Hey there, fellow busy moms! Juliette here, from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, ready to chat about one of my family’s favorite festive treats. We’re diving headfirst into a delicious, easy, and surprisingly fun recipe: Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars! Yep, you heard right. We’re talking about those chocolatey, decadent squares of goodness, but with a spooky twist.
I remember the first time I attempted these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars. It was a whirlwind of costumes, pumpkin carving, and the ever-present question: “What’s for dinner?” I needed something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please my crew. Plus, the kiddos were craving something festive. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of combining two of their favorites: brownies and Oreos! The result? Pure dinnertime nutrition wins and happy smiles all around.
What made these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars a nutrition win? Well, I snuck in some healthier swaps, like using whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar a bit. It’s all about balance, right? Plus, the kids were so excited about the Halloween theme that they didn’t even notice my little nutrition tweaks. 🤫
Making healthy choices doesn’t have to be complicated, and these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars are proof! If you’re seeking simple nutrition solutions for your family, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to share my sanity-saving nutrition hacks with you.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these spooktacular Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture. I prefer unsalted so I can control the salt content.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Okay, yes, it’s sugar. But we can also use coconut sugar for a less processed option.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add protein.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that classic brownie flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: I often swap in whole wheat flour for added fiber in my Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their chocolatey goodness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just a bit.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 package (about 14 ounces) Halloween-themed Oreo cookies: The star of the show! Feel free to use regular Oreos if you can’t find the Halloween ones.
- Optional: Halloween sprinkles: Because sprinkles make everything more festive.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: My family gets extra nutrition when I add walnuts.
Trust me, this Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. I love finding shortcuts, so I usually buy pre-melted butter. These tasty Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, and sometimes, pre-chopped walnuts are worth the extra cost for the time saved!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these delicious Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! I use parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This is where you can really work out those arm muscles!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined for a perfect Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars usually takes about 10 minutes to mix.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Arrange the Halloween Oreo cookies on top of the batter. Gently press them into the batter. I like to space them out evenly for maximum Oreo coverage.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the Oreos, spreading it evenly. Don’t worry if your Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars looks a little uneven. It will all even out in the oven.
- Sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles, if desired. Because who doesn’t love sprinkles? Your healthy Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars should smell nourishing by now!
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars – learn from my experience! Underbaking is better than overbaking in this case.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This is the hardest part, I know! While your Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars is cooling, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
These Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars are a hit with my entire family! The kids devour this nutritious Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars when I serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries. It adds a little extra nutrition and balances out the sweetness.
We also love to crumble these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or, for a simpler option, we enjoy them with a glass of milk. These chocolatey Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
For presentation, I like to cut them into squares and arrange them on a festive Halloween platter. A little presentation goes a long way! If we have leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually disappear within a day or two. This nutritious Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, Turmeric Chicken Soup!
I’ve also tried a few seasonal variations. For example, I’ve added a layer of pumpkin puree to the batter for a fall twist. It was a huge hit! My friends and family always rave about these brownies. They can’t believe they’re so easy to make and that I sneaked healthy ingredients in.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow busy moms about these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars:
- Is this Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! While they are a treat, I’ve incorporated healthier swaps like whole wheat flour and reduced sugar. Plus, the protein from the eggs and the fiber from the walnuts (if you add them) contribute to a more balanced snack.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars? Presentation is key! Cut them into fun shapes with Halloween cookie cutters. You can also let your child help with the baking process. Kids are more likely to try something they helped make.
- Can I meal prep these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars for busy weeks ahead? Yes! These brownies store well at room temperature for several days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Can I make these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you use is designed for baking.
- What if I don’t have Halloween Oreos? No problem! Regular Oreos work just as well. You can also use other types of cookies, like chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies.
- Can I add chocolate chips to these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars? Absolutely! Chocolate chips are always a welcome addition. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- How do I prevent the Oreos from sinking to the bottom of the brownies? Gently press the Oreos into the batter before adding the remaining batter on top. This will help them stay in place. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Loaded Hamburger Soup!
Final Thoughts
These Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring joy and a little bit of spooky fun into your family’s life. Plus, they support my family’s nutrition goals by allowing for treats in moderation and with healthier ingredient swaps. Here are My Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars Nutrition Hacks:
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour: Adds extra fiber.
- Reduce the sugar: Use a little less than the recipe calls for.
- Add nuts: Adds healthy fats and protein.
Here are some family-tested healthy Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Mint Chocolate: Use mint-flavored Oreos and add peppermint extract to the batter.
My son prefers the peanut butter version, while my daughter loves the classic Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars. I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Experiment with different flavors and ingredient swaps to find what your family loves best. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out Roasted Garlic Potato Soup.
I hope these Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars bring a smile to your family’s faces and make your Halloween a little bit sweeter (and healthier!). Remember, you’ve got this! You are capable of creating your own simple nutrition success, one brownie at a time. For more inspiration check out Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars – I Dig Pinterest.
Remember that baking and cooking should be fun and an expression of your creativity. For a different twist, check out Halloween Oreo Cookie Boo Brownies – Bake Drizzle Dust. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to find your own personalized recipes. I know that you and your family will enjoy making these spooky brownies. Further inspiration for nutritious Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars can be found here.
Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars
These festive Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars combine fudgy homemade brownies with crunchy Oreo cookies and spooky Halloween sprinkles. They’re the perfect treat for parties or a fun baking project with kids!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.3 ounces) brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, using melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped Oreo cookies evenly over the brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the Oreo cookies.
- Top with Halloween sprinkles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, underbake them slightly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!