If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these Buckeye Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Inspired by the beloved Ohio State Buckeye candies, these brownies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. Every bite is pure indulgence—trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
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Why You’ll Love Buckeye Brownies
Ultimate Chocolate-Peanut Butter Combo: A rich brownie base meets a dreamy peanut butter filling.
Decadent & Fudgy: These brownies are ultra-chocolatey with the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
Great for Make-Ahead: These brownies store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients in Buckeye Brownies
Brownie Batter: Your favorite homemade or store-bought brownie mix.
Peanut Butter Layer: A creamy blend of peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar.
Chocolate Ganache: A smooth topping made with melted chocolate and heavy cream.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Bake the Brownie Base: Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions and bake until set. Let it cool completely.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Melt chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth.
Assemble the Layers: Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to firm up.
Slice and Enjoy: Once set, cut into squares and serve!
How to Serve Buckeye Brownies
With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing for a chocolate-peanut butter treat.
Drizzled with Extra Peanut Butter: A little extra peanut butter on top makes them even more irresistible.
With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Additional Tips
Let the Brownies Cool: Spreading peanut butter on warm brownies will make it too soft and messy.
Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best texture, avoid natural peanut butter with too much oil separation.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating makes it easier to cut clean squares.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
A1: Yes! A good-quality boxed mix works perfectly for this recipe.
Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A2: Yes, but it will give the peanut butter layer a textured bite instead of a smooth finish.
Q3: How long do these brownies last?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze them?
A4: Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I get clean cuts?
A5: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between slices.
Q6: Can I make them gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Just use a gluten-free brownie mix.
Q7: What’s the best chocolate for ganache?
A7: Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the smoothest finish.
Q8: Can I add toppings?
A8: Definitely! Crushed peanuts, chocolate chips, or even sea salt flakes are great additions.
Q9: Do I need to refrigerate them?
A9: Yes, especially if it’s warm, to keep the peanut butter layer firm.
Q10: Can I make them ahead of time?
A10: Yes! These brownies taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
Final Thoughts
If you love chocolate and peanut butter, Buckeye Brownies are a must-try. They’re rich, creamy, and totally addictive. Whether for a party, a holiday treat, or just because these brownies will disappear fast!
Print
Buckeye Brownies
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buckeye Brownies take the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination to the next level! A rich, fudgy brownie base is topped with a smooth peanut butter fudge layer and finished with a silky chocolate topping. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy recommended)
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, sliced
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter, sliced
Instructions
1. Make the Brownie Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Grease with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Whisk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat peanut butter and butter in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add powdered sugar in three additions, mixing well each time. The final mix will be thick—knead it with your hands if necessary.
- Flatten pieces of the peanut butter mixture with your hands and place over the brownies. Smooth into an even layer.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour over the peanut butter layer and smooth evenly.
- Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chocolate sets.
4. Slice & Serve:
- Lift brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter topping.
- For extra crunch, add crushed peanuts on top before the chocolate sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg