Olive Oil Brownies with Sea Salt and Orange Zest!

This brownie was never supposed to be fancy. 

Honestly, I just wanted something chocolatey. You know, a little weeknight treat to nibble with tea, or possibly inhale while watching baking shows I have no intention of replicating. But then… I got a little carried away. I started thinking about the half-used bottle of olive oil that’s been hanging around like a forgotten dinner party favor. And the orange sitting in the fruit bowl, slowly drying into a decorative prop. And that’s when it happened: the brownie glow-up.

Because what started as a basic “I-just-need-chocolate” moment turned into something elegant. Like, actually elegant. The olive oil made the texture rich and smooth, the orange zest brought this fresh citrusy lift that danced through the chocolate like a surprise plot twist, and that flaky sea salt? It’s the mic drop.

Okay, so hear me out – this is definitely still a brownie. It’s got that gooey, rich chocolate thing going on, super comforting, you know. But it’s also got layers. Personality. A little drama. It’s the brownie that shows up in heels but still wants to hang on the couch in sweatpants. And somehow, it pulls off both.

And hey, if you’re more into the lightened-up, snack-worthy kind of brownies, I’ve got you covered with these Greek Yogurt Brownies that are under 100 calories. They’re fudgy, guilt-free, and perfect when you want something sweet without going full decadent.

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Why You’ll Totally Fall For These Brownies

1. Butter Who?

These brownies don’t need butter. Olive oil steps in and makes everything silky, moist, and kinda fancy. Plus, it’s always hanging out in the pantry anyway, waiting to shine.

2. That Flavor Combo, Though

Chocolate and orange? It’s like a classy holiday party in your mouth. The orange zest brings brightness that cuts through the richness, and the sea salt just ties it all together like a hug.

3. No Mixer? No Problem.

This is a bowl-and-whisk situation. No need to bust out the heavy-duty mixer or cry over clunky dishes. You’ll honestly feel like a kitchen pro, and the cleanup is a breeze.

4. The Texture is Chef’s Kiss

I’m talking chewy edges, gooey centers, and just enough crumble to make you feel like you nailed it. These brownies somehow manage to be both rich and light at the same time.

5. Impress-without-Trying-Vibes

People will taste these and think you took a pastry course in France. You didn’t. You just know how to whisk cocoa powder and olive oil like a pro.

6. Pantry-Friendly

No fancy flours or mystery ingredients. If you’ve got cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and olive oil, you’re basically halfway there. Bonus points if you’ve got a random orange lying around.

7. Sea Salt Magic

Let me tell you; sea salt is the secret sauce here. Just a little sprinkle on top and suddenly these go from regular brownies to “wait, what are these and why do they taste amazing!” I’m not even kidding. The salt totally brings everything to life.

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Here’s What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

• Olive oil – ½ cup
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Eggs – 2 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – ⅔ cup
• All-purpose flour – ½ cup
• Baking powder – ¼ teaspoon
• Fine sea salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Orange zest – from 1 medium orange
• Flaky sea salt – a pinch (for topping)
• Optional: dark chocolate chunks – ½ cup
  

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🥄 Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something or need a gluten-free swap? No worries—these easy substitutions have got your back without compromising on flavor or texture:

Ingredient	Substitution	Notes
All-purpose flour	Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour	Use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for best results.
Olive oil	Melted coconut oil or canola oil	Coconut oil adds a slight sweetness; canola keeps it neutral like olive oil.
Eggs	Flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)	Works great for a plant-based version. Texture will be slightly less fluffy.
Orange zest	Lemon zest or orange extract	Lemon gives a brighter citrus note; orange extract is more concentrated.
Brown sugar	Coconut sugar or all white sugar	Coconut sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor; white sugar keeps it classic.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups/spoons
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
  

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Step-by-Step How-To

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Then grab an 8×8 baking pan and line it with parchment paper. You can grease it too, just to be safe. Nobody likes stuck brownies.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Stuff

Now grab a bowl and whisk together the olive oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Now whisk it like you actually mean it. You’re aiming for that smooth, shiny look like, no grainy sugar floating around. 

Step 3: Add the Cocoa Goodness

Dump in your cocoa powder and orange zest. Whisk it again. It’ll look thick and dark, like chocolate lava. That’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients In

Toss in the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Mix gently until everything’s combined. Don’t overmix. We’re not making bread here.

Step 5: Chocolate Chunks, Baby (Optional)

Fold in the dark chocolate chunks if you’re feeling wild. Or skip them if you’re more of a purist. I’ve done both. No regrets either way.

Step 6: Pour & Sprinkle

Go ahead and pour that chocolatey goodness into your pan and smooth it out so it bakes up nice and even. Sprinkle that flaky sea salt on top like you’re a gourmet dessert wizard.

Step 7: Bake Time

Pop it into the oven and bake for 23–26 minutes. Keep an eye around the 23-minute mark. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not dry.

Step 8: Cool (Yes, Really)

Let them cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before cutting. It’s hard, I know. But if you rush it, they’ll fall apart like my teenage relationships.

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🍫 Pro Tips for Next-Level Brownies

Want to make these brownies unforgettable? Here are a few of my best tricks:

• Use a quality cocoa powder – It’s the soul of the brownie. I’ve had great luck with Dutch-processed cocoa when I want that deep, almost fudgy richness.
  
• Zest the orange directly over the bowl – You’ll capture the fragrant oils right into the batter for max flavor.
  
• Sprinkle sea salt right before baking – It slightly sinks into the surface while baking and gives every bite a little sparkle.
  
• Let them rest overnight – If you can resist eating them all, they taste even more developed the next day. (Trust me. Next-level stuff.)
  
• Craving more citrus magic? These 3-Ingredient Garlic Herb Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings also use a zesty touch for an irresistible flavor burst.

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Macros Per Serving

• Calories: 235
  
• Fat: 14g
  
• Carbs: 26g
  
• Protein: 3g
  
• Fiber: 2g
  
• Sugar: 18g
  

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🥄 Make Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

These brownies are surprisingly meal-prep-friendly for something so indulgent.

• Make the batter ahead – You can mix the wet and dry separately and combine right before baking.
  
• Freeze baked brownies – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave in 10-second bursts.
  
• Need another easy, make-ahead dinner to pair with dessert? Try my Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings—comfort food heaven that practically cooks itself.
  

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🍽️ What to Serve With These Brownies

Want to turn brownies into a whole dessert vibe? Here’s what I pair them with:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – Let it melt a little. That hot-cold contrast is unbeatable.
  
• Orange-infused whipped cream – Just whip cream with a touch of zest and powdered sugar.
  
• Chai or espresso – The warm spice and bitterness balance out the sweetness beautifully.
  
• And if you’re planning a cozy dinner before this, try my Creamy Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili—savory + sweet perfection.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

These brownies are like a dream. Here’s how I keep them fresh (if they last more than a day!):

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I like to slip in a slice of bread to keep them soft.
  
• Fridge: Great if you want them firmer—store up to 5 days. Let them sit out a few minutes before eating.
  
• Freezer: Freeze individual squares wrapped in parchment + foil. They’ll last 2 months! Defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  
• Reheat Tip: If you want that fresh-baked gooeyness again, microwave a square for 12–15 seconds and enjoy it warm.

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❓ Q&A Section (Reader Questions Answered)

Can I use a different citrus besides orange?
Yes! Lemon zest works great for a brighter, sharper flavor. Blood orange is also a fun seasonal twist if you want a more floral, vibrant edge.

Is olive oil better than butter in brownies?
Not better—just different! Olive oil adds a smooth texture and subtle richness without overpowering. Plus, it’s heart-healthy. Harvard’s Nutrition Source breaks it down really well.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. I tested it with Bob’s Red Mill and the brownies were still fudgy and delicious.

Can I skip the sea salt on top?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. That little sprinkle of flaky salt elevates the flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Do these brownies taste strongly of olive oil?
Not at all! If you use a mild or light-flavored olive oil, you’ll barely notice it. It blends right in and just gives you a richer texture.

Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time—it’ll likely need an extra 5–10 minutes.

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💵 Recipe Cost Estimator

Here’s a rough cost breakdown based on U.S. grocery store prices (as of 2025). Great for budget-minded bakers!

Ingredient	Approx. Cost	Notes
Olive oil (1/2 cup)	$1.00	Based on a $5 bottle of extra virgin oil
Sugar (1 cup)	$0.40	White granulated sugar
Eggs (2 large)	$0.60	Assuming $3.50/dozen
Cocoa powder (1/2 cup)	$0.75	Good-quality Dutch-process cocoa
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)	$0.20	Generic store brand
Orange zest (1 orange)	$0.75	One fresh orange
Vanilla extract (1 tsp)	$0.30	Mid-range vanilla
Sea salt flakes (for topping)	$0.10	Just a sprinkle

Estimated Total Cost: ~$4.10
This makes about 12 brownies, so roughly $0.34 per brownie—way cheaper than any fancy bakery version and just as decadent!

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Final Bites (aka My Little Wrap-Up)

So yeah. These brownies came out of a lazy day, a half-empty pantry, and a stubborn craving for something sweet-but-not-boring. And now they’re kind of my thing. I’ve made them for game nights, birthdays, quiet Sundays, and once at 11 p.m. because someone had a bad breakup (hi, Taylor). They’re rich and gooey, but the orange zest makes them feel a little lighter, a little brighter. And the sea salt? I don’t even know how to explain. It just works. It makes your tongue go, “Whoa, what was that?”

If you’re ever in the mood to bake something cozy but not basic, these are your guys. Just be warned: once you make them, everyone will ask you for the recipe. And you’ll probably end up making them again. And again.

Go ahead. Grab that olive oil and let the chocolate therapy begin.