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Spooky Halloween Brownies: Best Orange Buttercream

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Fudgy, dense chocolate brownies with a bright, tangy orange buttercream swirl. This foolproof recipe delivers a crackly top and sophisticated citrus-chocolate flavor perfect for Halloween.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • Zest of 1 large orange (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Melt 1 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid but not hot. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until it resembles wet sand.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  6. Pour dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  9. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour).
  10. While brownies cool, beat softened butter until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
  11. Beat on low until combined, then increase speed to high. Add orange juice one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
  12. Spread orange buttercream over cooled brownies. Create swirls with a knife or offset spatula.
  13. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature to prevent the butter from seizing. Do not overbake; the center should still look slightly set. Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor, avoiding artificial extracts. For gluten-free, swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween brownies, orange buttercream, chocolate orange dessert, fudgy brownies, easy Halloween treats, spooky baking

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/spooky-halloween-brownies-best-orange-buttercream/