Description
Blood orange curd brownies blend rich chocolate with zesty citrus in a luscious dessert. Mediterranean-inspired treat offers a delightful twist you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Blood Orange Curd
- 1 cup (240 g) fresh blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon blood orange zest
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid or 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 4 large egg yolks at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- Pinch fine sea salt
Brownie Base
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Intensify blood orange essence by simmering freshly strained juice in a saucepan, reducing volume by half to create a concentrated, vibrant flavor profile.
- Craft the citrus curd by whisking eggs, sugar, and reduced juice in a double boiler, gently heating and stirring until mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Prepare an 8-inch baking vessel by lining with buttered parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage. Preheat oven to precise 350°F for optimal baking conditions.
- Create decadent brownie foundation by melting butter with sugar, incorporating oil seamlessly, then introducing eggs and vanilla extract. Delicately fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Distribute brownie batter evenly across prepared pan, ensuring uniform thickness. Bake for 15-17 minutes, watching for subtle set without overcooking.
- Carefully spread blood orange curd across partially baked brownie layer, creating a vibrant, tangy surface.
- Return pan to oven, allowing curd to set for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching for slight firmness without cracking.
- Allow dessert to cool at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for minimum one hour to achieve perfect slicing consistency and flavor melding.
Notes
- Juice Intensity Boost the blood orange flavor by reducing the juice, which concentrates its tangy and sweet notes for a more robust taste.
- Curd Consistency Watch carefully while cooking to achieve a smooth, silky texture without scrambling the eggs.
- Swirl Alternative Gently swirl the blood orange curd into the brownie batter for a marbled effect instead of a solid layer.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free butter for a celiac or vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg