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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.
Added a tick of milk to the topping. Other than that- this was a home run. Easy and tasted great.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the brownies!
Can the buckeye brownies be frozen?
This looks delicious going to make this today to make it to my daughter’s house TMW.
Everyone’s going to love this ♥️
My friend is gluten free, so I made almond flour brownies instead of a boxed brownie mix. Then, I followed your recipe. They turned out soooo good that the 24 piece dish was emptied in less than 30 minutes.
This recipe should be updated to state brownie mix should be quantity of 2 boxes. Todays brands have reduced the size to 8×8 or 9×9. 2 boxes were enough for a 9×13. I also used my cuisinart mixer for the peanut butter layer.
P.S. I realize my error on ingredients. Recipe was correct for ingredients.
Thanks for the suggestion and sharing what you did.
My family loves this recipe, and it’s been foolproof every time!
Just finished making a double batch to take to a party tomorrow. They are REALLY good! I added some vanilla extract to the peanut butter filling and the chocolate layer. The peanut butter layer was very easy to spread with an offset spatula. Extremely happy with the results!
Delicious! A little rich, but sooo good!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the brownies.
The most divine easiest recipe ever! I love ALL your recipes! You rock!
Aw, thank you so much! That means a lot. I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes. Thanks for sharing!!
How should u store these buckeye brownie??
You can store in an airtight container for a few days or you can even freeze them! There are freezing instructions in the post. 🙂