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These simple buckeye brownies have three layers of goodness, perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!

If you’re familiar with Easy Buckeyes, you’ll have to try this brownie version! Buckeye brownies are chocked full of peanut butter and chocolate goodness, just like our Reese’s Brownies.

Buckeye brownies stacked on a white cake platter.
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Chocolate & Peanut Butter Deliciousness

Brownies are one of our “go-to” recipes if we’re looking for a quick and yummy treat. I always have the ingredients on hand, plus some ice cream, so we have an instant delicious dessert.

I thought it would be fun to change things up from our Classic Brownies. If you’re a fan of brownies, and especially chocolate and peanut butter, these buckeye brownies are the ones to try.

With a brownie base, peanut butter fudge center, and chocolate top, they’re hard not to love!

So, what is a buckeye brownie?

Buckeyes are a treat made from a peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate. This is a brownie version because it uses the same kind of peanut butter, fudge in the middle, and is also topped with chocolate.

Adding the layer of brownie on the bottom makes them even more irresistible!!

Mixing peanut butter batter in a grey bowl.

THE THREE LAYERS

3 layers of goodness. Here are the layers that make up this yummy dessert:

  1. BROWNIE. Good news: This is the easy part! I just use a box brownie mix for the brownie base! If you do want to go the “entirely from scratch” route, you could use this brownie recipe (minus the frosting of course), but double it for a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. PEANUT BUTTER. My favorite layer. It’s a nice thick layer of peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar, making it light and creamy.
  3. CHOCOLATE TOPPING. I wouldn’t quite consider this a chocolate ganache, since we use butter rather than cream. It’s more like a frosting.

Easy Buckeye BrOWNIES

If you’re using a boxed brownie mix, make sure you also have the ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, etc.) before getting started!

BROWNIE. In a 9×13 pan, make and bake brownie mix according to the box directions. Let cool.

PEANUT BUTTER. In a bowl add your powdered sugar, ½ cup butter, and peanut butter. Mix well. Spread the peanut butter mixture with your fingers over the brownie batter and pat down (it has a consistency similar to playdough).

CHOCOLATE TOPPING. Melt together chocolate chips and remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Spread over brownies 2nd layer. Let cool and ENJOY!

Storage

STORE. Whether you make the brownies ahead of time or wish to store leftovers they store best in the refrigerator. Keep them covered and they will last for up to 5 days. You can serve them chilled or let them come to room temperature.

FREEZE. Once the brownies have cooled completely, cut them into squares. Flash-freeze them by placing the individual brownies on a cookie sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until they have hardened. Once hardened, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.

Buckeye brownies stacked on a white plate.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the buckeye brownie layer from scratch?

I used a boxed brownie mix to make this recipe easy and quick, but you can use your favorite brownie recipe to fully bake a 9×13 pan of brownies.

Do I use milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet for buckey brownies?

You can use either for the chocolate topping! If you prefer a sweet and creamy chocolate topping, go with the milk chocolate chips. If you want something slightly more bitter and rich, then use semi-sweet chocolate.

What type of peanut butter is best for buckeye brownies?

For best results, the peanut butter layer should be made with creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. Avoid natural peanut butter.

Can I add extra toppings to buckeye brownies?

Although this would be straying from the “traditional” buckeye candies, you’re welcome to add something extra. Feel free to add crushed nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or chocolate chips to the brownie layer or to the top.

For More Brownie Recipes:

4.98 from 133 votes

Buckeye Brownies Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
These simple buckeye brownies have three layers of goodness, perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!
Servings: 15
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients on box the brownie mix should yield a 9×13 pan
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 6 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • In a 9×13 pan, make and bake brownie mix according to box directions. Let cool.
  • In a bowl add your powdered sugar, ½ cup butter, and peanut butter. Mix well. Spread with fingers over the brownies and pat down (it has a consistency similar to playdough).
  • Melt together chocolate chips and remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Spread over brownies 2nd layer. Let cool and ENJOY!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal, Carbohydrates: 54g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 281mg, Potassium: 111mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 41g, Vitamin A: 360IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.98 from 133 votes (103 ratings without comment)

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147 Comments

  1. Toby Wines says:

    Keep thise those recipes coming! Yum!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Will do!!!

  2. monja andetson says:

    Mmm..those buckeye brownies look delicuos..thanku for recipe..please send more..

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      They really are super delicious! Hope you like them. 🙂

  3. Ginny says:

    Can’t waite to try the new Bronnies,look great

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You will love them!

  4. Sandi says:

    Made 10 different brownies for a party. These were the favorite! They were also able to stand the heat during a summer graduation party. No melting. Perfect for picnics!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Woo hoo!! Yay for beating out 9 other recipes!! ;D

  5. lori says:

    Can I use homemade caramel on the buckey brownies instead of peanut butter? Please let me know Thanks

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I’ve never tried it, but if you do and it works, let me know. Would love to make a note of it in the recipe. 😉

  6. Brianne says:

    These are so amazing!! I made them for a family get together and they were devoured in minutes. Making them now for my husband fantasy football draft party 🙂 thanks for the recipe.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You’re welcome. I love to hear that a recipe is a hit. Have a great week!!

  7. Kelly leather says:

    Look great will try

  8. lisa says:

    Wondering.. the list of ingred. lists 1/2 cup butter..
    then it reads : add the 1/2 cup butter to p-sugar & so on.
    then : add ‘remaining’ butter to melted choc chips..

    was there a typo ???

    1. Nicole says:

      Wondering the same thing… 6tbsp of butter is neither 1/2 cup nor 1/2 stick..

      1. Nicole says:

        Ohhh nevermind, I just saw my error!

  9. Samantha says:

    are these able to be frozen?

  10. Mrs McG says:

    Could you use semi sweet chocolate chips or does it need to be milk chocolate? These look amazing!