Buckeye Brownies

These brownies will make any of you peanut butter and chocolate lovers absolutely ecstatic. I usually like to distribute my baked goods to family, my mom’s coworkers, etc., so that I don’t have too many leftovers. These brownies did not leave my house. I shared them with immediate family, but no one else. The leftovers got wrapped up and put in the freezer for an emergency. Everyone knows that an emergency that requires immediate consumption of a rich, chocolate baked good is a very serious emergency. Consider me well-prepared.

Buckeye Brownies

I have been seeing different versions of Buckeye Brownies all over Pinterest for quite some time now. They’ve all looked a little bit different; some have a peanut butter layer baked in, some start with a box brownie mix, and on and on. I loved the idea, naturally. You can’t put that type of chocolate and peanut butter combination in front of me and expect me to forget about it. After thinking about how I wanted to tackle them, I finally decided to use my chewy brownies as a base; they were formulated to specifically mimic the texture and flavor of a box brownie mix, so they were the perfect starting point. I baked those and then layered on a modified version of my buckeye filling. I made it a little less stiff since I wasn’t rolling the mixture into smooth balls, but rather spreading it on top of the brownies. I topped it all off with a smooth chocolate/peanut butter glaze.

Buckeye Brownies

Basically, these taste like buckeyes on steroids. I’ve made peanut butter brownies before, so I’m sure you’re wondering which one I like better. I have to say that these have the edge. I grew up on buckeyes during the holidays and that flavor will always scream “comfort food dessert” to me. These immediately made my short list of all-time favorite brownie recipes. I’m willing to bet my last one that they’ll make yours, too :)

Buckeye Brownies

One year ago: Pizza Dip
Two years ago: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Three years ago: English Muffins
Four years ago: Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
Five years ago: Spaghetti & Meatballs

Buckeye Brownies

The ultimate brownie recipe for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!
4.59 (36 ratings)

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • cup (28.67 g) Dutch-processed cocoa
  • teaspoons (1.5 teaspoons) instant espresso, optional
  • ½ cup (125 ml) plus 2 Tablespoons boiling water
  • 2 ounces (56.7 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (109 ml) plus 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • cups (500 g) granulated sugar
  • cups (218.75 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon (0.75 teaspoon) salt

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • ¾ cup (193.5 g) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter
  • Pinch salt
  • cups (270 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze:

  • cups (270 g) milk chocolate chips
  • cup (86 g) creamy peanut butter

Instructions 

  • Make the Brownies: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving about a one-inch overhang on all sides. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Whisk cocoa, espresso powder, and boiling water together in large bowl until smooth. Add unsweetened chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted. Whisk in melted butter and oil. (Mixture may look curdled.) Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated. Add flour and salt and mix with rubber spatula until combined.
  • Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted halfway between edge and center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool 1½ hours.
  • Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Beat together the peanut butter, butter and salt on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and alternate adding the powdered sugar and the milk, mixing to combine after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, beat to combine, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until completely smooth and creamy. If it seems a little bit too dry to spread, add another splash or two of milk to get it the right consistency (this could vary based on humidity levels). Using an offset spatula, spread the peanut butter mixture in an even layer over the top of the brownies.
  • Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze: Melt together the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely smooth and melted. Pour the mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread into an even layer with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set.
  • Using foil overhang, carefully lift brownies from pan. Cut into squares and serve. Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one serving
Calories: 399kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 143mg, Potassium: 133mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 245IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1.5mg

Did you make this recipe?

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