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Fudgy Halloween Brownies with Orange Frosting

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Rich, fudgy one-bowl brownies topped with a creamy orange cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Halloween or any celebration, these brownies are dense, chocolatey, and bursting with bright citrus flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange food coloring (a few drops, gel preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the ½ cup butter in 30-second bursts. Stir between bursts until melted. Let cool for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until thick and shiny.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  5. Fold in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool brownies in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment and cool completely on the rack.
  8. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  9. Add powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Beat on low until combined, then on medium for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add orange food coloring drop by drop until desired shade is reached.
  10. Once brownies are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula or spoon to create swirls. Decorate with sprinkles or candy if desired.
  11. Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t overbake; fudgy brownies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if kitchen is warm. Unfrosted brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween brownies, fudgy brownies, orange frosting, chocolate orange, one-bowl brownies, cream cheese frosting, Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fudgy-halloween-brownies-with-orange-frosting/