Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Brownies

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These chocolate orange brownies are rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey, with a gentle citrus lift that keeps every bite balanced. The texture sits perfectly between soft and dense, with a glossy top and a moist centre. This is an easy, reliable bake that suits both confident bakers and complete beginners. From start to finish, you will need about 45 minutes plus cooling time.

Ingredients

For the brownie base

200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
175g unsalted butter, diced
275g caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Finely grated zest of 1 large orange
75g plain flour
40g cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder

For the topping

50g dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp orange juice

How to Make Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Brownies

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease a 23 x 30cm traybake tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment.
Melt the chocolate and butter: Place the dark chocolate and butter into a heatproof bowl. Set over a pan of gently simmering water and stir until smooth and glossy. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
Mix the batter: Stir the caster sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder into the bowl. Fold gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Sprinkle over the chopped chocolate and drizzle with orange juice. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set but the centre still feels soft.
Cool and slice: Leave the brownies to cool completely in the tin. Once set, lift out using the parchment and cut into neat squares.

Tips

How do I keep the brownies fudgy?

Remove them from the oven while the centre is still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool, giving that classic fudgy texture.

Can I make the orange flavour stronger?

Add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or replace the orange juice with a splash of orange extract.

Why did my brownies turn dry?

This usually means they were overbaked. Check them a few minutes before the end of the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving
Pair with fresh orange segments

Storage

Room temperature

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to 3 months. Defrost fully before eating.

Nutrition

Calories: 395 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated fat: 13g
Sodium: 120mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I bake this as a loaf instead?

Yes, bake the mixture in a lined loaf tin and increase the baking time slightly. Check with a skewer inserted into the centre.

What size tray bake tin works best?

A 23 x 30cm traybake tin gives the ideal depth and ensures even baking.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

You can, but the brownies will be sweeter and less rich. Dark chocolate gives the best balance with orange.

Are these brownies suitable for children?

Yes, the orange flavour is gentle and there is no alcohol, making them suitable for all ages.