Okay, so Valentine’s Day.
Let’s just all agree that it’s totally a girly holiday, amiiiirrrriiite?
Because last time I checked, guys aren’t super into Valentine’s Day. That’s why they wait until THEEEE last possible second to buy their roses and cards and that’s why the grocery store lines are always so congested with frantic testosterone the night before.
And while I like Valentine’s Day, I can respect why guys don’t like it so much. It’s so girly. And mushy. And omg, shopping for cards is a NIGHTMARE. Valentine’s cards have a way of either sounding super disgusting possessed with the recipient (“you are my night, my day, my breath, my everything, and you make up the very fibers of my soul”) or are terribly generic (“hey you. Happy, ya know, day of Valentines or whatever.”) Isn’t there a normal card that says “You’re awesome. I like you. Happy Valentine’s” without the awkward vagueness or the attached restraining order?
But when I think about it, Valentine’s Day comes strategically after Superbowl Sunday, which is a total guy holiday. I mean, I like the Superbowl if only for the fact that there’s a plethora of delicious food and I am woefully powerless against a myriad of dips and chips. And I’m sure now I’ll watch it since my family’s precious 49ers are playing. But otherwise … count me out.
So us women trudge through Superbowl Sunday, dealing with the STUUUUPID commercials and our angry boyfriends/dads/husbands/brothers bite their nails down to the quick and shout expletives. We make their chicken wings and spinach dip, we replace their old beers with frosty ones, and we deal with having the TV jeopardized by a bunch of buff men tackling each other for 6 hours because deep down, we know that in two weeks, we’ll have our day. And we get a DAY, as opposed to guys, who only get a couple hours of actual game time before it’s over and they’re back on dish duty.
In two weeks, we will be bombarded with roses, chocolates and jewelry, which, I daresay, is far cooler than a myriad of dips (which I’m pretty sure my idea of heaven consists of). And we can play sappy music and watch rom-coms and demand fancy restaurant reservations and smother our lovers with pink and red.
And while guys everywhere will cringe at all of the chocolate and wine and candles and hearts, why not make this day special for them by baking them something manly and lovey, but still special for the occasion. Enter: Red Velvet Cookies n Cream Magic Bars. They’re totally dreamy red velvet bars topped with crushed Oreos, melty cookies n cream chocolate, and sprinkles. You and your man will flip for these, and these tasty treats may even sway him into watching Valentine’s Day with you for the fortieth time.
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 splash vanilla extract
- About 15 Oreos, coarsely crushed
- About 20-25 cookies n cream Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- Wilton Cookies n Cream Sprinkles (available at Walmart and Michael's), optional
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil and mist lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs and vanilla with a rubber spatula until blended. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approx. 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately top with the crushed Oreos, unwrapped Kisses, and sprinkles in an even layer. Drizzle evenly with the scmilk. Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake, until golden and bubbly, approx. 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the bars to come to room temperature before cutting into squares. Store leftovers airtight, at room temperature, for several days.
Â
Now normally, I’m not a huge red velvet fan. There’s something about it that’s so “meh” to me. But these bars definitely won me over. They’re rich and satisfying–almost like a fudgy chocolate brownie–topped with all those lovely cookies and cream layers. The crushed Oreos add a nice texture to the red velvet “brownie” base, especially when blended with those creamy Kisses nestled alongside. You’ll love these and so will your kiddos and hubbies!
Have a fantastical day!
xo, Hayley
Regina says
I love that you combine red velvet cake and oreos. I must give a more intense chocolate flavor that red velvet cake is sometimes missing (in my opinion).
Heather @ SugarDish(Me) says
I’m not usually a red velvet fan either! But since these have your stamp of approval…
Also, shop Target for cards! It is the only place that reliably carries funny/borderline inappropriate/awesome non-mushified cards. It’s also the only place that I can ever find a decent selection of cards for ANY holiday that don’t start with “Husband…” because that mess does not apply to me. All of that said- I freaking love Valentine’s Day. Pink & Red & Flowers & Chocolate & Presents? Count me in.
The Domestic Rebel says
Good hookup with the Target cards–I swear, everywhere else and I feel like I’m borderline obsessed or like, really bitchy. “Hey, Happy Day or whatever, I kind of like you NOT”.. so awkward!
noyomoco says
Wow – these look awesome! Being a Southern girl myself, I think it is a requirement that we all like red velvet…it’s genetics or something 🙂
Tanya Schroeder says
Lookin good Hayley! Who need Roses, cards and chocolates? I’ll take this! Yeah, my husband doesn’t do much for Valentine’s day. His class line is “we decided we weren’t doing anything right?” I should say that on Super bowl-I won’t cook a thing!
Sara says
These look amazingly good! I am going to make them for sure!
Red says
I swear girl, you’re keeping the condensed milk folks in business.
The Domestic Rebel says
I KNOW. Between these magic bars and my routine bathing in Scmilk, I am pretty sure I am made up of 99% sweetened condensed milk. 😉
A Sweet Baker says
These would be perfect for me instead of roses and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is overrated! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection says
I’m not the biggest red velvet fan either, but these bars look awesome. I love how the red makes the black and white pop even more. So pretty and I’m sure amazingly delicious. Who needs Valentines Day to make these?! I say make them year round!
lizwaterson says
You are the magic bars queen! These look perfect, I am going to a girls valentines party and am thinking this is one of the dishes I will bring! Easy and looks delicious!!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
Is it totes lame that I’d rather the myriad of dips to valentine’s day hearts and jewelry? I mean, there are some pretty awesome dips out there 😉 and speaking of awesome…THESE LAYERS OMG this bar IS magical.
The Domestic Rebel says
Right?! Spinach and artichoke, onion, green chile and jalapeno, queso, bean dip, guacamole.. the list goes on into more amazing territory.
Amy Tong says
Wow, your Red Velvet COokie n Cream Magic bars look so decadent! I have to agree. the V-day is girls’ holiday. I hardly find any guys who really cares or “want to” remember there’s such a day! hahahaha…
Katie says
these look insanely delicious. gimmmee!
Nicole @ youngbrokeandhungry says
You have a talent for smushing together a bunch of dessert recipes into one and making them look downright delicious! Also, I got two really cute V-day cards at Kitson. One says, “I love you to the moon and stars” and the other one says ” Mi Amore”. I kinda want to keep them for myself and hang them on my wall.
The Domestic Rebel says
You should! Those sound super cute!!
bakerbynature says
I LOVE Valentine’s Day, and these bars! I could eat an entire tray!
cookingactress says
Yes!!!!
Although I totally can’t use the Superbowl guilt trip, Michael doesn’t make me go through that so my demands for V-day can’t be as…demanding…*sigh* 😛
crazyforcrust says
I’m in looooove with these bars. And you! And totally, V-day is repayment for the super bowl!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
You know how I feel about red velvet, but seriously, these bars look awesome! Love that you added Oreos–perfect pairing with the red velvet. Ugh, am I turning into a red velvet fan???
The Domestic Rebel says
Lol, that’s what I thought when I made these! Omg, hell HAS frozen over–I like red velvet!
Heather @French Press says
okay …two of my favorites – I LOVE red velvet anything {actually I love anything red} and cookies and cream, in sprinkles, I need some of those ASAP
Megan (@thepinkflour) says
These look fantastic, Hayley! And I never thought about how Valentine’s is right after the Super Bowl….it is pay back 🙂
Back for Seconds says
I think V day is the only area I am not super girly. I have never been a big fan. I guess I don’t like forced affection, lol! I will take roses and jewelry on a random Tuesday though, don’t misunderstand 🙂
These bars? Holy cow. How could you not love these?
Laura says
I made these tonight. they were very gooey when i took them out of the oven. almost like
they didnt cook all the way, they are cooling now, hope they firm up
The Domestic Rebel says
Hey Laura! They should set up just fine once they’re cooled. They are still somewhat gooey when you pull them out–that’s the magic of the scmilk working 🙂
Lindsey says
Hi, I’ve just recently discovered your blog…’tis awesomesauce! I want to make these later as I neeeeed more sweetened condensed milk in my life but I can ask a probably very silly question? I’ve got a box of red velvet cake mix and the instructions say to add 3 eggs, 65 ml of oil and 200ml of water, should I ignore this and add the eggs and oil as above? I’m guessing yes so it would make the end result less sponge cakey and more squidgy dense amazing-ness? I know I should really just go for it but I only have one box of mix and can’t get to the shops for a few days so if it goes wrong, no I don’t even want to think about it going wrong :/
Thanks
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi sweet Lindsey, you’re right! Ignore all the stuff Betty Crocker wants you to do on the back of the box. In your bowl, you just need your red velvet cake mix, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup oil–that’s it! And you’ll have these awesomesauce bars in no time 😀
BruCrew Life says
I don’t need a certain day for someone to tell me they love me…I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. Now if someone wanted to make me some of these awesome magic bars…I definitely would accept them any day of the week! Holy yum!!!
Jennifer says
Wondering… can this be made into a cookie? Would any changes be needed, aside from baking shape?
The Domestic Rebel says
Hi Jennifer! You could make this into a cookie; however, I wouldn’t use the scmilk. The 2 eggs/1/2 cup oil + cake mix will make great cookies–just drop them onto the sheet. You have two options here: either stick cookies n cream candies and cookies on top of the dough balls, or lightly mix them into the dough before dropping on your baking sheets. Either would be good! Just bake for about 10 minutes or so, rotating pans halfway through bake time 🙂 and you’ll want to use less of the crushed cookies/candy in your cookie dough so you have an adequate dough to filling ratio.
Morgan says
how many squares does this recipe approximately make??? im definitely going to try this!
The Domestic Rebel says
You can cut them as small or large as you’d like, but I cut out 16 (larger) squares 🙂
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
Holy hell Hayley! I’m having a coronary looking at these bad boys. I’m deciding whether to attempt to adapt a red velvet from scratch to make these or so get the box mix. I’m thinking the latter. 🙂
And we don’t have no ‘guy’ holidays before V day. And you’re sooo right, V day is a girly thing, men don’t get it. I don’t get flowers because “they’ll die” even after I’ve repeatedly said “it’s the thought”. I like V day because even though I show my love all year around, I like to go all out. Last year I did breakfast in bed of chocolate strawberries served with champagne. What did I get?…. Pffft!
But in other news, I’ve featured them on my blog tonight. 😀
Melissa says
My son’s birthday is Feb. 15 and I wanted to find something special to make for him. This should do the trick. Thanks
Tom says
Wow I just made these and they were the best brownies I have ever had. As you mentioned red velvet isn’t exactly the norm for me, but after trying it I really liked the taste. Thanks for the recipe! I hope you don’t mind (just yell at me if you do), but I shared the recipe on my blog as well. I put a two links in the post however, one directing to your home page and one directing to the recipe and I gave you all the credit.
Thanks again!
The Domestic Rebel says
Tom, so glad you liked them!! I’m not typically a big red velvet girl myself, but something about these gooey brownies made me smile!
kayeravyn says
I just want you to know you are being mentioned in my blog I am about to post today with this recipe. Thanks so much for it! I can’t wait to try them.
Kim says
This looks delicious and I’m planning to make them soon. How do you think chopped walnuts would work with the toppings?
thedomesticrebel says
Hey Kim! Walnuts would probably taste really good!!
Amanda says
Hey! Love the recipe- just wondering if you could clarify step three for me? I’m not a professional baker by any means but I’d love to give these a try.
“3. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately top with the crushed Oreos, unwrapped Kisses, and sprinkles in an even layer. Drizzle evenly with the scmilk”
So- you just throw the crushed oreos and unwrapped kisses on and then drizzle scmilk? You dont moosh them all together or break up the kisses? whole kisses are places on? And scmilk is just poured on top of everything?
Thanks so much, love your blog!
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Amanda! Yep, girl, you got it! Just unwrap those Kisses and crush up the Oreos and plop them on top as is, and as evenly as you can. Then drizzle on the sweetened condensed milk evenly, and return to the oven for the remaining baking time. You’re on your way to yummy red velvet bar heaven!! xo.
Sarah says
I didn’t realize this recipe was from last year, but I made these for my husband for Valentine’s Day (and blogged them!) and they were fantastic. Thank you!
thedomesticrebel says
Sarah, thanks so much!! Happy Valentine’s Day, love! 🙂
Karen says
I am going to use leftover c&c hershey bars from Halloween to make these.
Liz says
I’m looking to make a hybrid of these wonderful bars and your birthday cake seven layer bars, but am noticing a difference in the recipes (using 1/2cup oil, 2 eggs for this one vs. 1 egg and butter). Does this just depend on the cake mix I use? I’ll be using funfetti.
Thanks!!
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Liz! Good catch – I didn’t notice I made those errors. Typically the stick of butter and 1/2 cup oil are interchangeable. I like using oil because it makes them moister and softer (in my opinion) but butter does the same job! As far as eggs go, I would stick to one egg. I’ll make a note in this recipe, but one egg will do the trick whereas two may make it a little softer and gooeier (not a problem, but just a heads-up!) 🙂
Lauren says
These look delicious!!!
Mary Pat Higley says
Delicious!
Jessica says
Just to clarify, I pour the entire 14 oz can of condensed milk on top??
Thanks
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Jessica! Yes, you can — however, I usually cover the entire top of the bars with condensed milk without completely drowning them in it. Sometimes that means I only use about 3/4 of the can, but I have also used all of the can and it works, too. Good luck! 🙂