Orange Cardamom Brownies with Walnuts and Coffee
These fudgy brownies blend rich chocolate with bright orange zest and warm cardamom spice. The addition of orange liqueur and fresh juice creates a citrusy depth, while instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. Ground ginger adds subtle warmth, and chopped walnuts provide textural contrast. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a sophisticated twist on classic brownies, these treats offer complex flavors in every bite without being overly heavy.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil
- ¾ cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- 3 tablespoons orange liqueurorange extract1:3 ratio plus extra orange juicealcohol-free
Use 1 tablespoon extract plus 2 tablespoons orange juice
- zest of one navel orange
- 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with vegetable oil
- 3
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom and ginger in a small bowl and set aside
- 4
Whisk together egg, egg white, orange liqueur, orange zest, orange juice and vanilla in a large bowl
- 5
Add sugar, melted butter, cocoa and coffee granules and mix well
- 6
Stir in flour mixture and walnuts, mixing only until blended
- 7
Pour into greased baking dish and bake for 18 minutes
- 8
Cool before cutting into squares
Tips
Don't overmix once you add the flour mixture to prevent tough brownies
Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean squares and proper texture
Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered
Serve at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake beyond 18 minutes to avoid dry brownies
Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent tough texture
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Use 1 tablespoon extract plus 2 tablespoons orange juice
FAQ
Can I make these without orange liqueur?
Yes, substitute with 1 tablespoon orange extract plus 2 tablespoons additional orange juice for similar citrus flavor without alcohol.
What if I don't have cardamom?
You can substitute with equal amount cinnamon or increase the ginger to 1/2 teaspoon for warm spice notes.
How long do these brownies keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze wrapped for up to 3 months.