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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.
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!!
THE THREE LAYERS
3 layers of goodness. Here are the layers that make up this yummy dessert:
- 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.
- PEANUT BUTTER. My favorite layer. It’s a nice thick layer of peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar, making it light and creamy.
- 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.
Recipe FAQ
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.
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.
For best results, the peanut butter layer should be made with creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. Avoid natural peanut butter.
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:
Buckeye Brownies Recipe
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made these , they turned out great!!
I am so glad they did!! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
These are a family favorite. So many yummy layers!!
Our family loves these, too! Thanks for the 5 stars 🙂
I made these tonight for an after church get-together- can’t wait to try!!! Do they need to be refrigerated? Thank you!!!
These were a huge hit thank you! Mine turned out more fudge-like than brownie. I did cut the powdered sugar to 1.5 cups instead of 2 which did make it a little more work to spread but worth it- and cut down the butter by 3-4 T all together (a little from the Peanut butter mix and a little from the topping). I would describe this as delicious but extremely rich- next time will cut into smaller pieces. Thank you! Will definitely be making again!!!
I am so glad they were a hit! We love these! I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner!
Yummy!!! A dear friend nicknamed these brownies “crack” because they are so delicious!
LOL!!! They are delicious! Thanks so much for stopping by!
That looks amazing!!!
They are!!! Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t do mixes, but will try this with homemade brownies. We prefer dark chocolate, so will use semi-sweet chips. I am sure it will be tasty!
I have made these brownies twice. I decided to alter the recipe a little. I only used 1 and1/2:cup of powered sugar. I also used more peanut butter I used 1 and 3/4 of peanut butter. For the chocolate topping I used the.whole package of chocolate chips. I was very happy with the results.
Haha..can’t go wrong with a whole bag of chocolate chips!! Thanks for letting me know!
I really thought this wasa real recipe. Sad to see it’s another boxed “creation”. I’m sure it’s good, but rather make from scratch.
OMG so make it without a homemade brownie recipe!! Smh
Oh my so will be making buckeye brownies found u from a friend on fb where can I sign up to make sure I see your great recipes?
You can sign up by subscribing HERE! 😀
Any tips on cutting them once they are done? Do you stick them in fridge to keep brownie layer more adhered to top? I’m not getting the crisp pretty cute like your photo. 🙂
Hmmm, I always cut my brownies with a plastic knife because it doesn’t gunk up on the knife and make it messy. Did you try that?