Irresistibly Gooey Buckeye Brownies: A Sweet Chocolate-Peanut Delight

Buckeye brownies are a delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter, originating from the Midwest.

These treats take inspiration from traditional buckeye candies but add a rich brownie twist.

Ohio’s dessert traditions come alive in this sweet and salty masterpiece.

Fans of chocolate can’t resist the fudgy brownie base topped with creamy peanut butter goodness.

This recipe highlights local baking customs while offering an impressive dessert option.

Both novice bakers and experienced pastry experts enjoy the straightforward yet elegant appeal of these unique brownies.

Fun Ways To Remix Buckeye Brownies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for those with nut allergies, keeping the creamy texture and similar taste profile.

Buckeye Brownies Q&A

• Are Buckeye Brownies hard to make?

Not at all! They’re surprisingly simple. The recipe involves basic steps like mixing, melting, and layering. Even beginner bakers can successfully create these delicious treats with some patience and careful following of instructions.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can make some substitutions. For peanut butter, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. For chocolate chips, dark or milk chocolate work well. Just keep proportions consistent for best results.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check the brownies around 23-25 minutes. When a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Avoid overbaking, which can make them dry. The edges should look set but the center slightly soft.

• What makes the texture of these brownies special?

The combination of fudgy brownie base, creamy peanut butter layer, and smooth chocolate topping creates an incredible texture. The layers provide a rich, decadent mouthfeel that’s both soft and substantial.

Why Buckeye Brownies Steal The Show

• Savor Quick Chocolate Bliss: Whip up these decadent Buckeye Brownies in no time, perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning treat that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combine the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: Follow straightforward steps that require basic baking skills, ensuring even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert with confidence.

Must-Have Items For Buckeye Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the rich chocolate base.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft brownie texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensures moisture and rich flavor in the brownie layer.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create a smooth, dense consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the chocolate base.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.

• Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy, nutty middle layer with classic buckeye flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and stabilize the peanut butter mixture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the peanut butter layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle sweet undertone to the peanut butter mixture.
• Salt: Enhances the peanut butter's natural flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides smooth, rich chocolate coating for the dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a glossy, melted chocolate layer.

How To Bake Buckeye Brownies Right

Step 1: Prep The Baking Space

Heat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment paper, creating easy lift-out edges. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

• Melted butter
• Sugar

Whisk until blended. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and silky.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cocoa powder
• Flour
• Salt

Gently whisk until ingredients are just incorporated.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Foundation

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 23-28 minutes until a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.

Step 5: Craft Peanut Butter Layer

• Peanut butter
• Butter

Stir until completely smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt.

Step 6: Create Peanut Butter Filling

Gradually mix in powdered sugar. The mixture will become thick – use hands to knead if needed.

Step 7: Layer Peanut Butter

Flatten peanut butter mixture and spread across cooled brownies in an even layer.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Topping

Microwave chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals at half power, stirring between each session until perfectly smooth.

Step 9: Finish With Chocolate

Pour melted chocolate over peanut butter layer, smoothing to create an even coating.

Step 10: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes until chocolate sets completely. Lift from pan using parchment edges, slice into bars, and enjoy your homemade treat!

Great Tips For Buckeye Brownies

• Master Cooling Technique: Allow brownies to cool completely before adding peanut butter layer to prevent melting and ensure clean, crisp layers.
• Perfect Peanut Butter Texture: Knead powdered sugar mixture with hands if too crumbly, creating a smooth, spreadable consistency that adheres perfectly to brownies.
• Chocolate Melting Hack: Use 50% power in microwave and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning, achieving a silky, glossy top layer.
• Storage Secret: Refrigerate Buckeye Brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, maintaining their rich flavor and fudgy texture.
• Customize with Ease: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or add sea salt on top for a gourmet twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Storing Buckeye Brownies The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store covered brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preventing moisture loss and maintaining texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and soft consistency.
• Thaw: Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, ensuring they return to their delicious original state.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power, creating a soft, gooey center without compromising their delicate chocolate and peanut butter layers.

Top Picks To Serve With Buckeye Brownies

• Pair Decadent Chocolate Milk: Creamy chocolate milk amplifies the rich brownie flavor, creating a nostalgic dessert experience that feels like childhood indulgence.
• Complement with Espresso Shot: A strong espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the intense chocolate and peanut butter notes while providing a sophisticated contrast.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the dense, chewy brownie, elevating the entire dessert moment.
• Serve with Caramel Macchiato: The caramel's buttery sweetness enhances the peanut butter layers, while the espresso base adds depth to the chocolate undertones.

Divine Buckeye Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these irresistible Buckeye Brownies, combining rich fudgy layers and creamy peanut butter magic. Rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter create a delectable Ohio-inspired dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment, ensuring edges hang over for easy extraction. Lightly coat with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a rich brownie base by whisking melted butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
3. Gently fold cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture.
4. Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan, distributing evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
5. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 25 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick emerges with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
6. Craft the peanut butter layer by melting peanut butter and butter in the microwave, stirring between brief heating intervals until smooth and integrated.
7. Enhance the peanut butter mixture with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the peanut butter base, mixing thoroughly. If the mixture becomes too stiff, knead with hands to create a cohesive layer.
9. Carefully spread the peanut butter mixture over the cooled brownie base, creating an even, smooth surface.
10. Prepare the chocolate topping by melting chocolate chips and butter in the microwave, using 50% power and stirring between short intervals to prevent burning.
11. Pour the glossy chocolate layer over the peanut butter, tilting the pan to ensure complete and even coverage.
12. Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the chocolate to set completely and flavors to meld.
13. Remove from the refrigerator and use the parchment overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan. Slice into precise squares, revealing the beautiful layers.

Notes

• Ensure brownies are completely cool before adding peanut butter layer to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
• Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and smoother texture.
• Sifting dry ingredients prevents clumping and creates a more uniform brownie base.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining same measurement.
• Opt for natural peanut butter with

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg