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.

What Are Buckeye Brownies?

Buckeye brownies are a brownie bar version of the classic buckeye candy, a Midwestern treat made from a ball of peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate so a small circle of peanut butter peeks through the top, resembling the nut of the buckeye tree (the Ohio state tree and mascot of Ohio State University). In brownie form, you get the same three elements stacked in layers: a rich fudgy chocolate brownie on the bottom, a thick peanut butter filling in the middle, and a smooth chocolate topping on top. Every bite hits all three at once.

This recipe skips the boxed mix entirely. The brownie base is made from scratch with 70% dark chocolate, Dutch process cocoa, and a touch of espresso powder, which means you’re getting a deeper, richer chocolate layer than most buckeye brownie recipes out there.

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.

If you’re on a full brownie kick, don’t miss my roundup of the best brownie recipes with 40+ tested options.

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

1. Preheat the oven and line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

1. 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.

2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Place the pan in the fridge to firm up the layers of goodness before slicing. For the cleanest slices, store and cut the buckeye brownies straight from the fridge.

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.
• Unlike most buckeye brownie recipes that use a box mix, this one is made entirely from scratch, and you can taste the difference. The brownie base alone is worth making on its own.

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.

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