Three layers, one 9×13 pan, and about an hour start to finish. The base is a chocolate cake mix pressed flat like a brownie. The middle is a cream cheese layer with powdered sugar and vanilla, loaded with chopped Oreos. The top is whipped cream with cocoa. Each layer is different in texture and they stack up into something worth cutting into squares and putting on a plate. Bring these to a gathering and they will go fast.
How to Make Triple Layer Oreo Bars
The bottom layer
Mix cake mix with one egg and melted butter until fully combined. Press it into the baking dish evenly. It bakes up cakey-dense, closer to a blondie than a brownie, and that firmness is what holds the layers above it.
Setting the cream cheese layer
Beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding sugar, otherwise you get lumps. Fold in the Oreo pieces at the end. Let this layer set in the fridge before the whipped topping goes on, or the layers will mix at the edges. 
Whipped topping timing
Whip the cream to firm peaks before adding the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cocoa. Spread it cold. Refrigerate the finished bars for at least an hour before slicing so everything cuts cleanly without collapsing.
Triple Layer Oreo Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Cakey brownie base, creamy center, and a whipped cocoa topping make these bars irresistible. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 227 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (946 ml) confectioners (powdered) sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 16 Oreo cookies, chopped
- 2 cups (473 ml) whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating with cooking spray. Set aside.
- For the first layer:
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup melted butter until completely combined.
- Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly over the bottom.
- Set aside.
- For the second layer:
- In the same bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Remove half of the mixture and place it in another bowl. Set aside.
- Add cocoa powder, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 egg to the remaining mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the first layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until completely set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- For the third layer:
- Pour whipping cream into a large, clean bowl.
- Beat on medium-high speed until thickened. Add vanilla and confectioners’ sugar, and beat until combined and thick.
- Chop the Oreo cookies; stir about 3/4 into the reserved cream cheese mixture. Save remaining Oreos for topping.
- Stir 1/3 of the whipped cream into the Oreo/cream cheese mixture using a folding motion.
- Add another 1/3 of the whipped cream, folding gently.
- Add remaining whipped cream and fold until combined.
- Spoon the mixture over the cooled bars and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with remaining chopped Oreo cookies.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Notes
- To prevent the bottom layer from becoming soggy, ensure the second layer is fully set before adding the whipped topping.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in the second layer.
- Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 50
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a specific brand of chocolate cake mix?
Any standard chocolate cake mix works. You are only using the dry mix as a base, so brand differences are minimal.
Can I make these without an electric mixer?
You can mix by hand, but the cream cheese layer may have lumps. A hand mixer or stand mixer gives a much smoother result with less effort.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. The whipped cream layer will soften slightly but still tastes good. Do not freeze these, as the whipped cream breaks down.
