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Irresistible Orange Blondies with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting

Elevate your dessert game with these vibrant Orange Blondies, a delightful citrus twist on the classic treat. Each bite offers a burst of refreshing orange flavor, beautifully complemented by a luscious, tangy orange cream cheese frosting. These exquisite bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, especially when enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator. Their moist, chewy texture and bright, sweet profile make them an unforgettable addition to any gathering or a perfect indulgence for yourself.

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If you’re a true enthusiast of citrus-infused desserts, you absolutely must add these Orange Blondies to your baking repertoire. Their vibrant flavor perfectly captures the essence of fresh oranges, making them a refreshing alternative to traditional chocolate-heavy sweets. For those who can’t get enough of tangy treats, be sure to also explore my classic recipe for Lemon Bars, a timeless favorite that always hits the spot.

The Sweet Memory and Inspiration Behind These Orange Blondies

It’s truly fascinating how certain flavors and recipes embed themselves in our memories. This Orange Blondies recipe holds a special place in my culinary history, dating all the way back to 2007. Despite the passage of over a decade, and often struggling to recall what I had for breakfast last Tuesday, the unique taste and simple joy of these blondies remained vividly etched in my mind. Recently, an undeniable craving for that bright, citrusy sweetness resurfaced, prompting me to revisit this cherished recipe after 11 years.

The initial spark for this recipe came from watching Paula Deen prepare what she called “Orange Brownies” on The Food Network. While her original concept was inspiring, the dessert she made lacked the defining ingredient of a true brownie: chocolate. Without that rich cocoa base, the result was unmistakably a blondie. Hence, I decided to aptly rename them Orange Blondies, a title that accurately reflects their delightful character – a soft, chewy bar, golden in hue, and bursting with orange flavor. Regardless of what you choose to call them, these bars are exceptionally good, offering a comforting yet sophisticated treat that consistently earns rave reviews.

Blondies vs. Brownies: Understanding the Delicious Distinction

Many people confuse blondies with brownies, and while they share a similar bar-dessert format, they are distinctly different. The most fundamental difference, and the one that gives the blondie its name, is the absence of chocolate. A traditional brownie is defined by its rich chocolate flavor, usually from cocoa powder or melted chocolate, which gives it its characteristic dark brown color.

A blondie, on the other hand, is essentially a “brownie without the chocolate.” Instead of chocolate, blondies typically rely on vanilla extract, brown sugar, and butter to create a rich, buttery, caramel-like flavor and a lighter, golden-brown appearance. This base allows other flavors to shine through beautifully, as is the case with our Orange Blondies. While brownies are often dense and fudgy, blondies can range from chewy and dense to lighter and cake-like, depending on the recipe. Our Orange Blondies deliver that coveted soft, moist, and wonderfully chewy texture, which forms the perfect foundation for the vibrant orange notes. The creamy, zesty orange cream cheese frosting then takes these bars to an entirely new level, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is truly irresistible.

Crafting Your Orange Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Orange Blondies is a straightforward and rewarding baking experience. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll be enjoying these citrus delights in no time.

For the Blondie Base:

Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your blondies don’t stick and can be easily removed.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk them together briefly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Introduce the softened butter, eggs, pure orange extract, and finely grated orange zest to the dry mixture. The orange extract provides a concentrated citrus punch, while the zest adds aromatic oils and bright flavor.
Mix Until Combined: Beat all the ingredients together on medium speed until they are just well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough blondies. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out with a spatula to reach the corners. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a wooden tester (like a toothpick) inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry blondies.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step before frosting. Trying to frost warm blondies will result in melted, messy frosting.

For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prepare Cream Cheese and Butter: While the blondies are cooling, you can prepare the irresistible cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
Infuse with Orange Flavor: Once the frosting is smooth and creamy, beat in the fresh orange zest and orange juice. These ingredients will give your frosting that bright, tangy orange flavor that perfectly complements the blondie base. Beat until just combined.
Frost the Blondies: Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the generous layer of orange cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. An offset spatula works wonderfully for this, creating a smooth and appealing finish.
Chill and Enjoy: Store the frosted blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, serve them chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature enhances both the chewiness of the blondie and the refreshing tang of the frosting.

Tips for Blondie Baking Success

Achieving perfect orange blondies is simple with a few key considerations. Firstly, ensure your butter and cream cheese are adequately softened for both the blondies and the frosting; this allows for smooth mixing and a uniform texture. When mixing the blondie batter, stop as soon as the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to a tough, dry blondie. Overbaking is another common pitfall; blondies should remain slightly underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven, as they will continue to cook from residual heat. A tester inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and certainly not completely dry. For the frosting, if it seems too thick, a tiny bit more orange juice (a teaspoon at a time) can help achieve the desired spreadable consistency, but be careful not to make it too thin. Conversely, if it’s too thin, a tablespoon of powdered sugar can help thicken it.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Orange Blondies truly shine when served cold. The chill from the refrigerator firms up the frosting and enhances the chewy texture of the blondie, making each bite incredibly refreshing. They are perfect for dessert buffets, potlucks, or a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they also freeze surprisingly well without frosting for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature, then frost and chill before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Blondies

What is the best way to get fresh orange zest?

Using a microplane or the smallest side of a box grater is the best way to get fine, flavorful orange zest. Be sure to only grate the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter.

Can I use fresh orange juice in the blondie batter itself?

While fresh orange juice is perfect for the frosting, using too much in the blondie batter can alter its consistency and texture. Orange extract provides concentrated flavor without adding excess liquid. A small amount of zest is sufficient for the blondie base.

Can I add other ingredients to the blondies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. White chocolate chips or macadamia nuts would complement the orange flavor beautifully. You could also try adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

How do I know when the blondies are fully cooled and ready for frosting?

The blondies should feel completely cool to the touch, both on top and underneath. This usually takes at least 1-2 hours at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes after they’ve cooled slightly on the counter.

Is orange extract essential, or can I just use zest?

Orange extract provides a more intense and consistent orange flavor throughout the blondie. While zest adds a wonderful aromatic quality, the extract ensures that the orange notes are prominent and well-balanced. It’s highly recommended for the best flavor profile in this recipe.

More Zesty Citrus Dessert Recipes

If these Orange Blondies have ignited your love for citrus desserts, you’ll be thrilled to discover more vibrant and delicious options. Explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the bright and refreshing flavors of citrus:

Classic Orange Cake
Decadent Caribbean Truffle Pie
Elegant Glazed Lemon Cakes
Baked Key Lime Pie Donuts
Bright Lemon Sunshine Cupcakes

Essential Tools for Crafting These Orange Blondies

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are a few recommended items that will help you prepare these Orange Blondies with ease:

A reliable stand mixer or a versatile hand mixer will make quick work of combining your ingredients and whipping up that creamy frosting.
You’ll need a sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish. An inexpensive glass dish is perfect and conducts heat evenly.
For spreading the frosting smoothly and effortlessly, an offset spatula is an invaluable tool that bakers swear by.
A microplane zester is highly recommended for finely grating orange zest, ensuring maximum flavor without any bitter pith.

Orange Blondies Recipe Card

Orange Blondies

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 users

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling time)

Servings: 24 blondies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

Blondies:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
2 teaspoons pure orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Heat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Stir together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Beat until well blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, about 30 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream cheese and the butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until it is completely combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and orange juice.
Spread the frosting over the completely cooled blondies.
Store covered in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes:

Source: Paula Deen, Food Network

I like these best when they are still cold, straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 blondie

Calories: 279 kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 42g (14%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 12g (18%), Saturated Fat: 7g (44%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 62mg (21%), Sodium: 146mg (6%), Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 36g (40%)

Keywords: orange blondies, citrus dessert, blondie recipe, cream cheese frosting