The Best Buckeye Brownies Recipe (Step-By-Step)

Is there anything better than the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter? No matter in what form you have it, it always creates the best flavor. And if you’re an Ohio native or from the Midwest, you know that buckeye candy tends to stick out a little extra because of the ultra-creamy consistency of that little peanut butter fudge ball.

Can you even imagine a better topping for fudgy brownies? Like isn’t this a genius idea?! I know I sound a little too excited, but I promise you this brownie recipe hits a little differently because of this addition. It’s smooth, rich, and creamy, throughout all three layers from top to bottom. For all of my chocolate and peanut butter lovers out there, put down the Reese’s and give this treat a try!

Since you are here and love brownies, check out this Crumbl Buckeye Brownie Cookies Copycat Recipe, these Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzel Bites, these Crumbl Brownie Batter Cookies, these Crumbl Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies, or these Cream Cheese Cheesecake Brownies.

Ingredients for this rich chocolate Buckeye Brownies Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these peanut butter brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

Rich Chocolate Brownie

• Unsalted Butter: adds richness, moisture, and helps create a fudgy brownie texture.
• Neutral Oil: enhances moisture and softness without adding flavor.
• 70% Dark Chocolate: provides deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy consistency. You’ll want it chopped.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: intensifies the chocolate taste with a smooth, rich flavor and deep color.
• Large Eggs: bind the ingredients and add structure while helping the brownies rise slightly.
• Granulated Sugar: sweetens the brownies and also helps create a shiny, crackly top.
• Powdered Sugar: adds extra sweetness while helping achieve a softer, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: enhances the overall chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• All-purpose Flour: provides structure to hold the brownies together.
• Cornstarch: lightens the texture of the chocolate layers.
• Kosher Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Instant Espresso Powder: adds a little bit of a boost to the chocolate flavor.

Peanut Butter Filling

• Butter: adds creaminess and helps the filling hold its shape.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: is the star of the filling and gives that buckeye flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: sweetens and thickens the peanut butter mixture so it sets properly.
• Vanilla Extract: adds depth and warmth to the peanut butter flavor.
• Salt: offsets the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor of the filling.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

• Butter: makes the topping glossy and smooth while helping it set with a soft bite.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: melts into a rich, sweet chocolate layer that contrasts the peanut butter filling and complements the brownie base.

How to make a homemade Buckeye Brownie Recipe from scratch

This is how you can make these homemade brownies. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, baking time, and full step-by-step instructions!

Chewy Chocolate Brownie Base

• Preheat the oven and line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
• In a heat-safe bowl, add the butter, chopped dark chocolate, and neutral oil. Warm the mixture gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals (or use a double boiler on the stove), and stir in between until fully melted. Once smooth, mix in the cocoa powder and espresso powder until well combined. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, extra yolk, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and falls in ribbons when the beaters are lifted.

• With the mixer on low speed, gradually stream in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt directly into the bowl, then gently fold everything together using a spatula until no dry streaks remain.

• Transfer the batter to your prepared square pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before adding the next layers.

Peanut Butter Layer

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until light and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until the mixture looks crumbly but sticks together when pressed.

• Once they are completely cool, gently crumble the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the brownies then press it on top with parchment or wax paper so it doesn’t stick to your hands.

Chocolate Topping

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave until fully melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the peanut butter layer underneath.
• Pour the melted chocolate in an even layer over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it out using an offset spatula. For a decorative touch, drizzle extra melted peanut butter over the top layer for a swirl effect.
• Place the pan in the fridge to firm up the layers of goodness before slicing. For the cleanest slices, store and cut the brownies straight from the fridge.

Tips and Tricks for the best results

• Use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups to weigh your ingredients for better accuracy.
• Pass your dry ingredients through a fine-mesh sieve first before adding them to the wet ingredients to avoid clumping.
• Pull your cold ingredients out of the fridge prior to starting the recipe so that they can warm up to room temperature. Room temp ingredients mix better than cold ones.
• Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Gently fold the flour in and stop once you see the streaks disappear.

Why do you need to make this Buckeye Brownies Recipe?

• This dessert combines rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter layer and a smooth chocolate topping.
• It’s basically a buckeye candy in brownie form. If you’re a fan of Reese’s or buckeyes, this is the best way to enjoy that flavor.
• These hold up great in the fridge so you can make them the night before an event and save yourself the day-of stress.
• These brownies are a hit at parties, potlucks, and holidays.
• The best thing about this batch of brownies is that they only require easy steps and simple pantry staples.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

What kind of oil should I use?

Any kind of unflavored oil is fine. You can use vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Can I use boxed brownie mix as the base?

Sure, it will save you time if you use boxed mix for the brownies and make the rest from scratch. My only suggestion is to make sure that the box of brownie mix is from a higher quality brand.

My peanut butter layer is too crumbly. What should I do?

The peanut butter mixture will be pretty crumbly but if you prefer a softer peanut butter layer, try adding a few teaspoons of milk or an extra tablespoon of peanut butter at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed.

How do I store leftover brownies?

For easy storage, simply put your leftovers from the buckeye brownie recipe in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can keep them on the kitchen counter at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.

For longer storage, you can keep them in the freezer for up to a month or two. If you want to make sure they don’t get freezer burn, wrap them in plastic wrap first before going into the airtight container. You can wrap them either individually or altogether.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

I would use a commercial-brand, smooth peanut butter, like Skippy or Jif, for this recipe to give it the best texture. You could use crunchy peanut butter for a fun and crunchy bite throughout the brownie. I would avoid using natural peanut butter for this recipe just because of the oil separation that happens.

Can I make brownie bites with this buckeye brownies recipe?

Sure! The easiest way would be to just slice the sheet of brownie into smaller bites. However, if you prefer individually baked, cup-shaped brownie bites, you can easily achieve that by using a mini muffin tin. Just know that you would have to top each one individually, would be meticulous and take up a lot of extra time. And you would have to reduce the baking time significantly.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Use whatever chocolate you prefer for the topping. Just know that milk chocolate will be sweeter, while dark chocolate chips will add a more intense and deeper flavor.

Homemade Buckeye Brownies Recipe