Buckeye Brownies

This Buckeye Brownies recipe is a triple delight of moist brownie base, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate ganache, all layered together in heavenly perfection!

It is a chewy, fudgy, and easy-to-make baked treat that will make any chocolate and peanut butter lover absolutely ecstatic.

They are the perfect homemade sweet treats to take care of your chocolate cravings with a bout of peanut butter goodness mixed in!

Believe me, these homemade layered brownies will get you extra brownie points with everyone! (pun intended!)

The Best Buckeye Brownie Recipe

While a few can resist a homemade brownie, I never saw anyone who has the power to turn down these Buckeye Brownies.

Because who could possibly resist such dessert? I mean, just look at those dreamy layers!

They are like Reese’s peanut butter cups but bigger and better! You get the creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate layer but in a scrumptious brownie form.

In true “me” fashion, I decided to forgo making the brownie base from scratch and used a box of brownie mix.

Saved me tons of time and effort while still getting the desired outcome. Just like on my Snickers Brownies and Pecan Pie Brownies.

Watching just how fast this batch of brownies became a crowd favorite, I think no one minded!

And if you are into indulgent sweets like I am, mix it up and try this Rocky Road Ice Cream!

Why are they called Buckeye Brownies?

These brownies are an adaption of Buckeye candies. They are popular treats in the state of Ohio and nearby places because of their resemblance to the nuts of an Ohio buckeye tree.

The original recipe is made with a ball of peanut butter fudge partly dipped in melted chocolate.

Why You’ll Love them!

These brownies are super easy to make and will only take 10 minutes to prepare before baking. No complex ingredients or steps are required.
They are ideal as afternoon sweet treats with your fave hot tea or coffee but are also decadent enough to serve as desserts at a dinner party.
Aside from the flavors, you will also enjoy the texture each layer brings. From the moist and soft brownie base to the doughy peanut butter filling and, lastly, a smooth ganache- everything just blends amazingly well together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boxed brownie mix along with the needed ingredients
Icing sugar
Peanut butter
Salted butter
Vanilla
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Heavy cream

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

9X13 baking pan
Parchment paper
Hand mixer
Medium-sized glass bowl
Small saucepan
Whisk
Sharp knife

How to make Buckeye Brownies

Preparations

Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the box mix.
Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.

Steps

STEP 1: Make the Brownie. Mix the brownie according to the package directions on the package and bake. When done, let it cool down.

STEP 2: Make Peanut Butter Layer. With a hand mixer, beat the icing sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla until smooth. When you reach the thick, playdough consistency, set it aside.

STEP 3: Make the Ganache.

Measure the chocolate into a medium-sized glass bowl with a lid or plate that can be used to cover it. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the cream. Whisk it together constantly while increasing heat to medium-high. Cook until it just starts forming bubbles.

Pour the cream mixture into the bowl of chocolate and cover it with the lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Stir it to combine the chocolate and cream. It may take a minute or two of mixing to create a smooth ganache.

STEP 4: Assemble the Layers. Spread on the peanut butter mixture on top of the brownies. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out before pouring the ganache on top of it.

Chill and Cut. Transfer pan of buckeye brownies into the fridge for at least half an hour to allow them to cool and set for easier cutting. Cut it into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Tips When Making Buckeye Brownies

When placing the parchment paper on the baking dish or pan, make sure to leave some overhang for easier extraction of the fudgy brownies.
Do not overmix your brownie batter, and make sure to check on the instructions indicated on the package and follow accordingly.
Make sure that the brownies are completely cooled before spreading the peanut butter layer on top of it. Or else, they will melt together, creating a mess instead of a neat layer.
I observed that the brownies cut better once they are well chilled. Also, clean your knife every time you slice to make perfectly neat squares.
These are ideally served chilled, but if you prefer, you can also serve them at room temperature.

Storing Notes

You can store the brownie bars in the refrigerator for 5 days. Just make sure to put them in an airtight container.

If you want to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer Ziploc bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions for Buckeye Brownies

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

I find that milk chocolate chips don’t provide as nice of a contrast to the sweetness of the brownies and peanut butter. But you are welcome to experiment.

I don’t have any heavy cream- what can I do?

You could make the top layer using just the chocolate chips along with ½ cup of salted butter. Also, add 2 Tablespoons of milk if you have it, although you could make it without. Just keep in mind that the texture will be firmer but still delicious.

Can I make this with sugar-free or natural peanut butter?

I find that regular peanut butter works better in this recipe.

I can’t find a boxed mix that will make a 9X13 pan of brownies, only 8X8 or 9X9 – what should I do?

You could just use 2 boxes of those smaller mixes and do them together in the 9X13 pan. Or, if you would prefer, make just one 8X8 or 9X9 pan, and then you will half the recipe for the peanut butter layer and the ganache layer.

Do I need to allow these to chill – I want to eat them right away!

You certainly can eat them right away; they will just be a little messy. Chilling them will allow you to cut them more neatly.

Can I use my own recipe to make homemade brownies?

Of course, if you have the time to make it from scratch, you can use any recipe you’d like.

I don’t have salted butter; can I use unsalted butter instead?

Yes, just add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to your mixture

If you’ve tried these BUCKEYE BROWNIES or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how they turned out. We love hearing from you!

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