Are they brownies? Are they fudge? I’ll tell you one thing I’m sure of, these are divine. I wanted to make something chocolate orange for Christmas this year and these are just the thing.

Although I disagree with people who say chocolate orange is ‘festive’ (as in my opinion it is so good it should be enjoyed throughout all four seasons) I do love it at this time of year in particular. These brownies are just the most perfect little bites and such a yummy way of showcasing my most favourite perennial flavour combo.

The brownies are incredibly fudgy, so much so that you might doubt yourself when you get them out the oven but trust me, as they cool they will become absolute perfection. The frosting on the top just elevates them to heavenly status, so much so that I’m sure I heard a heavenly angel say ‘Hark’ last time I ate one. What does hark even mean? I digress.

I made this recipe in collaboration with my friends at Nature’s Charm; their products are all vegan but made with coconut instead of dairy. They do the most insane dessert sauces, whipping cream, condensed milk and custard, and for this recipe their coconut custard is the star ingredient. I’ve used it in the brownies for all the fudginess and in my three ingredient frosting as well.

I hope you love these fudge brownies as much as I do and I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp Nature’s Charm coconut custard
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 3/4 cup cacao powder
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup oat milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• Zest of 1 orange
• Pinch of Himalayan salt

For the frosting

• 3/4 cup natures charm coconut custard
• 3 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Preheat your oven to 180C. Combine the ground almonds, cacao powder, coconut sugar and salt in a bowl and stir well.

In another bowl, mix the other ingredients, then make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture, stirring until completely combined. Transfer mixture to a lined 8” square baking tin or tray and bake for 35 minutes, leaving to cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, add the ingredients to a bowl and stir well, or use a stand mixer if you have one. Spoon this onto the brownies and drizzle with melted chocolate if you wish. Slice into squares and serve! Store in the fridge for upto five days or freeze for upto two months.

Love, Mrs H xx