These Orange Brownies are a bright, citrusy twist on the classic brownie-style bar. Inspired by a recipe originally created by Paula Deen, they have the soft, dense texture people love in brownies, but the flavor comes from orange instead of chocolate. The result is a sweet, buttery dessert with fresh orange zest, orange extract, and a simple orange glaze that soaks into the warm bars.
Orange Brownies
If you hear the name Orange Brownies, you might expect chocolate brownies with a hint of orange. These are a little different. They are more like moist orange dessert bars with a brownie-like bite. They are rich from butter and eggs, sweet from sugar, and full of orange flavor from both zest and extract.
This recipe is especially nice when you want something simple but a little unexpected. The batter comes together quickly in one mixing bowl, and the glaze is stirred together in just a minute or two. Once baked, the warm orange bars are pierced with a fork or skewer so the glaze can settle into the top. That step gives every square extra citrus flavor and a soft, sweet finish.
These orange brownies are a good choice for potlucks, parties, showers, holidays, or casual weekend baking. The recipe makes 24 squares, so it is easy to serve a crowd or save some for later.
🛒 Ingredients needed:
- all-purpose flour
- granulated white sugar
- salt
- butter
- eggs
- pure orange extract or orange oil
- orange zest
- powdered sugar
- fresh orange juice
✏️ How to make Orange Brownies:
The complete recipe with exact ingredient amounts and instructions is included below.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
PREPARE THE BROWNIES:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Beat with a hand mixer until the batter is well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and the center is set. Remove the pan from the oven and pierce the top all over with a skewer or fork.
PREPARE THE GLAZE:
-
Stir the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest together in a bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick to pour, add a little more orange juice. Pour the glaze over the warm cake-like brownies. Let them cool completely, then cut into 24 squares.
➡️ Recipe Tips:
- Use orange extract for the strongest flavor. Fresh orange zest adds fragrance, but orange extract gives these brownies their bold citrus taste. If you want the orange flavor to really stand out, do not skip it.
- If you do not have nonstick spray, lightly grease and flour the baking pan before adding the batter.
- Pour the glaze over the brownies while they are still warm. The small holes in the surface help the glaze sink in and flavor the bars more evenly.
- Let the brownies cool before slicing. This helps the squares hold their shape and keeps the glaze from running.
✔️ What to do with Orange Brownies:
- Serve them at a potluck, picnic, brunch, or dessert table. Since the recipe makes 24 brownies, it is ideal for sharing.
- Make a batch, keep some at home, and give a few to a friend, neighbor, or family member who would enjoy a homemade treat.
- For a special occasion such as Easter, a wedding shower, or a baby shower, garnish each square with a small orange wedge for a simple decorative touch.
- Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for an easy afternoon dessert.
★ How to Store:
Store Orange Brownies tightly covered at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the extras in an airtight container and enjoy them within the next few months. For best results, separate layers with parchment or wax paper so the glaze does not stick.
❤️ Why I love this recipe:
- These brownies are different from the usual chocolate dessert, and the orange flavor makes them feel fresh and cheerful.
- They are easy to make but still feel special enough to serve at gatherings.
- The recipe makes a generous batch, which means there are plenty to share and enough to save for later.
Sweet Orange Treats!
- Iced Orange Cookies
- Orange Cake
- Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Orange Pistachio Cookies
- Fresh Orange Layer Cake
Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies
15
30
45
24 servings
Ingredients
BROWNIES:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure orange extract or orange oil
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
GLAZE:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, measured, then sifted
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch pan with nonstick spray.
PREPARE THE BROWNIES:
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Beat with a hand mixer until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and pierce the top all over with a skewer or fork.
PREPARE THE GLAZE:
-
Combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Add a little more orange juice if needed to create a pourable consistency. Pour the glaze over the warm brownies. Cool completely, then cut into 24 squares.
Notes
- Orange extract matters. For a strong orange flavor, use pure orange extract or orange oil. Orange zest alone will not give the same bold citrus taste.
- Glaze the brownies while they are warm so the topping can melt slightly and soak into the surface.
Nutrition
Calories: 192 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 27 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 8 g,
Sugar: 21 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.