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To make Chocolate Orange Brownies, you will need: - 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate, finely chopped - ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour - ¼ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder - Zest of 1 large orange (about 2 teaspoons) - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) - Optional: Powdered sugar for light dusting You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. - Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - For eggs, try flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan choice. - Gluten-free flour can work in place of all-purpose flour. To bake these brownies, gather the following tools: - A 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan - A medium saucepan for melting chocolate - A large mixing bowl for the egg mixture - A whisk for mixing - A spatula for folding ingredients - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - A wire rack for cooling the brownies This simple list makes it easy to gather all you need. Now you’re ready to create these rich, chocolatey, and orange-flavored brownies! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. Next, take a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan. Grease the bottom and sides with butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the brownies later. In a medium saucepan, put the chopped dark chocolate and pieces of butter. Use low heat to melt them. Stir constantly until everything is smooth. This should take about 5 minutes. Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. You want it to look slightly frothy. This adds air and makes the brownies light. Now, slowly pour the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk it in as you go. Keep mixing until the mixture looks glossy and rich. This step brings all the flavors together. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and makes for a smooth batter. This mix is key for the brownie texture. Take a spatula and gently fold in the orange zest and chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly mixed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. This adds a delicious orange flavor. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. To get fudgy brownies, first, use high-quality dark chocolate. This adds rich flavor. Melt the chocolate and butter slowly. Stir them constantly over low heat. This helps create a smooth texture. After mixing, let the chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the eggs. This step keeps the eggs from cooking. Baking time matters too; check them early to avoid dryness. Mixing is key, but too much can ruin your brownies. When you add dry ingredients, fold them gently. Use a spatula to combine until just mixed. A few flour streaks are okay. This keeps your brownies soft and moist. Avoid using a whisk at this stage. It can whip air into the batter, which makes them cakey. For serving, cut the brownies into generous squares. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. Serve them warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs well with the rich chocolate. You can also add fresh mint as a garnish. It gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy these brownies as a dessert or a sweet snack! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality dark chocolate. The richer the chocolate, the better your brownies will taste. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of fudgy ones. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This will help them set and make for cleaner slices. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in these brownies. Instead of orange, try raspberry or mint. For raspberry, add about half a cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter. This gives a nice tartness. If you like mint, use a few drops of mint extract instead of vanilla. This adds a cool, refreshing taste. Both options make your brownies unique and fun! You can easily adapt these brownies for different diets. To make them gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the cocoa powder is also gluten-free. For vegan brownies, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich flavor. These swaps keep the brownies delicious while meeting dietary needs. Want to add more texture? Consider stirring in some nuts or seeds. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Chocolate chips are great, but you can try white chocolate or butterscotch chips too. Each add-in changes the taste and makes the brownies even more exciting to eat! To keep your chocolate orange brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to store them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving. You can freeze chocolate orange brownies for up to three months. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating brownies can bring back their fudgy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. Just be careful not to heat them too long. They can become dry or tough. Enjoy your warm, gooey brownies! Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. However, your brownies will taste sweeter and less rich. Dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor, which balances well with the orange zest. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate works nicely. You can use salted butter if you have no unsalted butter. Just reduce the added salt in your recipe. Coconut oil is another option. It adds a subtle flavor and keeps the brownies moist. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based butter. To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan. If the toothpick is clean, your brownies may be overbaked. Using orange juice instead of zest will change the texture and flavor. Zest gives a strong orange flavor and some oils for richness. Juice adds moisture but lacks the zest's intensity. If you only have juice, add a little more for flavor, but keep an eye on the batter's consistency. These brownies are easy to make with the right ingredients and steps. Start by understanding your options for substitutes and equipment. Follow the simple instructions for melting, mixing, and baking to achieve the perfect fudgy texture. Remember to avoid overmixing and consider fun variations for extra flavor. Store your treats properly to keep them fresh for longer. I hope these tips help you enjoy delicious brownies any time you want! Now, get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Chocolate Orange Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies infused with chocolate and orange zest.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons zest of 1 large orange
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • cup powdered sugar for light dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  • Melt the chocolate and butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter pieces. Stir continuously until both are completely melted and combined into a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and pure vanilla extract until everything is well blended and slightly frothy.
  • Combine chocolate and egg mixtures: Gradually pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk constantly until the mixture becomes glossy and rich in color.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt to ensure there are no lumps.
  • Incorporate dry ingredients: With a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate-egg mixture until just combined. Take care not to overmix; it’s okay if a few small streaks of flour remain.
  • Add orange zest and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the orange zest and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Transfer batter to pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
  • Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
  • Cool and transfer: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Cut and serve: Once the brownies have cooled entirely, cut them into generous squares. For an extra touch of indulgence, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch of indulgence, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, orange