Halloween sneaks up on you. One minute it’s back-to-school chaos, and the next you’re frantically searching for a fast, fun treat to impress a room full of sugar-hyped kids. That’s where these Halloween Oreo Cake Bars come in: easy to make, impossible to mess up, and spooky-good every single time.

We’re talking boxed cake mix, crunchy Halloween Oreos, and a blizzard of festive sprinkles, all baked into gooey, chewy bars that taste like October in dessert form. No fancy frosting. No baking drama. Just the kind of shortcut recipe that feels like a win.
Whether it’s for a class party, a Halloween movie night, or just your own pumpkin-loving heart, this treat delivers maximum festive vibes with minimum effort. And if you’re short on time (who isn’t?), you’ll be happy to know these bars go from bowl to oven in about 10 minutes. Magic, truly.
Table of contents
What You’ll Need to Make Halloween Oreo Cake Bars
If you’ve got a mixing bowl and a few pantry staples, you’re halfway there. These Halloween Oreo Cake Bars use everyday ingredients with a spooky twist, which means no mad dash to specialty stores. Here’s what to grab:
Ingredients
- 2 boxes French vanilla cake mix (any brand works—just avoid ones with pudding in the mix)
- ½ cup whole milk (for that dense, chewy texture)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil—your call)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (20 oz) package of Halloween Oreos, roughly chopped (those with orange filling add the color pop!)
- 1 cup Halloween-themed sprinkles, divided (half goes in the batter, half on top)
Pro Tip: Don’t crush the Oreos too small. You want cookie chunks, not dust. A quick chop with a knife or a couple of pulses in a food processor works best.
Equipment
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Parchment paper (for easy lifting and clean slicing)
- Mixing bowl + hand or stand mixer
- A rubber spatula or offset spreader
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, chocolate cake mix turns this into a dark and spooky version. Even spice cake works for a fall-forward flavor, though French vanilla keeps the look festive and the taste nostalgic.
How to Make Halloween Oreo Cake Bars Step-by-Step
You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have thick, chewy bars that disappear faster than candy on Halloween night.

Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This will make lifting the bars out (and cutting them) a breeze. - Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth and thick. Stir in ½ cup of the Halloween sprinkles with a spatula. - Layer with Oreos
Scatter half the chopped Halloween Oreos evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Don’t press them down—just let them sit there like buried treasure. - Spread the Batter
Gently spoon the batter over the Oreos and smooth it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. It’ll be thick—that’s what makes the bars chewy. - Top & Bake
Sprinkle the remaining chopped Oreos and the other ½ cup of sprinkles on top of the batter. Lightly press them into the surface. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine—just no wet batter). - Cool Completely
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice them into squares.
Don’t rush the cooling time! If you cut them too soon, they’ll fall apart and nobody wants a gooey, crumbling mess.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a larger pan (or two 9×13” pans), and bake in batches. Just make sure to rotate pans halfway through if using two at once for even baking.
Halloween Oreo Cake Bar Tips, Tricks, and Spooky Variations
Let’s be real, baking during Halloween usually means chaos in the kitchen and someone eating the decorations before they hit the pan. These tips and swaps will help you avoid common mishaps and add a fun twist if you’re feeling extra.
Foolproof Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter. It should be thick, not runny. If it’s too loose, your bars won’t hold shape.
- Chop, don’t pulverize the Oreos. Big, uneven chunks melt into the batter and create those crave-worthy pockets of crunch.
- Line your pan with parchment paper every time. It’s your insurance policy against stuck bars and messy edges.
- Cool completely before slicing. Not even negotiable. Warm bars = falling apart. Cooled bars = clean, proud cuts.
Easy Variations to Try
- Go chocolate: Use devil’s food or chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a brownie-bar hybrid.
- Add candy eyes: Press them on top before baking for a creepy, kid-approved twist.
- Swap the sprinkles: Mini M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or black sanding sugar work just as well.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and compatible sandwich cookies. Just check the labels!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. They taste even better the next day. Store them tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Halloween Oreo Bar Nutrition and Creative Serving Ideas
Okay, let’s talk about facts and feelings. These bars aren’t exactly diet food, but let’s be honest: if you’re eating Halloween Oreo Cake Bars, you came for joy, not macros. Still, here’s a quick look at what you’re biting into:

Estimated Nutrition (per bar, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~505
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Sugar: ~50g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on the brand of cake mix and Oreos you use. Also, if you eat three bars instead of one? We see you. No judgment.
How to Serve Halloween Oreo Cake Bars
These bars are super flexible—serve them as-is, or get creative with these fun add-ons:
- Top with whipped cream and crushed cookies for an instant Halloween sundae.
- Serve chilled for a firmer texture (great for lunchboxes or bake sales).
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or white icing for extra flair.
- Use cookie cutters (after cooling) to punch out pumpkins, bats, or ghosts from the slab. Great for party trays!
Are these bars too sweet for adults?
They’re sweet, no doubt. But the texture and nostalgic flavor hit just right for grown-up palates—especially when paired with black coffee or spiked cider. If you want to tone it down, cut smaller pieces and serve with unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
There’s something kind of magical about a dessert that requires almost no effort but still makes everyone light up when they see it. That’s what these Halloween Oreo Cake Bars do: they bring the festive fun without the usual kitchen drama.
Whether you’re baking for a Halloween bash, bribing your coworkers, or just making memories with your kids in a sprinkle-covered kitchen, this recipe delivers. It’s not fancy. It’s not fussy. But it is the kind of treat that disappears before you can say “boo.”
If you give these bars a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did your version include candy eyeballs? Maybe a chocolate drizzle? Tag your spooky creation and share the Halloween joy. Because honestly? The best kind of baking is the kind that gets people talking and reaching for seconds.
FAQs
Does Oreo cake need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. Oreo cake bars like these can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for 3–4 days. However, if your kitchen is humid or warm, refrigeration helps preserve freshness and structure. Bonus: they taste great chilled too.
Does the 2-ingredient Oreo mug cake work?
Yes, it does! The basic 2-ingredient Oreo mug cake (crushed Oreos + milk) works surprisingly well in a pinch. It’s soft and cakey, though not as rich or structured as a traditional cake. Think of it as a fun, fast treat, not a dessert centerpiece.
H3: How much time to bake an Oreo cake?
For these Halloween Oreo Cake Bars, baking takes 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you’re making a full Oreo layer cake, bake time could range from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the pan size and recipe.
H3: What are the ingredients in the Oreo cake bar?
Here’s what you’ll need:
- French vanilla cake mix (2 boxes)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Milk (½ cup)
- Vegetable or canola oil (½ cup)
- Halloween Oreos (roughly chopped, 20 oz package)
- Halloween-themed sprinkles (1 cup, divided)
It’s a cookie-bar-meets-cake mashup, and it’s ridiculously easy.
More Halloween Party Food Ideas:

Easy Halloween Oreo Cake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until thick and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in ½ cup of the sprinkles.
- Scatter half the chopped Oreos on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spoon batter over Oreos and smooth evenly. Top with remaining Oreos and sprinkles, pressing them gently into the batter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in pan.
- Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into 12 bars.
Notes
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