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 Dinner Tapas Menu. 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.
Orange Chili Brownies are a super easy 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.
- 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
- 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.
Mexican Orange Chili Brownies …They’re What’s for A Mexican Dessert
Larry says
October 1, 2011 at 9:01 amYou sure have brought together some interesting flavors and I can imagine they are super good. Thanks for sharing your SECRET recipe with us.
Lea Ann says
October 1, 2011 at 9:32 amMake that “top secret” Larry. 🙂 Did I mention you’ll need to return the signed agreement before sharing? 🙂 As you know, I’m not a dessert person, but do love brownies and especially these that end up being a little on the citrusy sasvory side.
Kirsten@My German Kitchen...in the Rockies says
October 1, 2011 at 9:31 amI don’t understand why anybody wouldn’t share a recipe. I personally think that people that do that just crave attention. It is not worth asking a second time. But I am a food blogger, so that says it all.
I know you already assume I will give you a hard time about using a box mix. No, I won’t, since I have to share a secret with you. Please, don’t tell anyone. I have one recipe where I use a box mix. Guess what, sorry, can’t share the recipe. It’s a secret! Sure, I will share it with you. It is a mint flavored Kahlua cake and it asks for a mix of devil food cake and instant chocolate pudding. I just made two for my son’s JV team dinner this week and the boys raved about it. It is also one of my husband’s favorite. There you go. Now it is out.
Love the addition of the orange oil and the chile powder. I am sure it makes for a wonderful flavor combo together with the rich chocolate taste. May I should try this with my box mix cake, too. Yummy!
Nancy says
October 1, 2011 at 6:15 pmFINALLY!!! LOL!! Having been at the infamous back deck tapas party, I promise you these are truly fist fight brownies… I’m so glad you are sharing the recipe. LOL about the email you received…one of those where I can hear that person saying it (and no, Vickie, it wasn’t me although I wish I’d thought of it first!!)
Lea Ann says
October 5, 2011 at 5:36 amThat’s a true compliment when you serve an evening full of good food and the only recipe not posted recieves that “request”. 🙂
Nancy says
October 5, 2011 at 5:02 pmIt was an appropriately awesome way to end an awesome meal and evening…and we got to enjoy them for a few days afterwards. Can’t beat that!
pam says
October 1, 2011 at 7:56 pmYay for recipe sharing!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
October 1, 2011 at 8:47 pmI had some fabulous shortbread cookies once that the owner of a Wild Bird Center had put out for customers for the holidays. I asked if I could please have the recipe. NO. Wait, what? Adamant almost rude NO, I never share recipes.
I decided not to share my money and went to a different store for sunflower seeds…funny how I never forgot how downright rude they were…and to someone who was going to buy something from them. Don’t they know sharing is caring? 🙂
I have a cake like Kirsten’s; something about cake mixes and pudding that seems to make it all better. It’s a rum cake I make over the holidays and I once thought to try and make it from scratch and reconsidered…there is nothing wrong with us using something that works; it does not make us Sandra Lee.
My hot nuts and your hot brownies…quite the pair I would say!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
October 2, 2011 at 3:41 amOne of my husband’s step-mothers was the best home cook we ever knew, but definitely would not share her recipes even if you begged. She didn’t even offer an agreement, or we would have signed. I out-foxed her one time and found her “secret” zucchini clam chowder and now we affectionately call it Wanda’s Zucchini Clam Chowder.
The ingredients in your brownies sound so exotic and I love those little oils Vicki sent you. What a good friend. Makes up for those ahum…other one’s… that don’t share. Thank you Lea Ann for sharing your brownie recipe with us. My signed agreement is in the mail.
Sam
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:11 amDidn’t you blog about finding that recipe Sam?
Karen says
October 2, 2011 at 4:55 amGhirardelli is the best brownie mix ever. I love orange and chocolate together and love all things spicy, so I’m sure I could eat a pan of these all by myself. I’m not kidding. Really. I’m not.
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:10 amI love that box mix Karen and was so pleasantly surprised the first time I made it. My first orange chile test recipes were from a recipe made from scratch. They were ok .. but nothing like Ghirardelli.
Karen Harris says
October 2, 2011 at 6:23 amWhat is it about people and their green chili recipes? I have a neighbor that flat refused giving her recipe to me saying it was her mother’s recipe and she was comtemplating opening a restaurant someday. Well, guess what, I came up with one I liked better than hers. Take that Julie!
Your brownines look wonderful. I think you are forgiven using a box mix if you doctor it up enough. I think we’ve all got one or two. I can’t wait to give these a try.
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:09 amGreen chili does seem to have it’s share of hoarders. I’m the same way Karen, I do believe i’ve finally perfected mine to the point where it’s better than Joan’s version ever was. Too bad I won’t share the recipe. HA!
Vickie says
October 2, 2011 at 8:16 amYeah for sharing #*&$ Fist Fight Brownies – you did the right thing. They are too good not to share and I can personally attest to their incredible yumminess. Thank you so much for making that box of deliciousness for our trip. They were so great with coffee the next day and I couldn’t keep my mother out of them. I loved her surprised expression when she tasted them. And since she has dementia, they surprised her every time. And of course you came up with a better green chili – you’re the best cook I know. 😉
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:39 pmI’m loving the newest name for these brownies … FFFB”s
🙂
Chris says
October 2, 2011 at 1:59 pmAnd here I am not giving a recipe in my post today, lol, but it’s understandable since it’s not my recipe.
My guess when people refuse to give up a recipe like that is:
1) It was store bought
2) Someone else made it for them
3) They are full of themselves
One of the three is usually true:)
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:38 pmLove it Chris, I do belive you’re right on all accounts .. probably each reason fits a certain person.
Heather @girlichef says
October 2, 2011 at 5:53 pmI actually love the Ghirardelli boxed mix brownies, too. But your version sounds killer. i bet the orange and chile really send it outta the park! Thanks for sharing with us 😀
Lea Ann says
October 2, 2011 at 7:38 pmIt’s right up your alley Heather. Thanks for stopping by and the comment.
Sara @ Saucy Dipper says
October 2, 2011 at 8:23 pmI think I saw something about a new tv show featuring popular restaurant recipes. I am surprised, since so few restaurants will share. But I say, “why not?!?!” People eat out or eat a friend’s place because they don’t want to do the cooking and they want the environment! There’s enough recipe success to go around.
ps – I totally want to make your brownies 🙂
Lea Ann says
October 3, 2011 at 2:52 pmSara, I’ve had pretty good luck with restaurants sharing recipes. Sometimes I’m surprised they do.
Kristi Rimkus says
October 3, 2011 at 7:55 amWhat a great combination. One of my favorite dark chocolate bars is a chili and dark chocolate. I love slight hint of heat. I can’t imagine not sharing a good recipe. After all, it’s a compliment when people ask for your recipe. Don’t you think?
Lea Ann says
October 3, 2011 at 2:51 pmI buy some chocolate bars at Whole Foods with the chile. LOVE them. I agree Kristi, when I have people over for dinner, if no one asks for a particular recipe, I’m sure it was ho-hum. 🙂
Susan says
October 3, 2011 at 6:26 pmI don’t get it when people won’t share a recipe. We have friends who make a great pasta sauce and they (he especially) refuses to give me the recipe.
These sound delicious and Thank You for the recipe 🙂
Lea Ann says
October 5, 2011 at 5:35 amYou’re welcome Susan.
Barbara says
October 4, 2011 at 4:50 amI always share! I can see why some restaurants don’t, but I’d be really surprised if one of my friends didn’t. I had a dearly loved aunt who was brilliant in the kitchen with sweets of all kinds. My sister and I think she omitted one ingredient from every recipe she passed on!! We’ve figured them out over the years though. 🙂
Love the heat and citrus oils in your brownies, Lea Ann. I’ve not experimented much with them. They look delish!
Lea Ann says
October 4, 2011 at 5:38 amI knew someone who omitted ingredients … too funny. As always, thanks for stopping by and the comment Barbara.
Lea Ann says
October 4, 2011 at 5:40 amMaybe you could get them to drink a little to much next time around. 🙂
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
October 4, 2011 at 9:34 amI 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.
Lea Ann says
October 5, 2011 at 5:33 amThanks Cathy. I’d love to be able to find those oils here in Denver … without having to order them. They are wonderful.
Linda says
October 5, 2011 at 5:54 amI believe in always sharing love and recipes!! Orange and chocolate are fantastic combination and pure orange oil is something I must try to find!!
Lea Ann says
October 5, 2011 at 6:00 amSo 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.
Norma says
October 5, 2011 at 8:45 amYou put together one heck of a bite!
Lea Ann says
October 6, 2011 at 7:04 amThanks Norma!
Yvette ~ Muy Bueno Cookbook says
October 5, 2011 at 1:36 pmI 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!!!
Lea Ann says
October 5, 2011 at 3:23 pmDon’t forget that orange oil Yvette.
Reeni says
October 5, 2011 at 7:59 pmThe 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.
Lea Ann says
October 6, 2011 at 5:29 amThanks Reeni
Andrea @ Fork Fingers Chopsticks says
October 7, 2011 at 8:34 pmI’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.
Greg says
October 7, 2011 at 8:54 pmI 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.
Jen says
October 21, 2011 at 1:26 pmI absolutely love chiles and chocolate! I’ve never done it with brownies…. thanks for the idea!
Lea Ann says
October 22, 2011 at 2:49 pmThen you’re gonna love this Jen. 🙂
Robyn Lindars says
November 2, 2011 at 8:21 pmLea 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! 🙂
Lea Ann says
November 3, 2011 at 6:40 amRobyn, 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.