Indulge in the ultimate treat! These Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies are a symphony of gooey, rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and a vibrant burst of zesty orange. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are not just delicious but also effortlessly customizable to be gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of pure bliss.
Embracing the Festive Season: A Bonfire Night Tradition
The crisp autumn air signals the arrival of Bonfire Night, a beloved tradition that lights up the sky with dazzling fireworks and gathers families for cozy celebrations. While Halloween may be a distant memory, the magic of Bonfire Night acts as a delightful bridge before the full festive whirl of Christmas begins. For many, including our family, it’s a cherished annual event, a time to wrap up warm, share stories, and, most importantly, enjoy delicious homemade treats.
Do you find yourselves drawn to the spectacle of a grand fireworks display, or do you prefer the intimate warmth of a bonfire in your own garden? Each year, we eagerly anticipate our visit to the local park’s fireworks show. We’re incredibly fortunate; a short stroll through a winding woodland path, a few steps down, and we’re right in the heart of the action. This proximity makes our annual pilgrimage a simple yet treasured adventure.
Our Bonfire Night ritual is well-established. Out come the wellington boots, and we embark on our journey, guided by the glow of torches, our backpacks brimming with an array of comforting goodies. There’s always hot chocolate, a steaming thermos of it to ward off the chill. Sometimes, if we’re feeling particularly indulgent, hot sausage rolls make an appearance. But the undeniable star of our Bonfire Night feast? A large tin of brownies, still radiating warmth from the oven.
Last year, it was the classic gooey chocolate caramel brownies that stole the show. However, this year, I decided to elevate the experience by introducing a vibrant citrus twist. The combination of chocolate and orange is, in my opinion, a match made in culinary heaven. My fondness for this pairing is evident in past creations, from a decadent chocolate orange no-bake cheesecake to chewy chocolate orange cookies and even delightful chocolate orange hot cross buns. I’m notorious for seeking out all the orange cremes from any chocolate assortment (and secretly mourning the disappearance of coffee cremes!)
It’s always a mystery how, amidst the excitement of the fireworks, we manage to devour every single brownie from the tin. Upon our return home, we usually refuel with hearty hot dogs or a warming bowl of Chris’s homemade chilli con carne, the perfect antidote to the chilly evening air. A truly greedy but happy family, indeed!
Despite Chris currently battling a rather nasty cold, the suggestion of skipping Bonfire Night for a cozy night in was met with a dramatic bottom-lip pout – from him, not the kids! So, it appears our annual tradition will continue, complete with a tin of these irresistible chocolate caramel orange brownies, along with plenty of tissues and comforting Lemsips to combat any lingering sniffles. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to master, promising a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering, especially during these festive transitional weeks.
The Allure of Chocolate Orange: A Perfect Pairing
The combination of chocolate and orange is a timeless classic, beloved by many for its harmonious balance of bitter, sweet, and tangy flavors. Dark chocolate, with its deep cocoa notes, provides a rich canvas, while the bright, citrusy zest of orange cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast. This pairing isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s a sensory experience that awakens the palate and adds a sophisticated twist to any dessert. In these brownies, the orange extract and orange-flavored dark chocolate ensure that every bite delivers that delightful burst of citrus, making them utterly irresistible.
Crafting the Perfect Brownie: Tips for Success
Achieving that coveted gooey center and slightly crisp, crackled top is the hallmark of a truly exceptional brownie. Here are a few tips to ensure your Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies turn out perfectly:
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, fold them in gently using a figure-eight motion. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher, cake-like brownie rather than a fudgy one.
- Quality Ingredients: Good quality chocolate makes a significant difference. Use a brand you love for eating, as its flavor will shine through. The same goes for butter and extracts.
- Cooling is Key: Brownies continue to set as they cool. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately. Allowing them to cool completely in the pan will result in cleaner slices and a more stable, fudgy texture. If you’re short on time, cooling them in the fridge can speed up the process.
- Pan Size Matters: Stick to the recommended pan size. A larger pan will yield thinner brownies that cook faster and can dry out, while a smaller pan will result in thicker brownies that take longer to bake and might be undercooked in the center.
This recipe for Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies not only delivers on flavor but also offers the flexibility of being gluten-free. By simply swapping regular plain flour for an equal amount of gluten-free plain flour blend, those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these decadent treats without compromise. The ground almonds in the recipe also contribute to a lovely texture and flavor profile, making the transition to gluten-free seamless and delicious.
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Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies
10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
Ingredients
- 150 g (5.3 oz) good quality orange-flavoured dark chocolate
- 180 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 265 g (1 1/3 cups) golden caster sugar
- 1 tsp orange extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 60 g (1/2 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour (you can replace for the same amount of gluten-free plain flour blend if required)
- 40 g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 60 g (3/4 cup) ground almonds
- 4 packets of Rolos (you need 32 Rolos altogether, so you may need more than 4 packs depending on pack size)
- Orange zest to decorate (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180C/350F (fan) and line a deep 20cmx30cm baking tin with baking parchment. Leave a little of the parchment overhanging the tray to make it easier to get the brownie out later.
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Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, giving it a stir every 30 seconds (or melt in a bowl over a pan of simmering water – ensure the bowl isn’t touching the water). Stir and leave to cool slightly.
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Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl using an electric whisk until thick and creamy. Stir in the orange extract and vanilla extract.
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Slowly whisk again, and pour the melted chocolate and butter in. Pour it at the side of the bowl in a thin stream, whisking all the time, so that the eggs don’t scramble with the warm chocolate.
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When the chocolate is thoroughly mixed in, sieve the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder over the mixture, and then add the ground almonds. Fold into the mix gently, in a figure of eight motion. This will help to keep the air in.
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Pour the mixture into your prepared baking tray, and use a palette knife or spatula to ensure it goes all the way to the edges, creating an even layer.
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Arrange the Rolos on top of the brownie mix evenly – typically in 4 rows of 8. Gently push the Rolos into the mixture slightly and place the tray in the oven.
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Cook for 25 minutes.
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Take out of the oven and leave to cool completely in the tray. Lift the brownie out of the tray using the overhanging baking parchment and place on a chopping board. Use a sharp knife to slice the brownie into portions (I cut it into 20-24 pieces). It will crumble slightly when you cut it, but it crumbles less, the longer you leave it to cool.
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Decorate with fresh orange zest for an extra aromatic touch, if you prefer, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 27g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 45mg |
Sodium: 31mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 21g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. While they are phenomenal on their own, especially when still slightly warm, consider these serving suggestions to elevate the experience:
- A la Mode: Serve a warm brownie square with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, and the melty ice cream, is pure decadence.
- With a Drizzle: A light drizzle of extra melted dark chocolate or a homemade orange glaze can add an elegant touch.
- Coffee Companion: These rich brownies pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced tea, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Festive Platter: Cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds when ready to enjoy.
Whether you’re celebrating Bonfire Night, a birthday, or simply craving a truly satisfying dessert, these Chocolate Caramel Orange Brownies are sure to impress. Their delightful combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout treat that will leave everyone asking for more. Happy baking!
