Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Oreo Brownies, a perfect combination of rich chocolate brownies and a creamy Oreo frosting. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these brownies deliver a deliciously indulgent experience. Follow along for tips on serving, storing, customizing to dietary needs, and making nutritional adjustments without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
1 cup unsalted butter (or two sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or your favorite chopped chocolate)
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp black cocoa powder (substitute with dark cocoa or more regular cocoa powder if unavailable)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
For the Oreo Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (or 1 stick)
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed for fluffy frosting)
12 Oreos, crushed (leave some larger pieces)
Directions:
Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift together the cocoa powders, flour, and salt; gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Oreo Frosting: Beat the butter, vegetable shortening, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add milk as necessary to achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency. Fold in the crushed Oreos.
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled, spread the Oreo frosting over the top. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional crushed Oreos over the frosting.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with the crunchy, creamy Oreo frosting for a truly indulgent treat.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling
Kcal: Not provided | Servings: 24 brownies
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Elevate your dessert experience with these serving suggestions and learn how to properly store your Oreo Brownies, ensuring every bite remains as delectable as the first. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a grand celebration, these tips will help you serve and preserve your brownies in the best way possible.
Serving Suggestions
- A La Mode: Serve your Oreo Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melting into the warm brownie creates a delightful contrast.
- Coffee Companion: Pair a slice of this chocolatey treat with a cup of strong coffee. The richness of the brownie complements the coffee’s bitterness, making for a perfect match.
- Berry Fresh: Add a fresh touch by serving your brownies with a side of mixed berries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra chocolatey experience, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted brownies before serving. This not only adds to the taste but also makes for a more appealing presentation.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their moist texture without drying out.
- Refrigerate for Longevity: If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to a week. The cold will preserve their freshness, but they may firm up. Simply let them come to room temperature before serving or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Freezing for Future Treats: For long-term storage, freeze the brownies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Refreshing Leftovers
- Oven Revival: To refresh leftover brownies, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method helps bring back the freshly-baked taste and texture.
- Microwave Quick Fix: A quick 10-20 seconds in the microwave can also do the trick, especially if you’re in a hurry. Just be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the brownies too soft or overly chewy.
Customization Ideas & Nutritional Considerations
Dive deeper into the world of Oreo Brownies by exploring various customization options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Additionally, gain insights into making more informed nutritional choices without compromising on the decadent experience these brownies offer.
Customization Ideas
- Vegan Variation: Create a vegan version by using plant-based butter, egg substitutes (like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers), dairy-free chocolate chips, and vegan Oreos. Opt for a dairy-free milk alternative in the frosting.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and Oreos (gluten-free versions are available) you use are certified gluten-free.
- Add Nuts or Fruit: Incorporate chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for an added crunch, or mix in dried fruit (such as cherries or raspberries) for a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate and Oreos.
- Coffee Infused: Intensify the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the brownie batter. This will give the brownies a subtle mocha flavor, enhancing the depth of the chocolate.
Nutritional Considerations
While indulging in a treat like Oreo Brownies, it’s also helpful to be mindful of nutritional content, especially if you’re watching your intake of sugar, fats, or calories. Here are a few considerations:
- Portion Control: Since these brownies are rich and dense, consider cutting them into smaller pieces. Enjoying a smaller portion can satisfy your sweet craving while keeping calorie intake in check.
- Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using sugar substitutes that are suitable for baking. Be sure to check the conversion rates, as many sugar alternatives have a different sweetness level compared to regular sugar.
- Healthier Frosting Options: For a lighter frosting, consider blending Greek yogurt with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. This can provide a creamy topping with less fat and calories than the traditional butter and shortening version.
- Whole Grain Flour: For an added fiber boost, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This can add a nutty flavor and slightly denser texture, along with the benefits of whole grains.