Blonde Orange Brownies

 

Reader Cathy noticed that I am a fan of citrus.  Really?  No way...haha.  I guess it's not a secret, I practically shout it from the top of my lungs in every post that includes lemons or limes!  So Cathy thought I would like to try this "Orange Brownies" recipe that she has, makes often & loves.  I have had it on the back burner for a little while, but I have finally gotten to it & I must say, it's a wonderful treat!

I googled "Orange Brownies" to see if Cathy got the recipe somewhere online so I could link the recipe to a source & it looks like it is an altered version from Paula Deen.  I love Paula Deen!  Anyway, I decided to read the reviews from Paula Deen's recipe.  A lot of the readers complained that the brownies were more cake-like, so I further altered it just a tad & I got this moist, dense Blonde Orange Brownie with Cream Cheese Glaze.  It's a fabulous Springtime dessert.  The title "Orange Brownies" is a little deceiving when there is no chocolate in them, so I changed the name in order save myself any angry readers.

Anyway, I loved this treat a lot... until I calculated the calories into MyFitnessPal because I am trying to get back to counting & stay on track weight-wise.  So, let's just say if you cut big pieces like me: 1 pan made into 12 LARGE pieces, you should probably cut those in half & savor every bite. Enjoy!

Blonde Orange Brownies

Recipe altered from Paula Deen by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

*This recipe needs 2-3 fresh oranges for juice & zest

Blonde Orange Brownie:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure orange extract (can substitute 2-3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice)
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Orange Cream Glaze:

• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp orange zest
• 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (depending on taste & desired consistency)

1. Cream butter with sugar.  Add eggs, mix well.  Add orange extract/juice & zest.  Scrape bowl.  Add salt & flour, mix until just combined.
2. Spread into a greased 13x9x2" pan.  Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes; edges & top should be lightly browned.
3. Make glaze: Combine cream cheese & butter.  Cream until no lumps appear.  Add orange zest, orange juice & powdered sugar until desired consistency & taste.
4. Pierce the entire sheet of brownies with a fork while still hot.  Spread glaze over the top & let cool to room temperature cut & serve.  Keep refrigerated if not serving right away.

*Makes 12-24 brownies.

 

Reader Cathy noticed that I am a fan of citrus.  Really?  No way...haha.  I guess it's not a secret, I practically shout it from the top of my lungs in every post that includes lemons or limes!  So Cathy thought I would like to try this "Orange Brownies" recipe that she has, makes often & loves.  I have had it on the back burner for a little while, but I have finally gotten to it & I must say, it's a wonderful treat!

I googled "Orange Brownies" to see if Cathy got the recipe somewhere online so I could link the recipe to a source & it looks like it is an altered version from Paula Deen.  I love Paula Deen!  Anyway, I decided to read the reviews from Paula Deen's recipe.  A lot of the readers complained that the brownies were more cake-like, so I further altered it just a tad & I got this moist, dense Blonde Orange Brownie with Cream Cheese Glaze.  It's a fabulous Springtime dessert.  The title "Orange Brownies" is a little deceiving when there is no chocolate in them, so I changed the name in order save myself any angry readers.

Anyway, I loved this treat a lot... until I calculated the calories into MyFitnessPal because I am trying to get back to counting & stay on track weight-wise.  So, let's just say if you cut big pieces like me: 1 pan made into 12 LARGE pieces, you should probably cut those in half & savor every bite. Enjoy!

Blonde Orange Brownies

Recipe altered from Paula Deen by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

*This recipe needs 2-3 fresh oranges for juice & zest

Blonde Orange Brownie:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure orange extract (can substitute 2-3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice)
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Orange Cream Glaze:

• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp orange zest
• 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar (depending on taste & desired consistency)

1. Cream butter with sugar.  Add eggs, mix well.  Add orange extract/juice & zest.  Scrape bowl.  Add salt & flour, mix until just combined.
2. Spread into a greased 13x9x2" pan.  Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes; edges & top should be lightly browned.
3. Make glaze: Combine cream cheese & butter.  Cream until no lumps appear.  Add orange zest, orange juice & powdered sugar until desired consistency & taste.
4. Pierce the entire sheet of brownies with a fork while still hot.  Spread glaze over the top & let cool to room temperature cut & serve.  Keep refrigerated if not serving right away.

*Makes 12-24 brownies.