Indulge in Buckeye Brownies with fudgy chocolate, creamy peanut butter filling, and a chocolate topping. A crowd-pleasing dessert everyone loves.
Buckeye Brownies are the ultimate sweet and salty treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! These decadent brownies feature a fudgy chocolate base, a creamy peanut butter layer, and a rich chocolate drizzle on top. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just satisfying a serious dessert craving.
This dessert combines everything you love about Buckeye Balls and Brownies.
You also might enjoy Buckeye Bars, Buckeye Dip Recipe and Buckeye Pie. For more brownie ideas, try Deep Fried Brownies and Nutella Brownies.
What's in this post: Buckeye Brownies Recipe
Why We Love This
- Sweet and salty perfection: Fudgy chocolate brownies paired with creamy peanut butter create a flavor combo everyone loves.
- Decadent and rich: Multiple layers of chocolate and peanut butter make each bite indulgent.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a no-fuss, impressive dessert.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, potlucks, or just a special treat at home.
- Customizable: Top with chopped peanuts, sea salt, or extra chocolate drizzle for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Brownies
- Boxed Brownie Mix (for 9×13 pan): Use your favorite fudgy brownie mix for the perfect chocolate foundation. Follow the package instructions for preparation.
Peanut Butter Layer
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy, spreadable layer. Popular choices include Jif or Skippy.
- Butter, Melted: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter mixture for a perfect layer between the brownies and chocolate topping.
Chocolate Ganache
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Use good-quality milk chocolate for a smooth, creamy topping that perfectly complements the peanut butter layer.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate into a silky, pourable ganache for drizzling or spreading.
You can get the complete ingredient list at the bottom in the recipe card.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate brownies and top with semi-sweet or dark chocolate ganache for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts, cashews, or pecans to the peanut butter layer or sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
- Mini Buckeyes: Make bite-sized brownies and top each with a small dollop of peanut butter and chocolate for individual treats.
- Swirled Brownies: Before baking, swirl some peanut butter into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
- Holiday-Themed: Top with festive sprinkles, drizzle with white chocolate, or add colored sugar for seasonal variations.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the brownie mix based on the package instructions.
Step 2. Pour the batter into a 9X13 pan lined with parchment paper. Allow the paper to overhang on the sides of the pan.
Step 3. Make the peanut butter layer. While the brownie batter is baking, prepare the peanut butter layer.
Step 4. In a large mixing bowl stir together the melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar with a hand held mixer until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 5. When the brownies are done baking, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly on top of the brownies while they are still warm.
Step 6. It is important to spread the filling while warm as it will be much easier.
Step 7. Then place the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Step 8. Heat in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 9. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer on the brownies.
Step 10. Spread evenly until the top is covered. Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours so that the peanut butter layer and chocolate ganache layer can set. Then the brownies are ready to cut and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the chocolate topping needs time to harden. It normally takes at least 2 hours for the layers to set.
Don’t try to cut the brownies before they have set or you will not have the gorgeous clean layers.
Refrigerate the leftover brownies in a covered dish for up to 5 to 7 days. It is important to keep them chilled so they last longer.
Once you have cut the brownies into individual slices, flash freeze them for 1 to 2 hours on a baking sheet.
Then wrap them in plastic wrap and again in foil. Next, place the brownies inside a freezer container or bag.
They can be frozen up to 3 months. Since they were flash frozen initially, they will not stick and be very easy to freeze.
Plus, individually wrapping them allows for you to easily grab a brownie.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your peanut butter and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, easy-to-spread layer.
- Cool the Brownies Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before adding the peanut butter layer; otherwise, it may melt or become runny.
- Smooth Peanut Butter Layer: Use a spatula to evenly spread the peanut butter mixture for a clean, professional look.
- Chocolate Ganache: Warm the cream slightly before mixing with chocolate chips to ensure a silky, lump-free topping.
- Tap Off Excess Ganache: When drizzling or spreading the chocolate, gently tap the spoon or spatula to avoid puddles and create a smooth finish.
- Cut Cleanly: Chill the assembled brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting to get clean, neat slices.
More Easy Brownie Recipes
Do yourself a favor and make these Buckeye Brownies today. They are so good. Please leave a comment and star rating once you try them.
Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
FOR THE BROWNIES:
- 1 Box Brownie Mix for 9X13 pan size brownies
- *Ingredients to prepare the brownies based on the package instructions
FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER:
- 1 1/2 cups Creamy Peanut Butter
- 3/4 cup Butter melted
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
FOR THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE LAYER:
- 10 oz Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- Bake the brownies based on the package instructions in a 9X13 pan lined with parchment paper with the paper overhanging the sides of the pan.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the peanut butter layer. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar with a hand held mixer until all the ingredients are well combined.
- When the brownies are done baking, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly on top of the brownies while they are still warm.
- Then place the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30-40 seconds intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer on the brownies.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours so that the peanut butter layer and chocolate ganache layer can set. Then the brownies are ready to serve when chilled and enjoyed!
