Decadent Fudgy Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies: The Ultimate One-Bowl Recipe

Prepare to indulge in the most exquisite **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** you’ve ever tasted. These brownies are a symphony of flavors and textures, boasting an incredibly fudgy core, a rich, intense dark chocolate profile, and a vibrant burst of fresh orange. Forget complicated baking – this super easy, one-bowl recipe makes creating this irresistible, decadent treat a joyous experience for any home baker.

Brownies sliced in 9 on a marble cutting board seen from above.

This classic recipe was first published in September 2019 and lovingly updated in September 2022 to perfect every detail.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Chocolate Orange Brownies

If the divine combination of fresh, zesty oranges and deep, intense dark chocolate makes your taste buds tingle, then these **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** are about to become your new favorite dessert. They aren’t just brownies; they’re an experience – an incredibly fudgy, richly flavored, and utterly decadent experience that will have you reaching for just one more slice, every single time.

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

Effortlessly Simple, One-Bowl Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dirty dishes and complex steps. This entire brownie batter comes together in just one bowl, requiring no fancy equipment like a hand mixer or a stand mixer. It’s truly a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers professional-level results.
Unrivaled Fudgy Texture & Intense Chocolate Flavour: Unlike many recipes that rely solely on cocoa powder, our brownies are crafted with high-quality dark cooking chocolate. This ensures an exceptionally rich and profound chocolate flavour, coupled with that irresistible, dense, and super fudgy texture that defines a perfect brownie.
Bursting with Fresh Orange Goodness: We don’t just hint at orange; we celebrate it! Both fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice are incorporated directly into the brownie batter, infusing every bite with bright, citrusy notes. For an extra touch of elegance and an even more pronounced orange flavour, thin slices of fresh oranges are used as an optional topping, creating a beautiful visual and aromatic appeal.
A Harmonious Flavor Pairing: The timeless pairing of chocolate and orange is elevated here. The sweetness and slight bitterness of the dark chocolate beautifully complement the tangy, aromatic notes of the fresh orange, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavour profile that’s simply addictive.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a comforting treat, or simply craving something sweet, these brownies are versatile. They impress guests and satisfy personal cravings with equal aplomb.

Craving more chocolate and orange perfection? Don’t stop here! Be sure to explore my other delightful recipes: my creamy Chocolate Orange Cheesecake, light and airy Chocolate Orange Mousse, and charming Chocolate Orange Tartlets!

Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Orange Brownies

Crafting the perfect batch of fudgy **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature rich flavour and incredibly dense, moist texture. Below, we delve into the key ingredients you’ll need, along with essential tips for optimal results.

For precise quantities of each ingredient, please refer to the detailed recipe card located further down this page.

Premium Dark Cooking Chocolate: This is the star of our **chocolate orange brownies**. We highly recommend using a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. This percentage delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavour that beautifully balances the citrusy notes of the orange without being overly sweet. It’s crucial to use proper cooking or baking chocolate (in bar form or callets/drops), as chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy texture. Avoid regular chocolate candy bars for the best results.
Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and contributes significantly to the fudgy texture of these brownies. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. It can be used straight from the fridge since it will be melted with the chocolate, saving you precious prep time.
A Balanced Blend of Sugars: To achieve that perfect balance of chewiness, a delightful shiny crackle on top, and ultimate fudginess, this recipe calls for an equal mix of both Brown Sugar and White Caster Sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing the fudgy consistency, while caster sugar contributes to the desired crust. If you have a strong preference, you can certainly use only brown sugar for an even chewier, more moist brownie, or only white sugar for a slightly crispier, shinier top.
Room Temperature Eggs: Medium to large eggs act as a binder and add structure to the brownies. Using room temperature eggs is important as they emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter and a superior texture in your finished **orange chocolate brownies**.
Fresh Oranges for Zest and Juice: The fresh, vibrant orange flavour is key to this recipe’s charm. We utilize both the aromatic zest and freshly squeezed juice from medium oranges. The zest contains essential oils that deliver an intense citrus aroma and flavour, while the juice adds a tangy sweetness and moisture to the batter. For an optional, beautiful presentation and an extra burst of fresh flavour, consider topping your baked brownies with thin slices of fresh orange.
All-Purpose Flour (Plain Flour): A small amount of plain or all-purpose flour provides just enough structure without making the brownies cakey. It’s essential to mix it with a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavours and, for the smoothest batter, preferably sift it before adding to prevent any lumps.
Fine Salt: A tiny bit of fine salt is a flavour enhancer, bringing out the depth of the chocolate and the brightness of the orange. Don’t skip it!

Elevate Your Brownies: Optional Additions & Flavor Boosters

While these **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** are incredible as is, there’s always room to customize and enhance them further. Consider these optional additions to tailor the flavour and texture to your preference:

Extra Chocolate Chunks: For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, folding in some additional chocolate chunks (either dark, milk, or even white chocolate) into the batter before baking will create delightful gooey pools of melted chocolate throughout your brownies.
Intensify the Orange: If you desire an even bolder orange flavour, a few drops of high-quality orange extract can be added to the mixture. Be mindful, as extracts are potent, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Warm Vanilla Notes: For more complex and comforting flavours, a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can beautifully complement both the chocolate and orange.
A Hint of Coffee: A pinch of instant coffee powder (espresso powder works best) melted with the chocolate mixture won’t make your brownies taste like coffee, but it will subtly deepen and enhance the rich chocolate flavour, making it even more pronounced and sophisticated.
Candied Orange Peels: For a sweeter, slightly chewier texture and an even more intense candied orange flavour, finely chopped candied orange peels can be folded into the batter alongside any chocolate chunks.
A Touch of Spice: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or a very small amount of ground cardamom could add an interesting, warm complexity that pairs well with both chocolate and orange.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Orange Chocolate Brownies

Baking these **fudgy Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. Remember, the key to a truly fudgy brownie is careful mixing and not overbaking!

Process Shot Collage: melting the butter and chocolate and mixing the wet ingredients in a bowl.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Next, prepare a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan. Grease it lightly with butter or oil, then line it with baking paper or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This parchment paper sling will make it much easier to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan later.
Step 2: Gather and Prep Ingredients. Before you start mixing, ensure all your ingredients are ready. This includes zesting your fresh oranges to capture their vibrant aroma and juicing them. Having everything measured and prepped in advance makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter.
Photo 1: Finely chop your good quality Dark Cooking Chocolate Bar and combine it with the cubed Unsalted Butter in a heatproof bowl. Finely chopping the chocolate helps it melt more quickly and evenly, preventing it from seizing or burning.
Photo 2: Gently melt the chocolate and butter. This can be done either over a double boiler (bain-marie) or in the microwave. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly. It’s important that it’s not too hot when added to the eggs later.
To create a double boiler: Place a small saucepan with about an inch of water at the bottom on your stove over low to medium heat. Place your heatproof bowl containing the chocolate and butter directly over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water. Stir gently and continuously until both ingredients are fully melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients (Except Chocolate).
Photo 3: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the Brown Sugar, Caster Sugar, Eggs, and the fragrant Orange Zest. The zest releases its essential oils when mixed with the sugar and eggs, infusing the batter with deep orange flavour from the start.
Photo 4: Whisk these ingredients together for about one to two minutes, or until you notice small bubbles forming on the surface. There’s no need to whisk vigorously for an extended period here. Over-whisking incorporates too much air into the batter, which can cause the brownies to rise excessively in the oven and result in a less dense, cakey texture rather than the desired fudgy consistency.

Process Shot Collage: combining the two wet batter, adding the dry ingredients, adding to a baking pan and topping with sliced oranges.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate and Orange Juice.
Photo 5: Pour the slightly cooled melted Chocolate Mixture into the sugar and egg mixture. Add the freshly squeezed Orange Juice. Mix gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth, glossy, and beautifully uniform. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just combine until smooth.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients.
Photo 6: Sift the Plain/All-Purpose Flour and Salt directly into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until *just* combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing the flour can develop the gluten, resulting in tough, dry, and cakey brownies instead of soft and fudgy ones.
Optional: This is the perfect moment to fold in any extra chocolate chunks if you’re aiming for those irresistible gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout your brownies.
Step 7: Transfer to Pan and Add Topping.
Photo 7: Carefully pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared baking tin. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter evenly across the pan.
Photo 8: For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, arrange thin slices of orange (cut in half) over the raw batter. This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds another layer of orange flavour and a beautiful presentation.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking pan to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The precise baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven. The brownies are ready when the edges are set, and the center is just slightly wobbly, yet appears mostly set. The top should have a beautiful, shiny, crackled crust. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, slightly underbaked is better for fudginess!
Step 9: Cool Completely. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. This step is critical: allow the **chocolate orange brownies** to cool down *completely* in the pan before attempting to lift them out or slice them.

The brownies will be quite soft and fragile when they first come out of the oven. Trying to remove or slice them while still warm will likely cause them to break apart. Patience is key for perfectly structured, fudgy brownies!

Brownies slice on baking paper over a square marble board.

Recipe FAQs: Your Chocolate Orange Brownie Questions Answered

What makes brownies fudgy versus chewy?

The delightful distinction between fudgy and chewy brownies largely comes down to the fat, moisture, and flour content. **Fudgy brownies**, like these **chocolate orange brownies**, are characterized by a higher ratio of fat (from more butter and melted chocolate) and increased moisture (often from brown sugar). This combination creates a dense, moist, and almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. Less flour and gentle mixing also contribute to their signature fudginess.

**Chewy brownies**, on the other hand, typically contain a slightly higher proportion of flour and eggs, and often use more white sugar (which contains less moisture than brown sugar). They might also rely on cocoa powder more than melted chocolate. These elements result in a brownie with more structure and a pleasant resistance when bitten into, a bit less dense than their fudgy counterparts but equally delicious in their own right.

What is the best chocolate to use for brownies?

For these **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies**, I personally recommend a high-quality **70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate**. This percentage delivers an intensely rich and deep chocolate flavour that perfectly complements the vibrant orange notes without being overly sweet. While you could opt for a slightly less dark chocolate (like 60% cacao), I generally don’t recommend using milk chocolate for this recipe, as it would drastically alter the flavour profile and potentially make the brownies too sweet. The bitterness of dark chocolate is key here.

Crucially, for the best results, always use proper **cooking chocolate** (also known as baking chocolate). This typically comes in the form of solid bars or small drops/callets designed to melt smoothly. Avoid using regular chocolate chips or a standard candy bar, as these often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting properly, which can lead to a grainy texture in your brownies. Quality chocolate makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly smooth, fudgy consistency.

Can I use bottled Orange Juice instead of fresh?

While a freshly juiced orange will undoubtedly provide the most vibrant, natural, and intense fresh orange flavour for your **orange chocolate brownies**, you can certainly use store-bought bottled orange juice if fresh oranges are not available or if you’re short on time. However, it’s essential to choose a 100% orange juice product that contains no added sugar. Added sugars can throw off the sweetness balance of the recipe. Also, be aware that bottled juice might not offer the same aromatic complexity as fresh juice and zest, which contribute significantly to the overall flavour experience of these particular brownies.

Why did my brownies come out cakey instead of fudgy?

Several factors can lead to cakey brownies. The most common culprits are **over-mixing the batter** after adding the flour, which develops gluten and makes them tough, and **overbaking**. If baked too long, brownies will dry out and become cake-like. Ensure you only mix the flour until just combined and remove the brownies from the oven when the center is still slightly wobbly. Using too much flour or too little fat can also contribute to a cakey texture.

How can I tell if my brownies are done without overbaking?

The perfect fudgy brownie is a fine line! Look for these signs: the edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The top should have a shiny, crackled appearance. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If it comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess.

One slice stacked over the rest of the cut brownies.

Achieving Brownie Perfection: Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tried-and-true tips to ensure your **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** turn out perfectly fudgy, flavourful, and utterly irresistible every time. Even the simplest steps can make a big difference!

Finely Chop Your Chocolate: When using a chocolate bar, take the time to finely chop it before melting. Smaller pieces melt more quickly and evenly, significantly reducing the risk of overheating or burning the chocolate. This ensures a smooth, luscious chocolate-butter base for your brownie batter.
Customize Your Sugar for Desired Texture: The type of sugar you use has a direct impact on the final texture of your brownies.
- For an even more intensely fudgy and moist brownie, consider substituting all the caster sugar with additional brown sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds extra moisture and a deeper, chewier texture.
- If you prefer a chewier brownie with a more prominent, shiny, and crackled crust, replace the brown sugar with more white caster sugar. White sugar promotes that classic shiny top and a slightly firmer bite.
Don’t Overmix the Flour: This is a golden rule for all brownie recipes! Once you add the flour, mix only until it’s *just* incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will lead to tough, dry, and cakey brownies instead of the desired dense and fudgy texture.
Patience is Key for Cooling: It’s tempting to dive into warm brownies, but resist the urge! Allow your brownies to cool down completely in the pan on a wire rack. As they cool, they continue to set and firm up, becoming easier to slice and achieving that perfect fudgy consistency. Trying to cut them while warm will likely result in a crumbly mess.
Creative Topping Ideas: While fresh orange slices are a fantastic topping, consider other options:
- Candied Oranges: For a sweeter, more intense candied citrus flavour, top your brownies with homemade or store-bought candied orange slices or finely chopped candied orange peels. You can even fold chopped candied peels directly into the brownie batter for bursts of sweetness.
- Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle a simple dark chocolate ganache or a quick chocolate glaze over the cooled brownies for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Dusting of Cocoa: A light dusting of good quality unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving can add a sophisticated finish and a hint of extra chocolate.
Room Temperature Eggs and Juice: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. They emulsify better with the fats and sugars, leading to a smoother, more cohesive batter. If using fresh orange juice, letting it come to room temperature can also help integrate it more seamlessly into the batter.

Storing & Freezing Your Chocolate Orange Brownies

Proper storage is essential to maintain the delicious fudgy texture and fresh flavour of your **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies**. Here’s how to keep them at their best, whether for a few days or longer.

Room Temperature Storage: These **chocolate orange brownies** are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh and fudgy for up to 3 days. In fact, many people find that their fudginess and flavour deepen and improve slightly on the second day! Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration (Optional): If you prefer a firmer, denser brownie or live in a very warm climate, you can store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Be aware that refrigeration will make them quite dense and hard. For a softer texture, simply let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Freezing for Longer Storage: Brownies freeze exceptionally well!
1. First, ensure the brownies are completely cooled to room temperature.
2. Wrap individual slices or the whole slab tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminium foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped brownies on a flat tray or in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze until solid.
4. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer and leave them at room temperature overnight. They will retain most of their delicious fudgy texture.

Close up on the middle slice of the brownies seen from above.

Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these **Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies**, you’re sure to love our other delightful brownie creations. Discover new favorites and embark on another baking adventure!

Irresistible Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
Festive Easter Mini Egg Brownies
Decadent Brownie Muffins (Double Chocolate)
Quick & Easy Mini Brownie Bites
Addictive Biscoff Swirl Brownies

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Recipe Card: Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies

Chocolate Orange Brownies

5 from 15 votes

These easy Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies are deliciously fudgy and decadent. They are packed with fresh orange flavours and dark chocolate.

Servings: 9 Slices

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time22 minutes

Total Time37 minutes

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

200 gr (7 oz) Dark Cooking Chocolate , 70% Cacao
120 gr (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter
80 gr (1/3 cup) Brown Sugar
80 gr (1/3 cup) Caster Sugar
3 Eggs, medium size, at room temperature
2 teaspoon Orange Zest, about 2 medium oranges
120 ml (1/2 cup) Orange Juice, about 2 medium oranges
100 gr (2/3 cup) Plain / All-Purpose Flour
1/3 teaspoon Fine Salt
1 Orange, optional, for the topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven on 180’C / 350’F. Line or Grease a 20cm / 8-inch Brownie Pan.
Start by preparing all of your ingredients, including zesting and juicing the oranges.
Finely chop the Dark Cooking Chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl with the Butter. Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 seconds increments until smooth. Set aside to cool down.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the Brown Sugar, Caster Sugar, Eggs and Orange Zest until slightly bubbly (see note 1)
Add the Orange Juice and melted Chocolate / Butter mixture. Mix until combined.
Sift in the Flour and Salt and mix until just combined (see note 2). Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan
Optionally, thinly slice an orange and cut each slice in half. Place over the brownie batter.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top of the brownies is set and shiny.
Leave to cool down completely before removing from the pan and slicing (see note 3).

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Notes

This recipe for **Decadent Fudgy Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies** was first published in September 2019 and updated in September 2022 to enhance its clarity and optimize for even better results.

When whisking the wet ingredients (sugar, eggs, orange zest), it’s important not to whisk for too long. Excessive whisking incorporates too many air bubbles into the batter, which can cause these **orange chocolate brownies** to rise excessively in the oven, leading to a lighter, more cake-like texture rather than the desired dense and fudgy consistency.
Once you add the sifted flour and salt, mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Stopping immediately prevents overworking the cake batter, which can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough and dry brownies. Gentle mixing ensures a tender, fudgy crumb.
Patience is crucial! The brownies will be very soft and delicate when they are still warm from the oven. Attempting to move them from the baking pan or slice them before they have had ample time to cool down completely can cause them to break apart or crumble. Allow at least 1-2 hours of cooling for the perfect fudgy set.

Nutrition (per serving)