Orange-Scented Blondies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

These Orange Brownies are dense and moist like fudgy brownies, but made without chocolate. Bright orange zest and fresh juice flavor both the bars and the cream cheese frosting for a sweet, citrus-forward dessert.

Citrus Lover’s Dessert

Reader Cathy knows I’m a citrus fan, so she recommended her favorite version of an “orange brownies” recipe. I finally tried it and loved the result—these bars are a delightful citrus treat.

Orange Brownies Recipe

After comparing versions online, I adapted a recipe inspired by Paula Deen to make the bars denser and less cake-like. The result is moist, dense blonde orange brownies topped with a fruity cream cheese frosting—perfect for spring or Easter. They work well made with orange or lemon depending on your preference.

AKA Orange Blondies

Calling them “orange brownies” is a bit misleading since there’s no chocolate; they’re closer to blondies. They don’t have the typical brown-sugar flavor or cookie texture, so I call them “Blonde Orange Brownies.” With their sweeter orange flavor, they’ll please anyone who loves citrus desserts.

How to make Orange Brownies

Make the batter first, then bake and frost. The steps are straightforward and require common baking tools.

1. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well, scraping the bowl as needed.
3. Stir in the orange zest and juice until incorporated.
4. Add the flour and salt, mixing only until combined to keep the bars dense.

• Spread the batter evenly into a prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350˚F for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars bake, prepare the orange cream cheese frosting. It has a spreadable, icing-like consistency—thicker than a glaze but thinner than pipeable frosting.

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add orange zest, 1 tablespoon orange juice, and the powdered sugar.
3. Mix until smooth. Add up to 1 tablespoon more orange juice if needed to reach the desired taste and consistency.

Frosting the Orange Brownies

• Optionally pierce the warm bars with a fork so some of the frosting sinks in, though the frosting is thick and won’t soak through much.
• Spread the orange cream cheese frosting over the top. Chill until the frosting sets, then cut and serve. Store leftovers refrigerated.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• You will need 2–3 fresh oranges to yield enough zest and juice for both the batter and the frosting.
• Use a microplane to zest the orange directly into a glass or metal bowl to avoid staining or damaging plastic bowls.
• Zest only the outer orange skin; avoid the white pith, which is bitter.
• Use room-temperature butter and eggs so they cream together smoothly.
• These bars are enjoyable at room temperature or chilled—try both to see which you prefer.

More Orange Desserts

If you enjoy citrus baking, try other orange treats like orange rolls, orange fluff, creamsicle cake, orange Julius, upside-down French toast, or cranberry-orange bread for more bright, fruity flavors.

If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments below. Thanks!