Barbecued Chocolate Oranges are a delightful twist on dessert, blending smoky richness with zesty citrus in every bite. The tender, caramelized orange slices pair perfectly with velvety melted chocolate, creating a harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. In just 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, you’ll craft a treat that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. The contrast of the warm, gooey chocolate and the slightly charred, juicy oranges makes this dish a sensory delight. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights, it’s a dessert that’s sure to leave everyone craving more.
This recipe is a celebration of textures and tastes, offering a unique combination that’s both comforting and adventurous. The smoky aroma from the barbecue enhances the natural sweetness of the oranges, while the chocolate adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s a simple yet show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a dessert enthusiast, Barbecued Chocolate Oranges will quickly become a favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect way to end any meal on a high note.
Ingredients for Barbecued Chocolate Oranges
- 1 ⅓ cups (8oz/225g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped (use high-quality chocolate for best results)
- ¾ cup (6oz/170g) butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1 cup (8oz/225g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (4oz/115g) dark brown sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted)
- 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (7 ½oz/213g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 medium oranges (choose firm, thick-skinned oranges for easier preparation)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Sugars: Whisk the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just a few streaks of flour remain. Set aside.
- Prepare the Oranges: Carefully cut off the top of each orange (about ¼ inch from the stem end). Use a small knife to loosen the center, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving a hollow shell. Reserve the orange flesh for another use.
- Fill the Oranges: Spoon the brownie batter into each orange shell, filling them about ¾ of the way. Replace the orange tops.
- Wrap and Grill: Wrap each orange securely in tin foil, ensuring no batter can leak out. Place the wrapped oranges directly on a preheated grill at 350°F/180°C.
- Bake: Grill for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
- Serve: Unwrap the oranges and enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat!
Serving Suggestions for a Sweet Finish
These barbecued chocolate oranges are best enjoyed warm, straight off the grill. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the oranges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and place them on the grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for about 10 minutes. This will help retain their gooey, chocolatey goodness.
Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavors! Swap the bittersweet chocolate for milk chocolate or add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced twist. You can also use grapefruits instead of oranges for a tangier, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet brownie filling.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prepare the brownie batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply scoop the batter into the oranges and proceed with grilling. Additionally, use a melon baller to quickly and efficiently hollow out the oranges.
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Results
For this recipe, a sharp serrated knife is essential for safely hollowing out the oranges. A whisk and sifter will help ensure a smooth, lump-free batter. Finally, heavy-duty aluminum foil is key to keeping the oranges intact on the grill.
Barbecued Chocolate Oranges
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 ⅓ cups bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
- ¾ cups butter
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
- 4 medium eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoons salt
Oranges
- 6-8 medium oranges
Instructions
- To make the Brownies: Put the chocolate and butter in a large bowl and set it over a saucepan of simmering water or place in the microwave. Stir occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool a little.
- Add the sugars and whisk until completely combined. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the chocolate mixture. Fold the flour mixture into the chocolate until just a bit of the flour mixture is visible. Set aside.
- To prepare your oranges: Carefully takes a seated knife and take out the center of the orange. Once you take a bit out you can go in with a spoon and scoop the rest out.
- Pour the batter into your orange 3/4 of the way. Place its lid on and wrap well in tin foil.
- Place directly on the grills on medium heat (350°F/180°C) and bake for roughly 35-45 minutes.
- Enjoy straight away with vanilla ice cream.
