Chocolate brownies with orange zest are a delicious twist on traditional chocolate brownies. They are rich, fudgy chocolate dessert squares that have been enhanced with the addition of orange zest. The orange zest, which is the grated outer peel of an orange, adds a bright, citrusy flavour that complements the deep, sweet taste of chocolate.
Have you ever bitten into a chocolate orange and thought, “Wow, this would make an amazing brownie”? Well, you’re in for a treat! Let’s talk about Chocolate Orange Brownies with Orange Zest – a dessert that’s about to become your new favourite. If you are an orange lover, you should also try my Orange Loaf Cake!
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Chocolate and orange work so well together! The rich, sweet taste of chocolate gets a little kick from the tangy, fresh taste of orange. These simple brownies are chocolatey and gooey, just like regular brownies, but with a surprise twist of orange flavour that makes them extra special.
The best part? You don’t need to be a an expert baker to make these easy chocolate brownies. If you can mix ingredients in a bowl and turn on an oven, you’re already halfway there. Just perfect for the holiday season or when you crave for something sweet.
These chocolate and orange brownies are perfect for so many occasions. Having friends over? Whip up a batch of these, and watch them disappear. Need something for a bake sale? These unique brownies will stand out from the crowd. Or maybe you just want something yummy to munch on while watching your favourite show. Whatever the reason, these Orange Chocolate Brownies have got you covered.
Why you’ll love making these Orange Chocolate Brownies?
The combination of rich chocolate and bright, fresh orange creates a taste that’s both familiar and exciting.
These dark chocolate orange brownies are perfect for various occasions, from casual snacking to a fancy dessert platter.
The universal appeal of chocolate combined with the refreshing twist of orange makes these brownies a hit with all age groups.
You can easily adjust the orange intensity to suit your taste preferences. You can add a bit of orange essence or extract as well, for an added punch in flavour.
The scent of chocolate and orange zest baking in the oven is simply irresistible.
How to make Easy Chocolate Orange Brownies?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a pan of simmering water(Double Boil Method). Alternatively you can heat them in a microwave until fully melted. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
Sift in the flour, salt and cocoa powder, then add the orange zest, and vanilla extract. Fold gently until just combined.
Add the chopped nuts ( reserve 2 tablespoon of nuts separately) to the batter and fold again.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Add the reserved nuts on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the chocolate and orange brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips for Perfect and Fudgy Chocolate Orange Brownies with Orange Zest
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality dark chocolate and fresh oranges for the best taste.
Don’t Overmix: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture to avoid tough brownies.
Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting for clean, neat squares.
Zest with Care: When zesting the oranges, avoid the bitter white pith beneath the skin.
Enhance the Orange Flavour: For an extra orange kick, add a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange zest chocolate brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair these brownies with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Dust the dark chocolate orange brownies with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Cut into small squares and serve as part of a dessert platter.
Wrap individual brownies for a delightful homemade gift.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense in flavour.
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Absolutely! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can use 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract as a substitute, though fresh zest provides the best flavour.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. For fudgy brownies, it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the toothpick comes out with wet better stuck to it, the brownies need to be cooked for more time.
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Recipe Card
Chocolate Orange Brownies with Orange Zest
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- ¼ cup Nuts optional
- ¾ cup Unsalted Butter
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¾ cup Brown Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Cocoa Powder
- Orange Zest from a full orange
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a pan of simmering water(Double Boiler Method). Alternatively you can heat them in a microwave until fully melted. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Sift in the flour, salt and cocoa powder, then add the orange zest, and vanilla extract. Fold gently until just combined.
- Add the chopped nuts ( reserve 2 tablespoon of nuts separately) to the batter and fold again.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Add the reserved nuts on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the chocolate and orange brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.