Buckeye Brownies Recipe
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If you love chocolate and peanut butter, these Buckeye Brownies need to be on your radar. This easy dessert starts with fudgy brownies and layers on creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate ganache.
Like my buckeye cookies, they’re inspired by the classic flavors of Ohio’s famous buckeye candy. You get that same irresistible mix of chocolate and peanut butter, but with the added bonus of a chewy, chocolatey brownie base. Plus, they’re easier to make!
This recipe keeps things simple with a box brownie mix and a few everyday ingredients. No fancy tools, no dipping peanut butter balls in chocolate. Just a quick mix-and-layer treat.
It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you want something indulgent without the fuss.
For more easy peanut butter deserts try my 3-ingredient no-bake peanut butter bars, homemade peanut butter cups, and peanut butter fudge.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Uses a box brownie mix for an easy shortcut with homemade taste.
- Combines three layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and ganache.
- Freezes beautifully for make-ahead treats.
- Great for potlucks, holidays, or gifting.
- Tastes like buckeye candy in brownie form!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Bars
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Brownie mix – We used a 16.3 oz box of Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix. Feel free to use any brand, plus whatever ingredients it calls for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water). You can also make homemade brownies.
- Creamy peanut butter – For the best texture, use a creamy, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter may separate and create a grainy or oily filling.
- Confectioner’s sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, it sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer.
- Unsalted butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the peanut butter filling, and a silky smooth consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- Ganache – You’ll need semi-sweet chocolate (high-quality chocolate chips, chopped baking bar, or chocolate melting wafers) and heavy cream.
How to Make Buckeye Brownies Recipe
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions. Pour brownie batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan and bake. Let brownies cool completely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula.
Pro Tip:
If your peanut butter is too thick to stir, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. Keep a close eye on it, you want it soft, but not melted!
Step 3: Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. In a saucepan, heat the cream over medium-low heat until it just starts to simmer. Anything hotter and it will start to scorch. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let that sit for a couple of minutes. Once it has had a chance to melt the chocolate, stir gently until smooth.
Step 4: Immediately pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer. Spread evenly, then chill for 1-2 hours until set. Slice the batch into squares and top with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt, if desired.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
To freeze: Slice the brownies into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze them for 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen squares into a freezer bag or container, layering parchment paper between layers. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Let brownies cool fully to avoid melting the peanut butter.
- To make ahead, bake the brownies up to 2 days in advance. Add layers later.
- Chill for at least 1–2 hours before slicing so the layers can set.
- To make Mini Buckeye Brownie Bites, bake brownies in a mini muffin tin, then top each bite with a small scoop of the peanut butter mixture and a dollop of melted chocolate.
More Easy Brownie Recipes
Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients called for on the box
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ cup heavy cream
- flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, or as called for on your box of brownie mix. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions (likely with eggs, water, and oil). Bake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.1 box brownie mix
- In a large bowl, beat to combine peanut butter, confectioners sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled brownies.1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Place chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and set aside. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer (do not let it come to a boil). Pour the hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Immediately pour over the brownies, using a spatula to spread into an even layer if necessary.1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup heavy cream
- Chill for 1-2 hours or until set. Slice into squares, sprinkle with flakey sea salt, if desired, and serve.flaky sea salt
Notes
Nutrition
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