These rich buckeye brownies are filled with delicious layers of peanut butter and chocolate ganache. The easiest peanut butter brownies using brownie mix!
Table of Contents
Classic Buckeye Brownies
One of the best dessert combinations out there is chocolate and peanut butter. The two taste incredible together! Some of my other favorite recipes using this perfect pair are my buckeye cupcakes, buckeye bark, Reese’s cheesecake and no-bake peanut butter bars.
Chocolate and peanut butter are two of my favorite flavor combinations. If you love buckeye balls like me, you’re going to love these buckeye brownies!
If you’ve never had a buckeye before, it’s basically a peanut butter truffle that’s partially dipped in chocolate. They are rich and creamy, with delicious peanut butter flavor.
And because I love them so much, I decided to make these buckeye brownies and they did not disappoint! Don’t get me wrong – all brownies are delicious, but these are something to talk about.
They contain 3 delicious layers: a brownie layer, a peanut butter layer and a chocolate ganache layer. Plus I used box brownie mix to make the recipe even easier. These brownies will win anyone over!
How to Make Buckeye Brownies
Step 1: Make the box mix brownies (layer 1)
To start, line a 9×13″ baking pan with foil and lightly grease with non-stick spray. Don’t skip this part – you don’t want your brownies to stick!
The combine brownie mix with ingredients listed on package and stir until smooth. Pour into pan and bake at 350°F according to directions on box. Then remove from oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make peanut butter mixture (layer 2)
In a large bowl, mix together the butter, peanut butter and vanilla. Next add in brown sugar. Then slowly beat in powdered sugar. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out a little.
Then spread the mixture on top of the boxed brownie layer. I like to use a spatula so the layer is even and smooth.
Step 3: Top with chocolate ganache (layer 3)
Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Cook at 50% power for about 1-2 minutes, or until melted. Stir the melted chocolate, then pour over the peanut butter layer.
Spread the chocolate glaze with a spatula to smooth out the surface. Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes, or until the top chocolate layer sets.
These buckeye brownies are seriously to die for! Grab a big glass of cold milk and dig in.
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Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix , plus ingredients on box (use a box mix that calls for a 9×13" pan)
Peanut Butter Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- milk , as needed to thin out mixture
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
Brownies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13" pan with foil and lightly grease with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix brownie mix with ingredients listed on package, then pour in pan and bake according to directions on the box. Allow to cool completely.
Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a large bowl, mix together butter, peanut butter and vanilla. Add in brown sugar. Slowly beat in powdered sugar. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Then spread mixture over the brownie layer.
Chocolate Glaze:
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Cook at 50% power for 1-2 minutes until melted. Stir chocolate and pour over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread chocolate glaze with a spatula. Refrigerate brownies for 30 minutes or until glaze is set.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Don’t use butter for the ganache – the butter will separate from the chocolate. I use heavy cream instead – that’s the traditional way of making chocolate ganache. If you want less chocolate on top, you can drizzle the ganache randomly across the pan using a spoon or wire whisk. I lined the brownie pan with parchment paper (spray cooking spray first, then put sheet of parchment on top) and had no trouble removing the brownies from the pan. Delicious!
The chocolate glaze was difficult. It kept turning into a wad of chocolate. I finally had to double the butter and use a double boiler to get a good consistency. The rest of the recipe came together well.
I am glad that you were able to have success! Thanks for sharing your experience with these brownies.
I also had trouble with the ganache seizing up. I followed Erin’s suggestion and doubled the butter. It worked beautifully. Otherwise, the recipe turned out great. Will definitely make again.
These brownies are the bomb! I have everyone in the neighborhood making them now.
That is awesome! I am so glad that you loved them and are sharing them with so many!
I made it once using the Ghirardelli brownie mix that you can buy at Costco huge rave reviews! However, it’s amazing how the exact same ingredients in a different climate (Midwest vs west coast) can affect the moistness or dryness of it. I had to add more “splashes” of milk to the peanut butter layer in California vs. Chicago. Something to bear in mind but still fabulous if you love peanut butter and chocolate!!
So glad you loved them, Lena! Thanks for your comment and review :)
This sounds absolutely amazing!
They are a favorite around here! Hope you enjoy! :)
This is the best tasting buckeye brownie i have ever had, be careful when spreading peanut butter mixture as it will pull up the brownie USE A SPATULA it helps smooth it out more even , this is very important! Our family loved them.
Thanks for sharing the tip! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Girrrrl! These are a game changer! I don’t think i’ll be able to stop making them!
Seriously the brownies are absolutely delicious!
I’m so glad you liked them! :)