Best Recipe for Buckeye Brownies

The perfect crossover of brownies and buckeye candies, buckeye brownies are the chocolate peanut butter dessert that make Reese’s jealous.

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Not your average Buckeyes Brownies

This isn’t your average brownie – it’s an upgrade. I took the classic, beloved brownie and added peanut butter filling and a glossy chocolate ganache a la buckeye candies. This fusion of favorites is sure to become a new family staple, whether you’re a longtime fan of buckeye candies, a chocolate aficionado, or just a curious foodie.  

The buckeye brownie perfectly blends the rich, chewy comfort of a classic brownie with the creamy allure of peanut butter fudge from buckeye candies. This buckeye brownie recipe yields a dynamite dessert that you won’t be able to stop eating.

What is a Buckeye Brownie?

A Buckeye Brownie is a delectable dessert that combines the rich and fudgy goodness of brownies with the classic flavors of Buckeye candy. The base layer typically consists of dense and chocolatey brownies, while the top layer is a creamy mixture reminiscent of peanut butter fudge.

Buckeye Brownies Recipe ingredients

Brownie Base:

• Salted Butter – Melting the butter here gives the brownie their textbook fudgey texture that we love. 
• Brown sugar – This also adds to the fudginess of the brownies. It will make it so the brownies do not have that flakey, glossy top but we are adding the peanut butter layer so it doesn’t really matter to me!
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs – Lotsa eggs because these brownies are fudgey (have I already said that?) 
• Vanilla extract
• All purpose flour
• Cocoa – You can use whatever kind of cocoa is your favorite! 
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps make our brownie base soft and keeps them from drying out. If you notice your brownies are dry and cake-like, you may have over-baked! 
• Salt

Peanut Butter Layer:

• Butter 
• Creamy peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream – For this layer, you can choose to use milk instead of heavy cream. But you will need significantly LESS. 
• Vanilla
• Salt

Ganache Layer:

• Chocolate chips
• Heavy whipping cream – For this layer, heavy cream is a MUST or else the ganache will not form correctly.

How to Make Buckeye Brownies

The Brownies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt. Mix until the batter comes together.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and spread smooth.
6. Bake at 350° F for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean from the center.
7. Allow the brownies to cool completely and then place in the freezer.
8. Once the brownies are cool and are in the freezer, make the peanut butter layer.

The Peanut Butter Layer:

1. To make the peanut butter buckeye layer, cream together the butter and peanut butter. The mixture should be smooth.
2. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time mixing until well combined and thick. It should act almost like a dough.
3. Slowly, while mixing, add in your heavy cream. The amount of heavy cream you use will depend on the finished texture you are looking for. If you are looking for a softer, more spreadable peanut butter layer, you’ll want to add more, closer to the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and vice versa.
4. Once the buckeye layer is the consistency you desire, add in the vanilla and the pinch of salt.
5. Spread or press the buckeye layer onto the chilled brownies. Return to the freezer and make the ganache layer.

The Ganache Layer:

1. To make the ganache layer, measure out the chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl.
2. Microwave the heavy cream for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the heavy cream is hot and boiling.
3. Pour the heated cream over the chocolate chips.  Allow the chocolate chips and cream to just sit for 5 minutes.
4. After the 5 minutes, stir to combine. 
5. Once smooth, pour over top of the chilled brownies and spread to cover.
6. Return to the freezer and once the chocolate layer has set up, you can cut and serve the brownies.
7. Enjoy!

Buckeyes Brownies Storage

You can store buckeye brownies at room temperature for up to 4-5 hours. After that, be sure to refrigerate them! Once in the refrigerator, these brownies can last up to 3-5 days.

Can Buckeyes Brownies be frozen?

Yes, Buckeye Brownies can be frozen to extend their shelf life and preserve their flavors. To freeze them, first ensure they have cooled completely. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This freezing method helps maintain their texture and taste.

Buckeye Brownie Recipe Serving Tips

How to Cut Buckeye Brownies neatly?

Yes, use a long knife! Cut straight down into the brownies and remove the knife straight up. Then, clean the knife and repeat the process until your brownies are all portioned out!

Recipes Like Buckeye Brownies

• Fudge Brownies
• Frosting for Brownies
• Cookie Dough Frosting

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