Buckeye Brownies

Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon this recipe and wondered, “What is a buckeye brownie?” All you need to know is that this is a dream dessert for anyone who loves combining chocolate and peanut butter. The recipe is so named because its flavor was inspired by buckeye candies, which hail from Ohio and are little balls of sweetened peanut butter fudge dipped in melted chocolate—they’re super similar to peanut butter cups.

This buckeye brownies recipe is an extra chocolaty and indulgent twist on the classic confection. Our recipe starts with a box of fudgy brownie mix. After the brownies are baked and cooled, they’re covered with sweetened creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate. These epic brownie dessert bars are sure to disappear fast, whether you serve them at a potluck or take a batch to share at the office!

Ingredients for Buckeye Brownies

• Brownie mix: This buckeye brownies recipe starts with a package of fudge brownie mix. You’ll prepare the brownie batter with eggs and oil and follow the package directions for baking a 13×9-inch pan of brownies. The larger pan size bakes faster than a square pan, resulting in a thinner brownie that’s perfect for topping with peanut butter and chocolate layers.
• Eggs: Not all brownie mixes call for eggs, but adding one or two large eggs to a brownie batter can help create a fudgier texture. The eggs add fat for a richer flavor and are a natural leavening agent.
• Oil: Most boxed brownie mixes are prepared with water and a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or avocado oil. We used 1/2 cup canola oil to prepare our brownie mix, but double-check the amounts and follow the instructions on your brownie mix package.
• Butter: Note that the butter in this buckeye brownies recipe is divided between the peanut butter and chocolate layers. You’ll need two sticks of butter in total.
• Peanut butter: Choose a no-stir creamy peanut butter for buckeye brownies. You can use salted or unsalted peanut butter, but look for unsweetened peanut butter since we’ll add confectioners’ sugar to create the signature sweet and peanutty buckeye flavor!
• Confectioners‘ sugar: The extra-fine texture of confectioners’ sugar is ideal for mixing into the peanut butter and keeping the nutty layer smooth and creamy.
• Chocolate chips: This recipe calls for 6 ounces of chocolate chips, equal to 1 cup or half a standard bag. We recommend semisweet or dark chocolate—both deliver rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet. After all, these buckeye brownie bars have plenty of sweetness in the brownie and peanut butter layers.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the brownies

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Combine the brownie mix with the eggs and oil. Bake the brownies in a greased 13×9-inch pan according to the brownie package directions. Let the brownies cool completely before proceeding.

Editor’s Tip: Line your baking pan with parchment and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Make the peanut butter layer

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In a large microwaveable bowl, microwave 1/2 cup butter and the peanut butter on high for 30 to 60 seconds, until the butter has melted. Add the confectioners’ sugar and stir until smooth. Spread the peanut butter mixture over the cooled brownies.

Editor’s Tip: An offset spatula—one of our Test Kitchen’s go-to gadgets—makes it easy to spread the peanut butter and chocolate layers evenly.

Step 3: Make the chocolate layer

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In another large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and remaining 6 tablespoons butter on high for 30 seconds and then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring between each time, until completely melted. Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer not to use a microwave, melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.

Step 4: Cool and slice

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Let the peanut butter and chocolate layers cool completely.

Editor’s Tip: Refrigerate the pan of brownies for at least an hour to help set the peanut butter and chocolate layers.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Then, cut the brownies into squares.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Add salt: Love sweet and salty desserts? Sprinkle a flaky finishing salt like Maldon or chopped salted peanuts on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.
• Decorate the brownies: Traditional buckeye candies don’t have toppings, but you could decorate buckeye brownies with chopped peanuts or seasonal sprinkles if desired.
• Try a different nut: Using another nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, will create a dessert with a whole new flavor.
• Go nut-free: If you’d like a nut-free version, try replacing the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

How to Store Buckeye Brownies

Store sliced buckeye brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re in a warm or humid climate, you may want to store the brownies in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate layer from melting. Either way, the brownies should stay fresh for up to five days.

Can you freeze buckeye brownies?

Yes, buckeye brownies freeze well! Arrange the sliced brownies on a baking sheet and pop the whole thing in the freezer for several hours. Once the brownies are frozen, wrap each in storage wrap and store them in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, pull out the number of brownies you need and let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Buckeye Brownie Tips

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What kind of peanut butter is best for buckeye brownies?

Creamy, no-stir peanut butter works best in this recipe. Its smooth but thick texture makes the peanut butter layer extra creamy and easy to spread on top of the brownies. Most brands of natural peanut butter have a layer of oil floating on top and are too drippy even after stirring to create the firm peanut butter layer needed in this recipe. If you’d like extra texture in the peanut butter layer, add crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture, similar to this crispy rice buckeye candy recipe.

How do you slice buckeye brownies neatly?

Here are a couple of tips to ensure your buckeye brownies are easy to cut into bars. Before baking, line your baking pan with parchment and leave some overhang on each side of the pan. Use the parchment “handles” to lift the brownies out of the pan and then slice with a sharp knife.

It’s also important to allow the peanut butter and chocolate layers to cool completely before slicing to get brownies with clean edges. The best way to do this is to pop the pan of brownies in the fridge for at least one hour or longer until the layers are firm to the touch.

Can you make a buckeye brownies recipe with homemade brownies?

Yes, you can replace the boxed brownie mix, eggs and oil in this recipe with your favorite brownie recipe—just be sure the recipe you use prepares a 13×9-inch pan of brownies. Need a foolproof brownie recipe? Our fudgy brownie recipe is the perfect foundation for buckeye brownies, but you’ll need to double it to make a large pan. We also have an entire library of brownie recipes!