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Olive Oil Brownies with Sea Salt and Orange Zest!

olive oil brownies
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These Olive Oil Brownies with Sea Salt and Orange Zest are the perfect mix of rich, gooey chocolate and zesty citrus brightness. Made with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, they deliver a moist, fudgy texture that feels indulgent without being too heavy. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes the flavor to the next level, balancing the sweetness beautifully. 

  • Author: Tara Hamrick
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 brownies

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – ½ cup
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup
  • Brown sugar – ¼ cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – â…” 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line or grease an 8×8 pan—because nobody likes brownies stuck to the pan.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Stuff
Whisk olive oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and shiny. No grainy sugar allowed—whisk like you mean it.

Step 3: Add the Cocoa Goodness
Add cocoa powder and orange zest. Whisk until dark, thick, and glossy—like delicious molten chocolate lava.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients In
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently mix just until combined. Don’t overmix—we’re baking brownies, not sourdough.

Step 5: Chocolate Chunks, Baby (Optional)
Fold in chocolate chunks if desired. Totally optional—but always delicious, whether you’re team chunky or team purist.

Step 6: Pour & Sprinkle
Pour batter into pan, smooth it out, and sprinkle sea salt on top like a fancy dessert wizard.

Step 7: Bake Time
Bake for 23–26 minutes. Check at 23—look for moist crumbs on the toothpick, not a dry stick.

Step 8: Cool (Yes, Really)
Cool in pan 15–20 minutes. Seriously—don’t rush it or they’ll crumble like a bad high school breakup.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tarastreats.com/olive-oil-brownies-with-sea-salt-and-orange-zest/