Orange Cream Cheese Brownies
Rich, fudgy, and bursting with citrusy charm, these Orange Cream Cheese Brownies are a decadent twist on a classic treat. Featuring a luscious swirl of zesty orange-infused cream cheese nestled within layers of indulgent chocolate brownie, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors. The batter, made with melted semi-sweet chocolate and a touch of cocoa powder, creates a dense and moist base that pairs beautifully with the creamy orange topping. The key ingredients—fresh orange zest and a hint of orange extract—lend a vibrant, refreshing kick that elevates these brownies into a gourmet dessert. Ready in under an hour, they’re perfect for entertaining, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Serve these irresistible brownies on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 0.5 teaspoons orange extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually mix the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour three-quarters of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Reserve the remaining batter for later.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange extract, and continue beating until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, then dollop the reserved brownie batter on top.
Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture and brownie batter together to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Serve and enjoy your Orange Cream Cheese Brownies as a delightful dessert or indulgent snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 258.7 g | 332% | |
| Saturated Fat | 148.6 g | 743% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1243 mg | 414% | |
| Sodium | 2217 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 630.7 g | 229% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.9 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 491.7 g | ||
| Protein | 69.3 g | 139% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 403 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 852 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
