Blonde Orange Brownies Recipe
These Blonde Orange Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, featuring a moist, buttery base infused with fresh orange zest and juice, topped with a creamy orange-cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced for a citrusy, sweet treat that’s great for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 2 sticks)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level)
- 1 tsp salt
Frosting
- 8 ounces block-style cream cheese (softened)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or more if needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to ensure your brownies do not stick.
- Make Brownie Batter: Using an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Mix in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The top and edges will turn a light golden brown when done.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the orange zest, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice, and powdered sugar. Mix well until combined, adding up to 1 additional tablespoon of orange juice if needed to reach your preferred consistency and taste.
- Frost the Brownies: While the brownies are still warm, pierce the entire surface with a fork to allow the frosting to seep in slightly for extra flavor. Spread the frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate the brownies until the frosting is set and the dessert is cool. Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers refrigerated.
Notes
- For the best orange flavor, use fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed juice rather than bottled.
- If your frosting is too thick, add a little more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make sure ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
- Storing the brownies in the refrigerator is recommended to keep the frosting fresh and to maintain the ideal texture.
Keywords: blonde brownies, orange brownies, cream cheese frosting, citrus dessert, baked brownies, orange zest, homemade dessert
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/blonde-orange-brownies-recipe/
