Blood Orange Curd Brownies

Blood Orange Curd Brownies are a dazzling twist on a classic treat, marrying the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the bright, tangy zing of blood orange curd. Imagine biting into a decadent chocolate brownie swirled with vibrant, citrusy curd that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart. This indulgent dessert is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its beautiful marbled effect. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, these Blood Orange Curd Brownies will quickly become your new favorite.

Reasons to Love Blood Orange Curd Brownies

• Unique Flavor Combination: The deep chocolate richness combined with the bright, slightly floral notes of blood orange creates a flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting.
• Beautiful Presentation: The swirled curd pattern on top makes these brownies as lovely to look at as they are to eat.
• Moist and Fudgy Texture: These brownies are perfectly dense yet tender, not dry or cakey.
• Homemade Curd: Making the blood orange curd from scratch adds freshness and an intense citrus punch you won’t find in store-bought versions.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a stunning contribution to a dinner party, these brownies fit the bill.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 g) freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1 teaspoon citric acid, or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon blood orange zest, very finely grated/chopped
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• Pinch fine sea salt
• ½ cup (113 g / 1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (14 g) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (50 g) Dutch process cocoa powder, sifted
• ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Medium saucepan – for making the blood orange curd
• Whisk – to combine the curd ingredients smoothly
• Heatproof bowl – for melting butter and mixing the brownie batter
• 9×9 inch baking pan – perfect size for brownies
• Parchment paper – to line the pan for easy removal
• Spatula – for folding ingredients together
• Sifter – to sift cocoa powder and flour evenly
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient portions

Blood Orange Curd Brownies, Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the Blood Orange Curd

In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the blood orange juice, citric acid (or lemon juice), granulated sugar, eggs, egg yolks, blood orange zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the unsalted butter until smooth. Transfer the curd to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and chill until set, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts), melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Assemble and Swirl

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the chilled blood orange curd over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the curd through the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

• In warmer months, serve these brownies chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
• During cooler weather, warm the brownies slightly and drizzle with a homemade chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pistachios on top before baking for a crunchy contrast.
• For a festive touch, top with edible flowers or candied blood orange slices.

Author’s Commentary

These Blood Orange Curd Brownies are one of my absolute favorite ways to elevate a simple chocolate dessert. The homemade curd takes a little extra time but is so worth it for the burst of fresh citrus flavor it brings. I love how the tartness of the blood orange cuts through the rich chocolate, preventing it from feeling too heavy. Plus, the marbled appearance always impresses guests, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings. For a quick alternative, you could even use store-bought orange marmalade, but the homemade curd truly makes this recipe shine.

Save It for Later

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw frozen brownies, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or warm gently in the microwave.
• Keep extra blood orange curd refrigerated and use it within a week – it’s wonderful spread on toast or stirred into yogurt.

Questions People Ask

Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange juice?

Absolutely! Regular orange juice will work if blood oranges are unavailable, but you’ll miss out on the distinctive color and slightly more complex flavor that blood oranges provide.

Is it necessary to use Dutch process cocoa powder?

While Dutch process cocoa powder offers a smoother, less acidic taste ideal for this recipe, you can substitute natural cocoa powder. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these brownies vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs and butter for its fudgy texture, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions such as flax eggs and vegan butter, which might affect the overall texture and taste.

How do I prevent the curd from curdling?

Cook the curd over low heat and whisk continuously to ensure even cooking. Removing it from heat as soon as it thickens prevents the eggs from scrambling, giving you a smooth, creamy curd.

What to Make After This

• Try the luscious Chocolate Lava Cakes With Sea Salt Caramel for another chocolatey delight with a gooey center.
• If you love layered desserts, Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits are a no-fail crowd-pleaser blending peanut butter and chocolate.
• For a gluten-free option, explore the Spiced Zucchini Brownie Bites Gluten Free that sneak in veggies and warm spices.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve mastered these Blood Orange Curd Brownies, consider experimenting with other citrus flavors like lemon or grapefruit curd to swirl into brownies. You could also try adding a layer of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – these brownies are sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Ready your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these stunning brownies that combine the best of chocolate and citrus. Your dessert game just leveled up!

Share on Pinterest