Orange Chili Brownies are a super easy Mexican brownie recipe using a box mix, then adding some chili spice and citrus oil. The result is a brownie that’s over the top delicious.
My Best Brownie Recipe
Aside from a batch I made in the 60’s, this is hands down my best brownie creation ever.
Every single time I make these brownies, I’m asked for the recipe. And for any cook, that’s the ultimate compliment.
And I’m very glad to share it, as its simple recipe, using store purchased items. All you need are a few specialty items and a warm oven, then share the love.
To Share A Recipe Or Not To Share A Recipe
You happily share recipes don’t you?
But haven’t we all run into someone who simply refuses? Someone that replies “no” so quickly that it literally stops you in your tracks? And even the slightest attempts to negotiate fail?
Years, ago, there was the incident of co-worker, who brought in some of the best green chili I’ve ever tasted. An impressive combination of Mexican flavors, she refused to share the recipe. After days and days of hounding, I obtained most of the ingredients and then spent years perfecting the recipe.
And then there was the case of our Office Manager, and her homemade Honey Mustard. Hands down, the BEST Honey Mustard I’ve ever tasted. It’s perfect addition of spicy heat had me clamoring for the recipe only to hear “I don’t share the recipe.” I spent the next few hours guessing ingredients, each guess greeted with a “smug smile and a “no.” I could tell that even if I guessed right, she was still going to say “no.” I’ll never get that recipe.
With all that said, I’m going to step down off my brownie box share this recipe. After many test batches, I unveiled the brownies back in August at my Summer Tapas Party. After reading my post and recipes about the party, one of the attendees sent an email which simply read “What about the f#*@*#* brownies? 🙂
How To Make These Mexican Chili Brownies
Even as a Culinary School Graduate, I’d like to make it clear that I’m offering no apologies for using a box mix for this recipe. I have found that Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie mix is delightfully delicious. It’s a perfect blend of rich deep chocolate and smooth texture. The high altitude instructions on the box turns out a perfect Colorado brownie.
You can purchase this mix at Costco and the Double Chocolate Mix works well too, and I’ve found this at King Soopers. I’ve not been able to locate the triple chocolate mix anywhere but Costco.
My additions are simple. Orange Oil. Boyajian is the brand I love. So many flavors, so many uses. They make great vinaigrettes. The pure orange oil is my secret ingredient for these brownies.
My next secret weapon is to sprinkle the top of the brownies with Klass Chilito Chili Powder Seasoning (formerly known as Znax2go), a salt and chile powder mixture and you’ve got a good combination of flavors. It can be purchased at Mexican markets or online. It’s a product that makes fruit (like mango slices) sing and it brings these brownies to a whole new level.
And I need to make it clear that Boyajian, Ghirardelli and Klass have not paid me nor provided me with free product to mention their products.
Affectionately referred to as “Fist Fight Brownies”, I’m officially sharing the recipe. Let’s take a look.
Mexican Orange Chili Brownies Recipe
I hope you give these orange chili brownies a try. Beautiful rich chocolate is enhanced with a tad of orange flavor and spiced up with a salty spicy chili topping. ‘They’re easy and they’re flat out fun.
And if you have a favorite Mexican brownie recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.
More Mexican Chocolate Dessert Recipes
- Chili Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Frosting
- Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua
- Pepita Mexican Chocolate Cake
And if you’re looking for more dessert recipe ideas, don’t miss my Dessert Category. You’ll find some fun sweet tooth recipes, like this one for Orange Chocolate Truffles with Pistachios.
Chocolate Orange Chili Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 package Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix 18 ounces. Follow directions
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Boyajian Pure Orange Oil
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons Klass Chili Powder Seasoning formerly Znax 2go
Instructions
- Prepare brownies mix according to the instructions on the box.
- To the mixture add the Boyajian Orange Oil and the chopped pecans.
- Blend and bake according to instructions on the box.
- Remove from oven. While still hot liberally sprinkle on the chili seasoning mix.
- Gently press the powder onto the top of the brownies.
- Let cool then cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition
Mexican Orange Chili Brownies …They’re What’s for A Mexican Dessert
Lea Ann- I love the sweet and savory nature of this recipe. I can’t wait to give this a try. I don’t know where I’ll find that orange oil but I think I can find a good substitute if I can’t buy it online…. Plus, peppers + chocolate = yummy! 🙂
Robyn, I’ve been looking around town for some of that orange oil. Can’t find anything but extract. The only place I’ve not checked is Williams and Sonoma. I think I’m going to have to break down and order it on line. And yes, that salty chili pepper blend is WONderful.
I absolutely love chiles and chocolate! I’ve never done it with brownies…. thanks for the idea!
Then you’re gonna love this Jen. 🙂
I can relate to high-altitude cooking down here in Little Rock. OK, no I can’t but one of Katherine’s favorite shirts a few years ago was ski Little Rock! Anyway, these look amazing to me. I love how moist they turned out! And spicy with sweet is great.
I’m like you – more of a savory girl than sweet, except when it comes to chocolate. Sometimes I make brownies from scratch, but to be honest I like the boxed Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie mix. I think they should send you a few months worth now that you gave them such a nice plug.
Hope to see you soon.
The brownies sound like they have a wow factor to them that makes them irresistible. An unexpected flavor punch. And I like the sound of those oils – divine.
Thanks Reeni
I always buy Ghirardelli mix – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 😉
The touch of chili powder sounds YUMMO! Can’t wait to try this recipe once the weather is cooler!!!
Don’t forget that orange oil Yvette.
You put together one heck of a bite!
Thanks Norma!
I believe in always sharing love and recipes!! Orange and chocolate are fantastic combination and pure orange oil is something I must try to find!!
So far I can’t find them in Denver. I have to order them on-line. They have that little sampler kit that is a “must” buy. Plus they make great little hostess gifts.
I second your opinion about the mix, Lea Ann. I bake from scratch now and them and it’s wonderful to have a quick version when I’m short on time. Love the combination of chili and chocolate. I haven’t tried those oils but have heard from others they are great.
Thanks Cathy. I’d love to be able to find those oils here in Denver … without having to order them. They are wonderful.