There’s something about the combination of deep, dark chocolate and fresh citrus that feels just right this time of year. These Blood Orange Fudge Brownies are rich, chewy, and decadent—but with a bright little twist thanks to the zest and juice of blood orange. The result? A brownie that tastes like sunshine wrapped in velvet.
This recipe leans into the drama: crackly tops, gooey centres, and a soft pink glaze that makes every square look like it came straight out of a dream. A hint of cardamom adds warmth in the background, while the blood orange brings that juicy, floral notes you didn’t know brownies needed.
Perfect for a spring brunch spread, an afternoon coffee moment, or let’s be honest—straight out of the pan with a fork. You'll also love my other citrus-inspired desserts like my Lemon Semolina Olive Oil Cake!
Why You’ll Love These Blood Orange Brownies
- Super fudgy with just the right chew
- Bright citrus flavour from fresh blood orange zest and juice
- A gorgeous pink glaze for a seasonal touch
- Easy to make with pantry staples (plus a couple fresh extras)
Blood Orange Brownies Ingredients
These Blood Orange Brownies are everything you want in a dessert—rich, fudgy, and bursting with bold citrus flavour. Made with dark chocolate, fresh blood orange zest, and a soft pink glaze, they strike the perfect balance between decadent and refreshing. Whether you're baking for spring gatherings or just treating yourself, this easy brownie recipe is a vibrant twist on a classic favourite.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, moist base and helps deliver that melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture.
- Dark Chocolate – Use a good-quality dark chocolate bar or chips—this is the soul of the brownie. The depth of flavour pairs beautifully with the citrus.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar contributes to that classic shiny, crackly top.
- Eggs – They bind everything together and give the brownies structure without making them cakey.
- Vanilla Extract – A subtle background note that enhances both the chocolate and citrus flavours.
- Blood Orange Zest & Juice – The zest delivers vibrant citrus aroma and flavour, while the juice adds just enough tang and brightness without messing with the fudgy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – Just enough to hold everything together while keeping the brownies tender and dense.
- Cocoa Powder – Adds extra chocolate richness and deepens the flavour. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results.
- Salt – A little salt sharpens the flavours and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cardamom – Adds a warm, slightly floral note that plays beautifully with the blood orange. Not overpowering—just a gentle, aromatic accent.
- Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips – Folded into the batter for gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite. I love using Enjoy Life Chocolate Chunks!
- Powdered Sugar + Blood Orange Juice (for the glaze) – Whisked together to make a simple citrus glaze that’s both beautiful and flavourful. It adds a soft pink drizzle that makes these brownies pop!
See recipe card for quantities.
Let's Make Fudgy Blood Orange Brownies
Step 1: Melt the butter and chopped chocolate until smooth.
Step 2: Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: whisk the melted chocolate mixture with the sugars until combined. Add the eggs, vanilla, blood orange zest, and juice.
Step 4: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cardamom. Fold until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
Step 5: Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, until the centre is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes
Hint: The brownies should still have a little jiggle in the centre when you take them out—fudgy magic happens as they cool.
Once cooled, drizzle brownies with blood orange glaze and flaked salt.
Storage
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days—just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months; thaw and drizzle with fresh glaze before enjoying.
Fudgy Blood Orange Brownies with Citrus Glaze
Equipment
- Stand Mixer optional
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, chopped (about ⅔ cup)
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 blood orange
- 1 tablespoon blood orange juice
- ½ cup (60g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ cup (85g) dark chocolate chunks or chips
For the Blood Orange Glaze
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon blood orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan on low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mix bowl, whisk the melted chocolate mixture with the sugars until combined. Add the eggs, vanilla, blood orange zest, and juice. Whisk until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cardamom. Fold until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and blood orange juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled brownies and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve!
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