Orange Brownies

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
4 eggs
2 tsp. pure orange extract
1 tsp. grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9x2 pan.

Brownies:
Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add butter, eggs, orange extract and orange zest. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and set. Remove from oven, allow to cool and pierce entire cake with a fork. Spread the orange cream cheese frosting over completely cooled brownies. Cut into squares.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
4 TB softened butter
1 (1lb. ) box confectioners sugar
2 TB orange zest
2 TB orange juice

In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese together with an electric handheld mixer. Gradually beat in the confectioners sugar until it is well combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and juice. Spread over the brownies.


Submitted by Juli