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If you like chocolate and peanut butter together… these are going to be a problem.
These Buckeye Brownies are exactly what they sound like: rich, fudgy brownies topped with a thick, creamy peanut butter layer and finished with a smooth chocolate topping.
Basically, it’s everything you love about Buckeye candies—just turned into a brownie. That’s where the problem comes in. They’re completely addicting, and it’s difficult to eat just one!
If you love chocolate peanut butter desserts like these buckeye brownies, you may also wish to try our recipes for chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels, chocolate dipped peanut butter cup stuffed Oreos and no bake peanut butter bars.
Why These Are So Good
There are a lot of peanut butter brownie recipes out there. This one keeps things simple—but really nails the balance. There is a deep chocolate flavor from the brownie base, a sweet, creamy peanut butter layer and a smooth chocolate finish on top. It’s layered, rich and very hard to stop eating.
Why Start with a Brownie Mix?
This is intentional. Using a boxed mix saves time, gives consistent results and lets you focus on the layers. It’s a shortcut—but a smart one!
Tips for the Best Buckeye Brownies
- Let brownies cool completely: Otherwise the peanut butter layer will melt.
- Use creamy peanut butter: It spreads more easily and gives a smooth texture.
- Chill before cutting: This is key for clean layers.
- Cut with a sharp knife: Wipe between cuts for perfect squares.
Why You Need to Chill Them
This step makes all the difference. Don’t skip it!
Chilling helps:
✔ Set the chocolate topping
✔ Firm up the peanut butter layer
✔ Create clean, bakery-style slices
When to Make These
These are perfect for:
• Parties
• Bake sales
• Holidays
• Anytime you want something over-the-top good
I suggest serving them next to your favorite chocolate desserts and peanut butter desserts- perhaps peanut butter cookies and chocolate crackle cookies.
Why This Recipe Works
It’s simple—but the layering makes it feel like more.
The combination of textures and flavors is what makes these stand out from a basic brownie recipe.
These are one of those desserts that disappear fast. If you bring them somewhere, people will ask for the recipe. If you keep them at home… they won’t last long.
🥜 VARIATIONS
- Extra Peanut Butter Version: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter over the top layer.
- Dark Chocolate Buckeye Brownies: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- No-Bake Buckeye Bars: Skip the brownie layer and use a graham cracker crust for a no-bake version.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Mini Buckeye Bites: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for parties and dessert trays.
🔍 FAQS
- Why didn’t my peanut butter layer set? This usually happens if the brownies were still warm, there wasn’t enough powdered sugar or the mixture wasn’t fully blended. Make sure brownies are completely cool before adding the layer.
- How do you get clean layers in buckeye brownies? For clean layers, let each layer cool/set before adding the next, chill the brownies before cutting, and use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
- Can you make buckeye brownies ahead of time? Yes—they’re actually better that way. Make 1 day in advance and store in the refrigerator. The layers firm up and slice more cleanly.
- Do buckeye brownies need to be refrigerated? Yes. Because of the peanut butter layer, they’re best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Can you use homemade brownies instead of a mix? Absolutely. You can substitute your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the base if you prefer.
Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
- One 18.4-ounce box brownie mix
- ⅔ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, oil, eggs and water until smooth; pour into the prepared dish. Bake until brownies are done, 28 to 31 minutes. Let the brownies cool.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the powdered sugar, peanut butter and ½ cup butter until smooth. Spread over the cooled brownies.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring after each, until smooth and all melted. Drizzle over the peanut butter layer. CHILL in the refrigerator, and then cut into squares.
Notes
- Cool brownies before adding peanut butter layer
- Chill before slicing for clean cuts
- Use creamy peanut butter for best texture
- Cut with sharp knife for neat squares
- Store chilled for best results
Nutrition
This recipe comes from RecipeBoy.com
