Easy Buckeye Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Buckeye Brownies combine rich chocolate with a creamy peanut butter filling, creating a deliciously indulgent treat. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this layered dessert is simple to make and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (for ganache)
• 6 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 cups granulated sugar until the chocolate is fully melted.
3. Step 3: Add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: Add ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Stir gently just until no dry ingredients remain.
5. Step 5: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 23-25 minutes until set.
6. Step 6: While baking, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a bowl, combine ¾ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 cups powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
7. Step 7: Remove the brownies from the oven. While still warm, drop the peanut butter filling over the top using your fingertips, spreading it evenly to cover the brownie layer.
8. Step 8: To make the ganache, combine 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips and 6 tablespoons heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Pour over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 2 hours to firm up. Cut into bars while chilled before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest filling, or swap in natural peanut butter for a more rustic flavor.
• For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the peanut butter layer.
• If you prefer a thicker ganache, reduce the cream to 4 tablespoons.

Storage

Store brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the peanut butter filling firm. Reheat gently at room temperature before serving if they become too hard. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cutting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies are great made ahead and refrigerated to allow the layers to set. Just store them in the fridge and cut before serving.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment paper makes removing the brownies easier and reduces cleanup.

Easy Buckeye Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 91 reviews

These Easy Buckeye Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy peanut butter filling and a smooth dark chocolate ganache topping, creating a decadent dessert inspired by the classic buckeye candy. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike, this recipe offers a luscious treat that’s great for gatherings, potlucks, or just an indulgent homemade snack.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Peanut Butter Filling

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Ganache

• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of brownies.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter. Remove from heat and immediately add ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 cups granulated sugar, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently with big strokes just until the dry ingredients disappear and the batter is uniform.
5. Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
6. Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: While brownies are baking, in a mixing bowl combine ¾ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 cups powdered sugar. Beat together until the filling is smooth and well blended.
7. Apply Peanut Butter Layer: When brownies have finished baking but are still warm, gently drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter filling over the brownie surface. Using your fingertips, spread and press the filling evenly over the entire top.
8. Make Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips and 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream. Heat in the microwave for about 1 minute, then stir briskly until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
9. Spread Ganache: Pour the ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer, using a spatula to spread it smoothly across the entire surface.
10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set completely. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the rich combination of chocolate and creamy peanut butter!

Notes

• Use parchment paper with an overhang for easier removal of brownies from the pan.
• Do not overbake the brownies; they should remain fudgy in the center.
• If your peanut butter filling is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it slightly.
• For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter filling with a sunbutter or other seed butter.
• Store leftover brownies refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Ganache can be gently reheated if it hardens too much before serving.

Keywords: buckeye brownies, peanut butter brownies, chocolate peanut butter dessert, easy brownie recipe, homemade buckeye candy brownies