Paula Deens Orange Brownies
When it comes to desserts that bring a burst of sunshine into your life, Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies are a top contender. These delightful treats are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in a sweet craving, these brownies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into why these brownies have captured my heart and how you can make them in your own kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
What draws me to Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies is the way they capture the essence of summer in every bite. The combination of orange and chocolate is a classic pairing, and Paula’s recipe elevates it to new heights. The brownies are moist and dense, while the orange flavor is both vibrant and refreshing. Plus, they are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have at home. They are perfect for sharing but be warned: they might disappear faster than you can say “orange zest!”
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 cup 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar (measure, then sift)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend wet ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Baking pan: An 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan works best.
- Rubber spatula: For folding ingredients and scraping the bowl.
- Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the brownies evenly.
Paula Deens Orange Brownies — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial to prevent your brownies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar mixture and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, giving your brownies a lovely texture.
Step 6: Incorporate Orange Flavor
Mix in the pure orange extract and grated orange zest. The aroma will be intoxicating and set the stage for the flavor explosion to come.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together sifted powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and finely grated orange zest. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Texture-Safe Substitutions
- Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour for gluten-free brownies.
- Coconut oil: Substitute the butter with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Maple syrup: Use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a healthier alternative (adjust the flour accordingly).
- Flax eggs: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.
Avoid These Traps
- Overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough brownies.
- Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Not sifting: Always sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your glaze.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the brownies to cool is essential to set the texture before cutting.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make Paula Deen’s Orange Brownies ahead of time! They store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reader Questions
Can I use orange juice instead of orange extract?
While you can use orange juice, it may not provide the same intensity of flavor as orange extract or oil. For the best results, use both for a vibrant taste.
What if I don’t have a square baking pan?
No worries! You can use a round cake pan instead. Just adjust the baking time, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
Healthy-ish Favorites
- Healthy Chocolate Brownies
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
- Wholesome Oatmeal Cookies
The Last Word
Paula Deens Orange Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors that can brighten any day. With their delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange, they have become a favorite in my kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and experience the joy of baking something truly special. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a sweet treat throughout the week, these brownies are sure to leave a lasting impression. Happy baking!
Paula Deens Orange Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan. Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial to prevent your brownies from sticking.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar mixture and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Add the Eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, giving your brownies a lovely texture.
- Step 6: Incorporate Orange Flavor. Mix in the pure orange extract and grated orange zest. The aroma will be intoxicating and set the stage for the flavor explosion to come.
- Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Step 8: Bake the Brownies. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 9: Cool and Glaze. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. While they cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together sifted powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and finely grated orange zest. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze wrapped brownies for up to 3 months.
- Use a rubber spatula to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
