Name: Buckeye Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 5 ounces semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped); ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups confectioners' sugar; 4 ounces semisweet chocolate (coarsely chopped); ¼ cup heavy cream

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This buckeye brownies recipe gets its name from the chocolate peanut butter buckeye candies. They have a rich chocolate layer, topped with a perfect layer of peanut butter filling and then a layer of chocolate ganache. There might not be a better brownie out there.

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I am a total sucker for peanut butter and chocolate desserts. In the heat of summer, I’ll admit, I prefer a fruit dessert. But come fall, when the leaves start to change and the nights have a hint of coolness, bring on the decadent comfort desserts.

And truly, what’s a more comforting dessert than a peanut butter and chocolate flavor bomb? Try to think of something. You likely can’t.

These brownies get their name from the buckeye candies they derive from. Those chocolate peanut butter balls that show up in everyone’s Christmas Cookie Exchange tin? They’re yummy, don’t get me wrong, but in a brownie form, the ratio of chocolate to peanut butter is even a bit better. And boy are these brownies good. Way better than any boxed mix you can find out there.

I love brownies of all kinds. They are usually easy to make, taste delicious and transport easily. They are great to bring to potlucks, new mothers, bake sales… you name it. That’s why it’s always great to have a wide brownie recipe repertoire.

Some of my other favorite homemade brownie recipes include Nutella Brownies, blondies, and even these vegan brownies are delicious. There are so many other great brownie recipes on my website – be sure to look around.

But today we’re focused on decadent, rich, chocolate and peanut butter brownies with a yummy ganache. My neighbors thoroughly enjoyed all the recipe testing I did with these guys. I’ll admit – I suspect they lead me to believe there was something just a little bit off so I would have another batch for them to try!

Lucky for you – and them – I think I finally perfected this recipe. The base is pure brownie layer – chocolate, rich and delicious. That is topped with a creamy and outrageously good layer of peanut butter filling. And finally, the whole thing is topped with a chocolate ganache glaze. Is your mouth watering??

Try this recipe and let me know what you think of it!

Recipe Snapshot

TASTE: Rich and decadent.
TEXTURE: Creamy and fudgy
EASE: Easy!
TIME: 45 minutes to cook, 2 hours to chill

What You’ll Need

These decadent brownies are made with chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, along with peanut butter, sugar, flour and eggs. Enjoy!

Butter – You’ll need unsalted butter here, some cold and cut into chunks for the brownies, and some melted for the filling.
Semi-sweet chocolate – This is used in both the brownies and in the ganache.
Cocoa powder – I used dutch process unsweetened cocoa powder. Don’t use hot cocoa mix. They are two different things.
Peanut Butter– Creamy, commercial peanut butter works best here – not all natural.
Flour – All-purpose flour for the brownie base.
Sugar – Granulated sugar in the brownies and powdered sugar in the filling.
Eggs – These should be at room temperature.
Vanilla extract – I always have homemade on hand, but use pure extract, not artificially flavored.
Heavy Cream – for the ganache
Salt – just a pinch.

How to Make Buckeye Brownies

The best thing about brownies is how easy they are to prepare. These decadent bars take 45 minutes to make, from start to finish – though they do need extra chilling time.

You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to just below the center of the oven. I always like to bake brownies in a 9-inch square pan lined with sprayed parchment paper or aluminum foil – with enough of an overhang so that you can easily lift them out of the pan when they are done.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Make the brownies

In a medium heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. (You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one).
Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, vanilla, and salt together until well combined and the mixture is frothy.
Add the warm chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined. Then add the flour and use a silicone spatula to fold the batter together until no visible streaks of flour remain.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Make the filling

While the brownies bake, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combined melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be thick.
Gently drop peanut butter filling over the warm brownies, using the back of a spoon to make sure brownies are completely covered.

Peanut butter filling over brownies in a baking pan.

Make the topping

Place the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread the ganache evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Chocolate ganache over brownies with peanut butter toping.

Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!

This recipe comes out best if the butter in the brownies is cold, the butter in the filling is melted, the eggs are at room temperature and the cocoa is sifted. Take a few extra minutes to prepare the ingredients and make sure they are as they should be, and your brownies will have better taste and consistency if you do.

Tips For Success

Use store bought “regular” peanut butter. There is a time and place for natural peanut butter – this is not it. It doesn’t blend as well and won’t give you the consistency you want.

Storage & Freezing

Brownies can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Or they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.