Orange Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Packed with orange flavor and topped with an orange cream cheese frosting, these Chocolate Orange Brownies are a unique take on the classic dessert. Perfect for parties and potlucks!

Creating This Orange Brownie Recipe

On the weekends, Logan and I often spend some time in the kitchen together. He is particularly a fan of helping me bake.

Instinctively, he knows that baking almost always involves sugar and frequently involves chocolate. Such a smart boy!

As much as I love sharing this time together, with a nearly 4-year-old it can be stressful at times. Big messes. Missed ingredients because of distraction. Not following directions. The dreaded “meltdown.”

Sometimes I really want to get the job done fast, but he is determined to help me. I’ve learned that a little organization can really go a long way in making the experience go smoothly.

Pre-measuring the ingredients in bowls is a great way to curb the chaos that sometimes emerges when a preschooler is in the kitchen.

Because the ingredients are pre-measured, I can easily instruct him on what ingredients to add and he can have at it, pouring the pre-measured amount into the mixing bowl. I don’t have to worry if we got all the ingredients in or added too much or too little of something.

Logan has decided that he really loves chocolate. My love for the orange and chocolate combination is also no secret.

I love finding recipes – old or new – to bring some of my favorite flavors together. I’ve made these orange brownies many times before, but for some reason until last week it never occurred to me that I should add chocolate.

The brownies are delicious without the chocolate and a great option for those who don’t care for chocolate desserts. Apparently, those people do exist. With the chocolate, I thought the orange brownies were incredible.

Ingredients in Chocolate Orange Brownies

You can eat the chocolate orange brownies as is, or you can add a cream cheese frosting like I did.

Here’s what you’ll need for the brownies:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Butter
• Eggs
• Pure orange extract
• Orange zest
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate

And for the (optional) cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Orange juice and zest

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Brownies

This unique brownie recipe comes together quickly and easily. Here’s how it’s made:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil and grease with cooking spray.
2. Stir together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Stir in chocolate chunks.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until light golden brown and set.
5. Remove the pan from the oven, allow to completely cool, and pierce all over with a fork.
6. Once cool, lift the brownies out of the pan and frost as desired.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

How to Store Orange Brownies

Once frosted, you’ll need to store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting contains dairy, so it needs to be chilled.

If you opt to omit the frosting, the brownies will last up to 5 days at room temperature.

What Can I Substitute for the Orange Extract?

Unfortunately, you can’t substitute the pure orange extract in this recipe. It’s incredibly potent and really packs in the orange flavor.

Do NOT try substituting it with orange juice. Orange juice is acidic and will alter the texture of the brownies.

Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Brownies

• For an even stronger orange flavor, use orange-flavored chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
• The cream cheese frosting is technically optional, but highly recommended.
• If desired, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

More Easy Brownie Recipes:

Easy Homemade Brownies are the perfect quick dessert to whip up at home. They only take a few minutes and totally satisfy your chocolate cravings.

If you love sweet and salty desserts, then you have to make these Salted Fudge Brownies!

Chocolate and strawberries get a makeover in this Strawberry Swirl Brownie Recipe. Great for Valentine’s Day as well as summer baking!

This easy Brownie Trifle recipe features layers of fudgy brownie, homemade peanut butter mousse, and whipped cream. Layer in small jars or a big trifle dish!

In this Raspberry Brownie Parfait with Mascarpone Whip, fudgy brownies are layered with mascarpone whipped cream and raspberries for a delightful dessert!

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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