for Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies

  • Electric mixer: Perfect for blending batter and frosting ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking pan (33 x 23 x 5 cm): Essential for creating perfectly shaped brownies.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading frosting evenly across cooled brownies.
  • Zester: Helpful for creating fresh orange zest.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Cooling rack: Ensures brownies cool evenly and quickly.
  • Mixing bowls: Needed for combining brownie and frosting ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for cutting brownies into clean, square pieces.

How to Make Orange Brownies the Paula Deen Way

How to Make Orange Brownies the Paula Deen Way
  • Warm Up Your Oven

Prepare a cozy baking environment by heating your oven to a perfect 175°C. Gently coat your baking pan with a light butter layer to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Mix Magic Brownie Base

Grab your electric mixer and blend all the delightful ingredients into a silky-smooth batter. Whisk until everything combines into a harmonious orange-infused masterpiece that promises rich flavor and incredible texture.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the warm oven and let the magic happen for about 30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a set center that signals your brownies are ready to shine.

  • Craft Creamy Citrus Frosting

Using your mixer, whip cream cheese and butter into a dreamy, cloud-like consistency. Gradually sprinkle in powdered sugar, then fold in vibrant orange zest and fresh juice. Keep mixing until your frosting becomes smooth and irresistible.

  • Decorate And Devour

Once your brownies have completely cooled, spread the zesty frosting across the top with a graceful spatula. Slice into tempting squares and get ready to enjoy a burst of orange-infused chocolate happiness.

Tips and Add-Ons for Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies

Explore exciting ways to elevate these orange brownies with creative twists and expert techniques.

Experiment with lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest for a vibrant flavor transformation that brightens the classic brownie base.

Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add delightful crunch and extra layers of richness to your brownie batter.

Infuse the cream cheese frosting with a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur for an elegant adult-friendly version that adds sophisticated depth to the dessert.

These brownies taste even better the next day, so prepare them in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to develop deeper, more intense orange flavors.

Presentation Tips for Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies

  • Pair with Citrus Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of fresh orange juice or a zesty tangerine sorbet for a bright, refreshing complement.
  • Garnish with Elegance: Sprinkle extra orange zest or candied orange peel on top of each brownie square to enhance the citrusy flavor and add visual appeal.
  • Create Dessert Platter: Arrange brownies on a beautiful serving plate with some dark chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Enjoy Temperature Contrast: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.

Storing and Reheating Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies

  • Store Fresh and Fabulous: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and softness.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Seal brownies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining their delicious texture and creamy frosting.
  • Freeze for Future Cravings: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick dessert anytime.
  • Quick Thawing Tip: Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, restoring their original moist and delectable quality.
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Zesty Orange Brownies Recipe

Zesty Orange Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Indulgent paula deen orange brownies blend zesty citrus with rich chocolate for a delightful dessert. Creamy orange frosting crowns these moist treats, making them irresistible for those who savor sweet and tangy combinations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pure orange extract
  • 3 tbsps orange zest
  • 2 tbsps orange juice
  • 1 (1 lb) box confectioners’ sugar
  • 4 tbsps butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F and thoroughly grease a 33 x 23 x 5 cm baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Batter Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  3. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until the surface turns light golden-brown and the center feels firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  4. Frosting Development: While brownies cool, cream together softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until silky. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar, beating until fully integrated.
  5. Finishing Touches: Fold orange zest and orange juice into the frosting, creating a vibrant, creamy texture. Once brownies are completely cooled, pierce the surface with a fork to enhance frosting absorption.
  6. Final Assembly: Spread the orange cream cheese frosting evenly across the entire brownie surface. Slice into square portions and serve, highlighting the citrusy orange-infused dessert.

Notes

  • Zest Matters: Use fresh, fragrant orange zest for maximum citrus flavor and aromatic intensity.
  • Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that guarantees even texture.
  • Baking Precision: Watch brownies closely during last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain moist, tender crumb.
  • Frosting Absorption: Fork-puncturing technique allows cream cheese frosting to penetrate deeper, creating a more decadent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 44 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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