Name: Buckeye Brownie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup all purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon table salt; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (Skippy or preferred brand); ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 10 ounces dark chocolate chips; ⅓ cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Buckeye Brownie Recipe with friends because it combines two of my all-time favorite treats: rich, fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter. When I make it, I can’t help but enjoy every bite of the perfectly dense brownie base topped with that luscious peanut butter filling and finished with a smooth dark chocolate ganache. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser whenever I bring it to gatherings or treat myself after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Buckeye Brownie Recipe

What makes this Buckeye Brownie Recipe so special to me is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The brownie base is decadently chocolatey but still has a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Layering in that peanut butter filling creates a creamy, slightly salty contrast that perfectly complements the rich cocoa beneath it. And then, topping it all off with a silky, shiny ganache gives it that professional, eye-catching finish that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Aside from the epic taste, I adore how approachable this recipe is. It doesn’t demand any fancy tools or uncommon ingredients—just pantry staples you probably already have. Plus, the steps feel straightforward and manageable, so I never feel overwhelmed. Whether I’m making this for a special occasion, a holiday party, or just because I want something decadent in my life, the Buckeye Brownie Recipe always delivers without fuss. It really stands out as a dessert that strikes the perfect harmony between comfort food and an elegant treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a large silver mixing bowl, there is a mix of dark brown dry ingredients and wet ingredients with two bright yellow egg yolks sitting on top near the center. The dry ingredients form a loose mound around the edges with some small clumps, while the wet part looks smooth and shiny in the middle. A silver whisk rests inside the bowl on the left side, partially submerged in the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts lightly with the bowl’s color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Buckeye Brownie Recipe has a purpose, and together they create that luscious texture and unbeatable flavor. From buttery richness to the deep cocoa taste and creamy peanut butter, these ingredients form a delicious trifecta.

Unsalted butter: For a creamy richness that forms the brownie’s base and peanut butter filling structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the intense chocolate flavor that makes the brownies decadent.
All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies just enough structure without being cakey.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
Table salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially bringing out the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while keeping the brownies tender.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds a layer of aromatic sweetness to both brownie and filling.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling, providing smooth, nutty richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter filling and ensures a smooth texture.
Dark chocolate chips: Create a glossy, luscious ganache that seals in the flavors.
Heavy cream: Combined with chocolate to make that perfect ganache consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so the brownies release easily once baked.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and thoroughly combined. This will give your brownies that rich chocolate foundation.

Step 3: Add the granulated sugar, salt, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Whisk well after each addition until the batter becomes glossy and somewhat thick.

Step 4: Gradually fold the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients with a spatula, mixing just until no dry flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.

Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: While the brownies are baking, prepare the peanut butter filling by whisking together melted butter, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until super smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: When brownies are cool to the touch (after approximately 30 minutes of cooling), spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 8: For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir gently until glossy and smooth.

Step 9: Immediately pour and spread the ganache over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out to cover completely. Chill the assembled brownies in the fridge for at least one hour until the ganache firms up.

Step 10: Once fully set, slice into squares and enjoy your delicious Buckeye Brownies!

Servings and Timing

This Buckeye Brownie Recipe yields about 16 generous squares, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Prep time is roughly 20 minutes, with an additional 25 to 30 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to factor in at least 1 hour of chilling time to let the ganache set beautifully. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time, making it great for prepping in stages.

How to Serve This Buckeye Brownie Recipe

The image shows a close-up of square dessert bars arranged in rows on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three layers: a dark brown, crumbly bottom layer resembling brownie or cookie crust; a thick middle layer of creamy light brown peanut butter filling with a smooth texture; and a shiny, smooth dark chocolate top layer. One square bar is slightly pulled out, revealing clean, sharp edges. The background includes a white cup and scattered chocolate chips. Woman's hand is not visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these brownies, I love pairing them with fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors wonderfully. You can also dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar on top before serving for a touch of elegance. Presentation-wise, I like to cut them into neat squares and serve them on a large white platter so the rich colors really pop.

For beverages, I often go for a bold cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. Chocolate lovers might enjoy a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel or a smooth port alongside these brownies at a dinner party. I find that serving them chilled or at room temperature works best because the ganache stays firm but the peanut butter filling remains creamy and inviting.

This recipe shines during holiday parties, casual weekend get-togethers, or as a special treat after a cozy family dinner. The portion size allows for easy sharing, but be warned—once you start, these brownies disappear quickly!

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I suggest trying a crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a bit of texture in the filling. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free butter and coconut cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Flavor-wise, I’ve experimented by mixing in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate notes. You can also drizzle white chocolate on top of the ganache or sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and visual appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, baking the brownies in smaller muffin tins creates individual Buckeye brownie bites that are perfect for parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Buckeye Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigerating them to keep the ganache firm and the peanut butter filling fresh. Placing parchment paper between layers can prevent sticking if you’re stacking brownies.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture retention.

Reheating

I don’t recommend microwaving Buckeye Brownies because the ganache and peanut butter layers can separate or become oily. Instead, bring them to room temperature slowly by leaving them out for 30 minutes. If you want them a little warm, placing them in a low 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes works well to soften the brownie base without melting the topping.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this Buckeye Brownie Recipe?

You can, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable than creamy processed varieties. If you do use it, give the peanut butter filling a good stir before combining and consider chilling it slightly to help it firm up better.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half, but the ganache might be slightly thinner. Just heat it gently and allow more chilling time to thicken properly.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just store them covered in the refrigerator, and remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Is it necessary to chill the brownies before slicing?

Chilling is highly recommended because it firms up the ganache and peanut butter filling. This makes cutting cleaner and the brownies less sticky, resulting in beautiful, neat squares.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, but milk chocolate ganache will be sweeter and less intense. I find dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the peanut butter filling perfectly, but go with your preference. Just adjust the sugar in the filling if you opt for milk chocolate so it doesn’t become overly sweet.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Buckeye Brownie Recipe because it’s truly one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug. It combines everything I love about chocolate and peanut butter in a way that’s both simple and show-stopping. Give it a go, whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in—you’ll thank yourself for it!