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Homemade Orange Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting photo

Orange Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Orange Brownies are a zesty twist on a classic! Topped with creamy frosting, they’re rich, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp pure orange extract
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 1 package (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 1 box (1-lb) confectioners' sugar
  • 2 Tbsp orange zest
  • 2 Tbsp orange juice

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the pure orange extract and the grated orange zest.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. While the brownies bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then stir in the orange zest and orange juice.
  8. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Let the frosting set before slicing.

Notes

  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
  • Use a microplane for the best orange zest.