Oreo Bars {Chocolatey Brownie Based Recipe} - Grandbaby Cakes (2024)

These cookie-and-cream Oreo Bars are the best of both worlds! It all starts with a fudgy brownie layer speckled with crushed Oreos. On top of that, I add a simple tangy cheesecake layer on top and then the finishing touch is more Oreo cookies on top. This is the best dessert bar recipe, and each bite will send you to dessert heaven! Make this Oreo bar recipe all year round! The flavor is all the way popping!

If you struggle between choosing between brownies, cheesecake, and Oreos for your favorite dessert then these Oreo cookie-and-cream dessert bars are perfect for YOU! Now you can enjoy both in one decadent treat. I’ve taken my best brownie recipe, added some Oreo cookies to it, and then topped it with a fluffy and creamy cheesecake layer with even more Oreo cookies. They are the perfect combination of chocolatey, creamy, tangy goodness! Y’all I’m telling you, you won’t’ be able to stop eating them.

The Heart & Soul Of This Oreo Bars Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Classic American
Primary Cooking Method: Oven
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Combines rich chocolatey brownies with creamy and tangy cheesecake with Oreo cookies baked into the brownies and sprinkled on top.
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

• Three Desserts In One! This dessert mashup gives you a bite of brownie, oreo and cheesecake in the same bite.
• Great for Potlucks and Parties. Dessert bars work great for parties and groups since they bake up in one pan and make plenty for sharing.
• Crowd Pleaser. Who doesn’t love a good brownie? This Oreo bar is sure to be a hit at all your events and everyone will be asking you to make them again!
• Easy to Make. While they do take a bit of time from start to finish, the actual preparation is quite easy and most of the time is to allow the Oreo cheesecake bars time to set up.
• So Much Chocolate Goodness. This is sure to be your new favorite brownie. It’s got the classic brownie texture with plenty of intense chocolate flavor and a crispy little pockets of Oreo cookies.

Ingredients to Make Oreo Bars

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a more balanced flavor and control over the salt added to your Oreo bars.
• Sugar: The Oreo brownie layer is made with a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar. I find the brown sugar adds a more complex sweetness to the brownies, along with some additional moisture. You will also need a bit more granulated sugar to sweeten the cheesecake.
• Eggs: For both layers of these Oreo bars. An extra egg white in the creamy topping makes it lighter and fluffier. Make sure you give them time to warm up to room temperature before baking.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth, and natural sweetness, and brings all the flavors together in the brownie base and the creamy cheesecake layer on top.
• All-purpose flour and cocoa powder: Combine to give the brownies structure and rich, chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda and kosher salt: For flavor and lift!
• Oreo cookies: Crushed Oreo cookies are added to the decadent brownie batter but also added on top of the cheesecake layer.
• Cream Cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese adds creamy richness.
• Heavy Cream: Mixes with the cream cheese to create the silky, rich cheesecake layer that takes the bars over the top.
• Cornstarch: To thicken everything up so it firmly stays on top of the brownie layer.

How to Make Oreo Bars

Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Add the melted butter and both sugars to a bowl and mix on medium speed with an electric mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time and mix after each one to incorporate it well.
3. Add the oil and vanilla extract to the bowl.
4. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Then add the dry ingredients to the bowl in two batches and mix on low speed. Mix only until everything is combined.
5. Stir in the crushed Oreos using a spatula or wooden spoon.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake the brownies until the edges are just set and the center is still soft.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until light and creamy.
2. Add the egg and egg white. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. Mix them into the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer.
2. Sprinkle the top with the crushed Oreos and continue baking at 225F until the cheesecake is set around the edges with just a tiny jiggle in the center when moved. Cool the bars completely in the pan and then move to the refrigerator for 5-7 hours.

Tips for Making the Best Oreo Brownie Bars

• Line Your Baking Pan. Using parchment paper in your pan with a 2-inch overhang makes it super easy to remove the bars after baking.
• Don’t Over Mix. This is crucial in most dessert recipes. Once you add the dry ingredients to the bowl, gluten begins to form. The more you mix, the more you activate the gluten, which leads to dry, tough bars.
• Cool and Chill. After baking be sure to allow the bars time to fully cool and then chill in the fridge before cutting them. This gives the cheesecake layer plenty of time to set up.
• Use a Hot Knife for Cutting. Run your knife through a stream of running hot water and then dry off. The heat allows the knife to cleanly cut through the bars with clean even cuts. You may need to wipe the blade and run it through the water in between cuts.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Swap the Oreo Cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are another popular option for making these brownie bars.
• Skip the Cookies. Leave them out for a simple brownie and cheesecake combination or you can add a layer of cherry pie filling on top. For a combination reminiscent of Black Forest Cake.
• Add Nuts: If you are a fan of nuts you can add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter and also sprinkle some on top.
• Experiment with Other Oreo Cookie Flavors: It’s an easy way to add variety and try something different!
• Salted Butter: If all you have is salted butter be sure to leave out the salt or give it a taste and add only as much as needed.

What to Serve with Oreo Cookie Bars

• Create a Dessert Platter: Enjoy these brownie bars with an assortment of other desserts when serving for parties or gatherings. Aim for a variety of flavors and textures. We love these chocolate sugar cookies for something a bit crunchy, blackberry lemon bars for sweet and citrusy, and these pecan pralines for a nutty option.
• Your Favorite Beverage: Whether it’s a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or something a bit more indulgent such as a hot buttered rum or a creamy hot chocolate. For adults sip on a chocolate martini for the ultimate chocolate explosion!
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: You can’t go wrong with an extra dose of Oreo cookies by adding a scoop of homemade cookies and cream ice cream or coffee ice cream.
• Perfect for Gatherings: They work best for events where you can keep the refrigerated until you’re ready to serve but consider them a great end to a family dinner after indulging on the best Southern fried chicken, BBQ ribs, piles of creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy fried okra.

How to Store Oreo Bars

To keep those Oreo cake bars super fresh, let them cool completely after baking. Store them in an airtight container and separate the layers with parchment paper if they are stacked up. The flavor will still be on point when stored in the fridge. It helps keep that great texture. They will be fine sitting out for about an hour or two but may not hold up so well outside on a hot day for a long time.

How long will Oreo bars last in the fridge?

Kept this way, they’ll keep that perfect texture and taste in the fridge for up to 5 days, ready to be enjoyed whenever you are!

Can I freeze Oreo cheesecake bars?

Freezing desserts, especially those with creamy dairy layers like cheesecake, can be a bit of a juggling act because freezing can switch up the texture. But if you’ve got some leftovers and you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, go ahead and stash them in the freezer for a bit. Just keep them in a single layer or slide some parchment between them, and they’re good for a chill session of up to three months. When you’re ready to dive back in, let them thaw in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

These Oreo bars are about to be your new obsession! I mean, come on – who wouldn’t go crazy for this killer combo of fudgy brownies, crunchy Oreo cookies, and that classic, creamy cheesecake goodness? They’re a breeze to whip up, and trust me, you’ll be the MVP of any party when you roll in with these bad boys.

More Oreo Cookie Recipes

• Oreo Pancakes
• Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
• Oreo Cheesecake
• Oreo Milkshake
• Fried Oreos
• Oreo Frosting