Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet meets the satisfying crunch and cream of whole Oreo cookies, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite. These brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cake-like, with a stunning red color that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.
What makes these Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies truly special is their impressive presentation with minimal effort. The whole Oreo cookies create delightful surprises throughout each square, while the vibrant red velvet base provides a sophisticated twist on traditional brownies. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, birthday parties, or any time you want to create something memorable that looks bakery-quality but comes together easily in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (preferably gel-based)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 16 to 22 Oreo cookies (depending on how closely you place them)
How to Make Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is evenly colored and well combined.
Step 4: Create the Batter Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks.
Step 5: Layer the Brownies Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the Oreo cookies over the batter in a single layer, pressing them down gently. Pour the remaining batter over the cookies, spreading carefully to cover them as much as possible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion (not through an Oreo) comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look set and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Helpful Tips:
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based red food coloring provides more vibrant color without thinning the batter. If using liquid food coloring, you may need slightly more to achieve the desired red hue.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The white vinegar reacts with the cocoa to enhance the red color and adds to the characteristic tang of red velvet. It’s a crucial ingredient for authentic flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: While the butter should be melted, make sure your eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation.
Oreo Placement Strategy: Arrange the Oreos so they’re evenly distributed but not touching the edges of the pan. This ensures clean cuts and prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan sides.
Test for Doneness Carefully: Insert your toothpick into the brownie batter between Oreos, not through a cookie, for an accurate doneness test.
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings: 16 squares
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
The beauty of these Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies lies in their perfect texture contrast. The red velvet base provides a tender, slightly tangy foundation that’s more sophisticated than regular chocolate brownies, while the embedded Oreo cookies add delightful textural variety. Each bite delivers the familiar comfort of red velvet cake with the fun surprise of whole cookie pieces.
Notes:
Food Coloring Variations: If you prefer a more natural approach, you can reduce the food coloring for a lighter pink color, though the dramatic red is part of the visual appeal of these brownies.
Oreo Alternatives: While classic Oreos work best, you can experiment with Golden Oreos for a different flavor profile, or even mint Oreos for a holiday twist.
Pan Size Matters: This recipe is specifically designed for an 8×8-inch pan. Using a larger pan will result in thinner brownies that may overbake, while a smaller pan may cause overflow or uneven cooking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies actually improve in flavor after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different size pan? A: For best results, stick with an 8×8-inch pan. A 9×9-inch pan will work but will produce slightly thinner brownies – reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes and watch carefully.
Q: How do I know when the brownies are done? A: The top should look set and feel slightly firm when gently touched. A toothpick inserted into the brownie portion (avoiding the Oreos) should come out with a few moist crumbs – not wet batter, but not completely clean either.
Q: Can I make these without red food coloring? A: Yes, but they won’t be true red velvet. The result will be chocolate brownies with a subtle cocoa flavor. The vinegar and other ingredients will still provide good flavor.
Q: Why do my brownies look more brown than red? A: This usually happens when the oven temperature is too high or they’re overbaked. The red color can also fade if too much cocoa powder is used or if liquid food coloring isn’t vibrant enough.
Q: Can I add cream cheese frosting? A: Absolutely! A light cream cheese glaze or frosting pairs wonderfully with these Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies and adds to the red velvet experience.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To maintain the best texture, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
For optimal freshness, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm, as refrigeration can make the brownies lose their fudgy texture. If you do refrigerate them, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion:
These Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies represent the perfect marriage of two classic treats, creating something entirely new and exciting. The stunning visual appeal combined with layers of complementary flavors and textures makes them ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to create something memorable. The recipe strikes an excellent balance between impressive results and achievable technique, making it accessible for bakers of various skill levels.
Whether you’re looking to surprise someone special, bring a show-stopping dessert to a gathering, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, these Oreo Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies deliver on all fronts. The combination of rich red velvet flavor with the beloved taste of Oreo cookies creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and novel – sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.