Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of chocolatey goodness? Then prepare yourself for the ultimate brownie experience: Blue Velvet Oreo Brownies! These aren't your average brownies; we're talking a rich, fudgy blue velvet base studded with chunks of crunchy Oreo cookies, creating a textural and flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels – easy to follow, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Blue Velvet Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (depending on desired consistency)
- Blue food coloring (gel is recommended for vibrant color)
- 1 cup Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add Color and Oreos
Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk (add more if needed to achieve desired consistency). Add a few drops of blue food coloring and mix until you reach your desired shade of blue. Gently fold in the crushed Oreos.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the brownies are completely cool, frost them evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Cut into squares and enjoy! These brownies are best served at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and intense color than liquid food coloring.
- Cool completely before frosting: Frosting warm brownies will cause the frosting to melt.
- Customize your Oreos: Feel free to use different types of Oreos, such as Double Stuf or Mint Oreos, for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Sugar: Approximately 30-35g Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to create a show-stopping dessert. These Blue Velvet Oreo Brownies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfying reward of this delightful treat!