Screaming Good! Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies: The Ultimate Halloween Treat
Prepare for a delightful fright with our Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies! These aren’t just any brownies; they are a vibrant, deliciously spooky masterpiece designed to bring a burst of Halloween fun to your Hallow’s Eve celebrations. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy dark chocolate brownie, generously slathered with a fluffy, zesty orange buttercream, and crowned with crunchy, festive Halloween OREOs. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that screams “Boo-licious!” and promises to be the star of your autumn dessert table. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-make, incredibly satisfying treat that perfectly balances deep chocolate notes with bright citrusy sweetness and that unmistakable OREO crunch.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, our thoughts drift to cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and, of course, the thrilling excitement of Halloween. This recipe for Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies encapsulates everything wonderful about the season. It’s a versatile dessert that’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant and fun enough to steal the show at any Halloween party. Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering or simply looking for a festive baking project with the kids, these brownies offer a perfect blend of rich flavors, playful textures, and eye-catching color that embody the spirit of fall and Halloween. They are truly screaming good!
The Irresistible Allure of Chocolate and Orange
If there’s one flavor combination that stands out as truly divine when paired with chocolate, it has to be orange. The bright, zesty notes of citrus cut through the richness of dark chocolate beautifully, creating a sophisticated and utterly addictive taste experience. Our Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies take this classic pairing to a whole new level. This devilishly good treat features a triple threat of dark chocolate: the fudgy brownie base, chunks of Halloween OREOs folded into the mix, and a scattering of mini chocolate chips. All of this glorious chocolate is then perfectly complemented by a luxurious, smooth layer of homemade orange buttercream. One bite, and you’ll understand why this combination is not just delicious, but truly dangerous in the best possible way!
The magic of this flavor profile lies in its ability to be both comforting and exciting. The familiar depth of dark chocolate provides a grounding sweetness, while the vibrant orange zest and juice in the buttercream elevate the entire dessert with a refreshing brightness. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, making each bite an unforgettable moment. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an indulgence designed to satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth while offering a playful nod to the festive season. The striking visual contrast between the dark brownie and the bright orange frosting also makes these brownies incredibly appealing, guaranteeing they’ll be a conversation starter at any event.
Crafting Your Fudgy Brownie Base
The foundation of any great brownie creation is a truly fudgy, decadent base. For these Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies, we opt for convenience without sacrificing flavor by starting with a high-quality dark chocolate brownie mix. This approach ensures a consistently delicious result every time, making the recipe accessible even for novice bakers or those short on time. We recommend using a 19.9 oz box of dark chocolate fudge brownie mix, such as Betty Crocker, baked in a 9×9 inch pan. The key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture is not to overbake the brownies. They should still be slightly moist in the center when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.
While a boxed mix provides a fantastic shortcut, feel free to use your favorite homemade dark chocolate brownie recipe if you prefer. The essential step is to ensure your brownies are completely cooled before applying the frosting. Rushing this step will result in melted frosting and a messy dessert, so patience is key! A perfectly cooled brownie offers a sturdy canvas for the vibrant orange buttercream and ensures that each layer maintains its distinct texture and flavor. This careful preparation sets the stage for a truly magnificent Halloween treat that everyone will adore. Remember, the quality of your brownie base will significantly impact the overall enjoyment of this extraordinary dessert, so choose your mix (or recipe) wisely!
Whipping Up the Vibrant Orange Buttercream Frosting
The star of these Halloween brownies, besides the brownies themselves, is undoubtedly the show-stopping Orange Buttercream Frosting. This “Butter’Scream'” frosting is not only incredibly fluffy and rich but also boasts a dazzling orange hue and a refreshing citrusy kick that perfectly complements the dark chocolate. Making it is surprisingly simple, transforming humble ingredients into a magical topping that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients for Your Orange Butter’Scream’ Frosting:
- ¼ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¾ to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 6-8 drops of both yellow and red food coloring, or use orange gel paste for a deeper, more vibrant shade. Adjust to achieve your desired intensity.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated orange peel (zest) for an extra burst of fresh orange flavor
How to Make the Orange Buttercream:
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it is light, smooth, and creamy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and the optional grated orange peel.
- Add the food coloring drops (yellow and red, or orange gel paste) a few at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until you achieve your desired vibrant orange hue.
- Continue to beat the frosting on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, evenly spread this luscious orange buttercream over the entire surface.
This homemade buttercream is far superior to store-bought varieties, offering a fresh, natural orange flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly balances the rich brownie. The vibrant color makes these brownies truly eye-catching and sets the stage for the festive Halloween toppings.
Finishing Touches: Halloween OREOs and More!
Once your decadent dark chocolate brownies are perfectly cooled and generously frosted with that bright, zesty Orange Buttercream, it’s time for the crowning glory: the toppings! This is where the Halloween spirit truly comes alive. We recommend chopping up 8-12 Halloween OREOs, with their festive orange crème filling, and sprinkling them generously over the wet frosting. These not only add an incredible crunch and the classic OREO flavor but also enhance the Halloween theme with their vibrant color.
To add even more chocolatey goodness and visual appeal, a ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips scattered alongside the OREOs is a must. The combination of the dark brownies, creamy orange frosting, crunchy OREOs, and smooth chocolate chips creates an irresistible medley of textures and flavors in every bite. But don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with additional spooky sprinkles, candy corn, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate dyed green for a truly monstrous effect. This step is a fantastic opportunity to involve younger helpers; kids love crushing OREOs and scattering toppings, making it a fun “party time” activity before the ultimate “devour” time!
Perfect for Your Halloween Haunt
These Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are the quintessential treat for any Halloween celebration or fall gathering. Their bold colors and comforting yet exciting flavors make them an instant hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Halloween shindig, planning a cozy family movie night, or preparing goodies for trick-or-treaters (or yourself!), these brownies fit the bill perfectly. They’re substantial enough to be satisfying, yet lightened by the citrusy frosting, ensuring they won’t feel overly heavy amidst other holiday indulgences.
The ease of this recipe, particularly when using a boxed brownie mix, means you can whip up a batch without stress, leaving more time for costume planning, pumpkin carving, and other spooky festivities. Plus, the vibrant orange and dark chocolate color scheme naturally aligns with classic Halloween aesthetics, making them a beautiful addition to any themed dessert spread. These brownies aren’t just for Halloween, though! Any time you crave that delightful combination of orange and chocolate, or simply want a fun, easy-to-make dessert, these will become your go-to recipe. Get ready for compliments and requests for the recipe — these are truly a treat to remember!
Tips for the Best Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies
- Don’t Overbake Your Brownies: For the ultimate fudgy texture, pull your brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Cool Completely: Ensure your brownies are entirely cooled before frosting. Warm brownies will melt the buttercream, leading to a runny mess. If time allows, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frosting for an even firmer base.
- Softened Butter is Key: For a truly smooth and creamy buttercream, make sure your butter is at room temperature and properly softened. This allows it to whip up easily and incorporate with the sugar without lumps.
- Sift Your Confectioners’ Sugar: Sifting helps prevent lumps in your buttercream, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While Halloween OREOs and chocolate chips are fantastic, consider adding other fun Halloween candies, edible googly eyes, or themed sprinkles to personalize your brownies.
- Make Ahead Option: These brownies can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the fudgy brownie to remain soft and the buttercream to be perfectly creamy. Cut them into 12 small squares for a party tray or 9 larger squares for more substantial servings. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a warm mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a truly festive presentation, arrange them on a Halloween-themed platter with some spiderwebs or plastic spiders.
To store any leftover brownies, place them in an airtight container. They will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and brownie texture for optimal enjoyment. These brownies are also freezer-friendly! You can freeze unfrosted brownie squares or fully frosted brownies (individually wrapped) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Recipe: Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies
Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies
By Kim Lange
If there is one ingredient that tastes heavenly good combined with chocolate, it’s orange! This devilish treat has triple dark chocolate in the brownies, OREOs, and mini chocolate chips, topped with zesty orange buttercream.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Cooling Time
30 mins
Course
Dessert
Servings
12 Servings
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 box Dark Chocolate Brownies, baked in a 9×9 pan (e.g., Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix, Dark Chocolate – 19.9 oz box)
Orange Buttercream Frosting
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 ¾ to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 6-8 drops of both yellow and red food coloring or orange gel paste (adjust for desired color)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
Topping
- 8-12 Halloween OREOs, chopped up
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake brownies according to your favorite brand’s instructions in a 9×9 inch pan. (As mentioned, a 19.9 oz box of dark chocolate fudge brownie mix works great).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for the frosting.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the Orange Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and the optional grated orange peel. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add the yellow and red food coloring drops (or orange gel paste) gradually, mixing after each addition until you achieve your desired vibrant orange color.
- Adjust the frosting consistency as needed: add more confectioners’ sugar for a thicker frosting, or a few drops more orange juice for a thinner, more spreadable consistency. Beat for another minute until light and fluffy.
- Once the brownies are cool, evenly spread the orange buttercream frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle generously with the chopped Halloween OREOs and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Cut into 12 small squares or 9 larger squares and serve. Enjoy your Boo-licious treats!
Notes
You can easily double this recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan to make a larger batch for bigger parties or more generous cravings!
Keyword
brownies, chocolate, chocolate chips, halloween, orange frosting, Oreos
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More Spooktacular Halloween Recipes!
If you’re looking for more inspiration to fill your Halloween dessert table with delicious, creepy, or cute treats, we’ve got you covered! Explore some of our other favorite Halloween-themed recipes that are sure to delight:
- OMG Honey Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – No-Bake – GF
- Sheet Pan Peanut Butter Chocolate Blondie Dream Bars
- Halloween ‘Party’ Puppy Chow
- Devilish Fudgy Double Chocolate Orange Cookies
- Halloween Black Magic Candy Cake! It’s Insane!
- 20 Spooktacular Halloween Desserts Round-Up!
- Wicked Good Halloween Brownie Pizza
- Candy Corn Double Chocolate Cookies
- Easy Orange Creamsicle Cake Bars
Don’t forget to check out our other popular fall recipes and Halloween-themed delights for even more baking inspiration:
- 20 Spooktacular Halloween Desserts
- 10 Halloween Party Desserts
- National Chocolate Chip Day Cookie Recipes (Because every day is a good day for chocolate chips!)
We hope you enjoy making these Orange Buttercream OREO Brownies as much as we do. They are guaranteed to add a festive flourish and a burst of flavor to your Halloween celebrations. Happy baking, and have a spooktacular time!