A citrusy twist on classic brownies! These soft, fudgy orange-infused bars are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and topped with a luscious orange glaze for the perfect sweet and tangy treat. They offer the richness of a brownie with the brightness of fresh oranges, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique citrus flavor – The combination of fresh orange juice and zest adds a refreshing twist to traditional brownies.
Soft and fudgy texture – These brownies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a great recipe for beginners.
Perfectly balanced – The sweetness of the brownie pairs beautifully with the tangy orange glaze.
Great for any occasion – Whether for a party, brunch, or afternoon treat, these brownies are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:

Unsalted butter, melted
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract

For the orange glaze:

Powdered sugar
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze and serve: Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280 kcal

Variations

Chocolate-orange brownies: Add ½ cup of white or dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
Nutty twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Lemon version: Swap the orange juice and zest for lemon to create lemon brownies.
Glaze alternatives: Try a cream cheese frosting instead of the orange glaze for a creamier topping.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze brownies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Reheating: These brownies are best served at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready.

Can I make these brownies in a smaller pan?

Yes, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly for thicker brownies.

Why is my glaze too runny?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add a small amount of orange juice until the consistency is right.

Can I use a different type of citrus?

Yes! Lemon, lime, or even grapefruit can work for a different flavor profile.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration will extend their freshness.

Can I add food coloring to enhance the orange look?

Yes, a drop or two of orange food coloring can enhance the color, but it is optional.

What type of sugar is best for the glaze?

Powdered sugar is ideal as it dissolves easily, creating a smooth consistency.

How can I make the brownies more fudgy?

Use an extra egg yolk and reduce the baking time slightly to achieve a fudgier texture.

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk substitute in the glaze.

Conclusion

Orange Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the richness of a soft, fudgy bar with the bright and refreshing taste of fresh oranges. The sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these brownies an irresistible treat for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a unique citrus dessert!

Orange Brownies

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A citrusy twist on classic brownies! These soft, fudgy orange-infused bars are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and topped with a luscious orange glaze for the perfect sweet and tangy treat.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the batter
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Combine dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Bake the brownies
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely.
Prepare the orange glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
Glaze and serve
- Spread the glaze over the cooled brownies.
- Let set before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra citrusy flavor, add an additional teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 280 kcal per serving