This 1-Ingredient Boxed Brownie Upgrade Is the Perfect Pairing

There are lots of chocoholics out there, but the cleverest ones are those who keep a few boxed brownie mixes stashed in the pantry to take care of any emergency cravings. A good, fudgy brownie, ready in a flash and still warm from the oven, is just so cozy and satisfying—it’s a quick and easy way to treat yourself. 

There are easy ways to elevate those simple boxed mixes and make them even more delicious, often with the addition of just one ingredient. And at this time of the year, you probably have one of those ingredients waiting in your fridge or in the fruit bowl: a big, juicy orange.

Why Orange and Chocolate Are a Great Pairing

When mixing up a boxed brownie mix, the ratios of wet and dry ingredients are important. Change either one too much and the brownies won’t bake up the way they’re intended. Fortunately, a single fresh orange is a great way to upgrade that mix, infusing it with a delicate citrus flavor without negatively affecting the texture.

Orange and chocolate is a beautiful pairing, and a combination that’s especially popular during the holidays. When added to the boxed brownie mix, fresh orange juice and zest don’t overwhelm the brownies; instead, they complement the chocolaty flavor. The fudgy chocolate will still be front and center, and a subtle orange flavor will be present throughout. 

How to Add Orange to Your Brownie Mix

Remember to start with the best quality brownie mix you can find to get the most delicious results. To give your brownies a citrusy upgrade, you’ll use two parts of the fresh orange: the fragrant zest grated from the peel, and some of the fresh juice.

Zest the orange first (a rasp grater, like Microplane, is best, but the smallest holes on a box grater will also work). Then, cut the orange in half and juice it with a reamer or your hands.

Boxed brownie mixes call for the addition of eggs, oil, and water; the package directions will tell you how much of each is needed. Add the eggs and oil as directed, but instead of water, just substitute fresh orange juice (it’ll be roughly one-quarter cup).

Next, stir the zest into the batter; I recommend starting with 2 teaspoons, then adding more if you want a stronger orange flavor. One medium orange will give you 1 to 2 tablespoons of zest, so you’ll have plenty. Bake the brownies as directed, then enjoy your fudgy, citrusy creation.