Orange Chocolate Brownies With Dates

Orange Chocolate Brownies

Get ready for the ultimate brownie delight where chocolate meets orange in a heavenly combo! The sweet chocolate chips blend seamlessly with the zesty citrus kick from oranges, creating a miracle dessert for chocolate orange lovers. In addition to the chocolate chips, these brownies are sweetened with natural sugars from dates and applesauce. This sweet combination provides just the right amount of sweetness while also delivering nutritional goodness. With minimal hands-on effort, they’re the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, school events, or tackling that sudden chocolate craving any time of the day. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. And if you’re looking for more fudgy goodness, don’t miss out on giving my banana brownies a try!

Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tips for Success

For softer, more fudgy brownies, bake for 15-18 minutes. For firmer, cakey brownies bake for up to 22 minutes. Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this delicious orange brownies recipe gluten-free. Know that changing the flour may slightly change the texture of these brownies, but they will still taste delicious. You can also use oat flour. Eggs – If you are avoiding baking with eggs, try chia eggs instead. Peanut butter – Trade in almond butter, cashew butter, or try tahini for a nut-free alternative. Flour – White whole wheat flour, or whole wheat pastry flour would also work in place of all-purpose flour. Add nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delicious in these!

Equipment

This food processor is the perfect size, powerful, and super versatile. I mainly use it to make my no-cook energy bites, like these bliss balls, apricot balls, and carrot balls, as well as chunky sauces, like pestos. You can also make these orange brownies in a high-speed blender, although may be harder to get all the batter out. I mainly use this powerful blender to make green smoothies, smooth sauces like any of these no tomato pasta sauces, and much more!

Storage

Transfer sliced brownies into an airtight container and keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold (which my kids do!) or warm for 10 seconds or so until warmed through. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend using the flash freeze method that I use for freezing muffins.