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Blonde Orange Brownies

Decadent and irresistibly tangy, these orange brownies are a delightful twist on traditional blondies, featuring a tender, citrus-infused base crowned with luscious orange cream cheese frosting. Ideal for gatherings, this recipe yields a generous batch that’s sure to impress with each zesty bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
  • 2 tsp pure orange extract
  • 1 cup butter softened

Frosting

  • 2 Tbsp orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp orange zest
  • 4 Tbsp softened butter
  • 1 1-lb box confectioners' sugar
  • 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Introduce the butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest into the dry mixture. With a handheld mixer, beat everything together until the batter is smooth and uniformly blended. Transfer the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns a light golden hue and the center is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  • Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually incorporate the confectioners' sugar, beating until fully integrated and fluffy. Blend in the orange zest and juice until the frosting is creamy and well mixed.
  • Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the frosting over the top. Slice into squares to serve.

Notes

This dessert yields a dense, chewy texture akin to brownies rather than a cake. Orange juice may substitute the extract; however, for a more intense citrus flavor, additional zest is recommended. Bottled juice is acceptable, though enhancing with a touch of extract is advised. Low-fat cream cheese is suitable, but fat-free varieties tend to perform poorly in baking. A half batch may be prepared in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with a similar baking time. Prepared brownies can be stored in the refrigerator ahead of serving.