Spooky Oreo Layered Brownies (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Brownie Base
01 -
Melted unsalted butter
02 -
Granulated sugar
03 -
Packed brown sugar
04 -
Large eggs
05 -
Vanilla extract
06 -
Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
07 -
All-purpose flour
08 -
Baking powder
09 -
Salt
10 -
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
→ Oreo Layer
11 -
Halloween Oreos or classic Oreos
→ Topping & Garnish
12 -
White chocolate or candy melts
13 -
Orange food coloring
14 -
Purple food coloring
15 -
Halloween sprinkles
16 -
Candy eyeballs (optional)
17 -
Crushed Oreos (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Line a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides, then lightly grease it.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
03 -
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps.
04 -
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
05 -
Pour half of the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
06 -
Carefully arrange the Halloween or classic Oreos in a single, even layer over the brownie batter.
07 -
Gently spread the remaining brownie batter over the layer of Oreos, ensuring they are completely covered. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
08 -
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a fudgy texture.
09 -
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding with decoration.
10 -
Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fluid. Divide the melted chocolate into separate small bowls and tint one with orange food coloring and another with purple food coloring.
11 -
Drizzle the colored melted chocolate over the cooled brownies in a playful, spooky pattern. While the chocolate is still wet, generously sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles and strategically place candy eyeballs, if using.
12 -
Allow the chocolate topping to set and harden for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing.
13 -
Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cooled and decorated brownie slab from the baking pan. With a sharp knife, cut the brownies into 16 uniform squares, wiping the knife clean between each cut for neat edges.
14 -
Present the Spooky Oreo Layered Halloween Brownies and enjoy this festive treat.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra festive appearance, use Halloween-themed Oreos with orange creme centers.
02 -
To ensure a fudgy texture, avoid overbaking the brownies; slightly underbaking is preferable.
03 -
Always cool the brownies entirely before applying decorations to prevent the chocolate from melting.
04 -
For perfectly clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and dry it thoroughly before each cut.
05 -
Bake the brownies one day in advance and decorate them the following day to streamline preparation.
06 -
**Spiderweb Variation:** Pipe white chocolate in concentric circles and drag a toothpick from the center outwards to create spooky spiderwebs.
07 -
**Candy Bar Layer Variation:** Add a layer of chopped Snickers, Kit Kats, or Reese's cups along with the Oreos for extra indulgence.
08 -
**Pumpkin Spice Twist:** Incorporate 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of pumpkin pie spice into the brownie batter for a seasonal fall flavor.
09 -
**Frosted Brownies Variation:** Top the cooled brownies with a layer of cream cheese frosting before adding sprinkles.
10 -
**Monster Brownies Variation:** Use green candy melts and purple sprinkles to achieve a fun Frankenstein-inspired aesthetic.