Paula Deen Orange Brownies are thick, buttery bar cookies topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Ready in 45 minutes, this recipe makes 20 brownies from pantry staples plus fresh orange zest and juice. Set these out at a church supper or potluck and watch the pan come back empty.
The frosting makes or breaks this recipe. Your cream cheese and butter need to be fully softened before you start mixing. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps no amount of beating will fix. Once the frosting is smooth, spread it over brownies that have cooled all the way down. Warm brownies melt the frosting into a greasy mess.
Bake these a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. The frosting firms up overnight and the orange flavor gets stronger. Pull them out 15 minutes before serving so the cream cheese layer softens just enough to cut clean squares.
Paula Deen Orange Brownies
Course: DessertCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy20
servings15
minutes30
minutes355
kcalDense citrus bars made by creaming butter and sugar with orange extract and fresh zest, baked until just golden, then topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- Brownies
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) softened Butter
4 eggs
2 teaspoons pure orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
4 tablespoons softened Butter
1 (1-pound) box Confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
Directions
- Orange Brownies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.
- Mix the batter: Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until well-blended. Pour batter into greased pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown and set. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and then pierce entire cake with a fork.
- Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese together with a hand-held electric mixer. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until it is all combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and juice. Spread the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting over completely cooled brownies. Cut into squares.
FAQs
Can I use orange juice instead of orange extract in the brownies?
Orange juice adds liquid without much concentrated flavor. Extract is what carries the citrus through the whole brownie. If you swap in juice, use about a quarter cup and cut back slightly on the eggs to keep the batter from getting too wet. The orange taste will be milder either way.
How long do Orange Brownies keep in the fridge?
Covered and refrigerated, they stay good for about five days. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay cold. Let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before eating so the frosting is not stiff.
Can you freeze Orange Brownies?
Cut them into squares, freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They hold for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Why did my frosting turn out lumpy?
The cream cheese was too cold. It needs to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. If you already have lumps, push the frosting through a fine mesh strainer or beat it longer on medium speed. Starting with room temperature cream cheese and butter avoids this completely.
What does piercing the brownies with a fork do?
Piercing the surface creates small channels that help the frosting grip the brownie. It keeps the frosting from sliding off when you cut and serve the squares. Do it while the brownies are still slightly warm so the holes stay open.
