Buckeye brownies taste like the classic candy, but better! My recipe is made with a chewy chocolate brownie base layered with peanut butter fudge and a chocolate topping. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Buckeye Brownies, AKA Your New Favorite Brownies
These buckeye brownies are like no other brownie you’ve had before! We start with a chewy brownie base, add a layer of creamy peanut butter fudge, then finish with a two-ingredient chocolate topping. Personally, I think this is the best way to eat buckeyes, but I might be biased 😉
Despite all the decadence and impressive layers, these brownies are actually quite easy to make. Each component takes just a few minutes to prepare with no fancy tools needed.
Why make my recipe:
- Amazing flavor: If you love chocolate and peanut butter desserts, these buckeye brownies were made for you.
- Fun textures: Chewy brownie base, fudgy peanut butter, and firm chocolate topping.
- Fast: Only 1 hour from start to finish!
- Great for parties: One batch makes 24 buckeye brownies, but you could get even more if you cut them into bite-sized treats!
Fun fact: I used to make these buckeye brownies as a potluck staple when I worked at Johns Hopkins doing pharmacology research. Every time I brought them in, they flew out of the Tupperware container before any other dessert. Co-workers used to offer to pay me to make them batches, but instead I gave them the recipe (it was one of the first on the blog). So I have a pretty good feeling you’ll love them too!
What You Need
This recipe uses just 12 ingredients between all three layers (which is actually less than my buckeye cookies!). Here are the most important ones.
- Cocoa powder. Stick with natural cocoa powder here for best results. While you could technically use Dutch cocoa (since we are using baking powder instead of baking soda), it will give a deeper, darker chocolate flavor. Is that a problem? Nope, not at all, but I prefer the milder chocolate to complement the peanut butter and ganache, rather than something more intense that vies for so much individual attention.
- Egg + egg yolk. Adding an extra egg yolk to the brownie base makes it super tender and chewy. I do this with my cosmic brownies too!
- Salted butter. Unlike most of my recipes, I actually recommend using salted butter here instead of unsalted. Feel free to substitute unsalted and add a pinch of salt, I’ve just been making it this way for so long I don’t see any need to switch things up here.
- Peanut butter. You could use crunchy peanut butter if you like, but I prefer to use creamy. I’m not sure how the natural variety would work here; if you try it, please let me know how it goes for you!
- Chocolate. I prefer to use semisweet chocolate for the topping, but if you’d like to use milk or dark chocolate, feel free! Just note that milk chocolate will yield a sweeter overall result (and will have more of a reese’s peanut butter cup feel).
SAM’S TIP: Adding the cocoa powder to the hot butter allows it to “bloom” much like steeping tea or coffee. This enhances the chocolatey flavor and makes a big difference in the final result!
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Buckeye Brownies
Brownie Layer
- Stir the cocoa powder and sugar into the melted butter, then add the eggs and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet ingredients.
- Spread the batter into a greased or parchment paper lined 13×9 pan and bake at 350F (177C) for 25 minutes. Let cool completely before adding the fudge layer.
Peanut Butter Fudge Layer
- Microwave the butter and peanut butter in 15 second intervals until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the vanilla, then gradually stir in the powdered sugar.
- Check the consistency: the mixture should easily roll into a ball, but you should still be able to spread it. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Repeat until you reach the proper consistency.
- Gently and evenly spread the fudge over the cooled brownies. I like to first drop spoonfuls all over, then use an offset spatula to smooth it out.
SAM’S TIP: The fudge layer is foolproof! If it turns out too stiff, just add more milk (by the teaspoon) until it thins out. If it’s too soft, add more powdered sugar (by the tablespoon) until it thickens up. It should be spreadable but still stiff enough to form into a ball.
Chocolate Topping
- Microwave the chocolate chips and butter in 15 second increments until melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the fudge layer and smooth with a knife or spatula.
- Let set before slicing (about 30-60 minutes), then dig in!
SAM’S TIP: Use a hot knife to cut your buckeye brownies for gorgeous, precise squares. To do this, just run your knife under hot water, dry it off, and then slice straight down. This is even easier to do if you line your pan with a parchment paper sling!
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven’t tried this myself, but I think it would work just fine! If you do, make sure they are tightly wrapped (I’d recommend plastic wrap and foil) and freeze in an airtight container. They should last for at least several months.
They do not! You can refrigerate them if you prefer, but they will be just fine at room temperature. These buckeye brownies will last for 5 days at room temperature.
You can get away with using a box-mix baked in a 13×9 pan if you’re really in a time-crunch, but the brownies come together so quickly, I really recommend making them as written.
If you’re looking for more gourmet brownie options, try my rocky road brownies or Oreo brownies next!
Enjoy!
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Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
- 12 Tablespoons (170 g) salted butter cut into Tablespoon-sized pieces
- ¾ cup (75 g) natural cocoa powder
- 1 ⅔ cup (345 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup (165 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (2 g) salt
Peanut Butter Fudge
- 2 cups (475 g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (113 g) salted butter chopped into about 8 pieces
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (285 g) powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) milk if needed
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 ½ cups (265 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter cut into pieces
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (177C) and lightly grease/spray a 13×9 pan (or line with parchment paper).
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, heat butter in microwave until melted.12 Tablespoons (170 g) salted butter
- Stir in cocoa powder and sugar until well combined.¾ cup (75 g) natural cocoa powder, 1 ⅔ cup (345 g) granulated sugar
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.1 ⅓ cup (165 g) all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder, ¼ teaspoon (2 g) salt
- Gradually add to butter mixture until completely combined.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake on 350F (177C) for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before covering with peanut butter fudge.
Peanut Butter Layer
- Combine peanut butter and butter in large heat proof bowl and microwave at 15-second increments (stirring between each) until butter is completely melted and mixture is smooth.2 cups (475 g) creamy peanut butter, ½ cup (113 g) salted butter
- Stir in vanilla extract.1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Gradually stir in powdered sugar until completely combined. If mixture is too stiff, add milk.2 ¼ cups (285 g) powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) milk
- Mixture should be fudgy enough that you can mold pieces into a ball, but not too stiff that you won't be able to spread it over the brownies (feel free to add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if mixture is too stiff, or more powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon at a time if mixture is too soft).
- Drop by heaping spoonfuls over the cooled brownies and use a knife to gently spread until the brownies are evenly covered with a thick layer.
Chocolate Topping
- Prepare chocolate topping by combining chocolate chips and remaining butter in a medium heat-proof bowl and microwaving at 15-second increments (stirring well between) until completely melted.6 Tablespoons (85 g) salted butter, 1 ½ cups (265 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Evenly pour chocolate over fudge and spread with a knife or offset spatula until smooth.
- Allow chocolate to set before slicing and serving (30-60 minutes).
Notes
Butter
If you do not have salted butter, simply use unsalted butter and increase the salt in the brownies to ½ teaspoon and add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the peanut butter layer.Video note:
I originally used a Tablespoon of water in the brownie recipe and you’ll see this reflected in the video. I’ve tested the recipe and no longer feel it’s necessary, so have removed it from the recipe.Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Laurie
These are absolutely delish!!! Made them for the 2nd time now and OMG …. my go to for brownies now.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Laurie! 🙂
Tricia
I noticed in the video that you add 1 tablespoon of water with the vanilla, however, that’s not written in the recipe. Do you recommend adding water?
Sam
Hi Tricia! I originally used a Tablespoon of water in the brownie recipe and you’ll see this reflected in the video. I’ve tested the recipe and no longer feel it’s necessary, so have removed it from the recipe. 🙂
Goldie Bradley
These are downright delicious and a lot less work than a batch of buckeyes. The chocolate brownie layer is a deep chocolate, the icing is a sweet, smooth chocolate, and the peanut butter layer is to die for. It’s not sticky, gummy like a spoonful of peanut butter. It’s buttery smooth and not dry or grainy. I did use a hand mixer for the first two layers as I think it makes a smoother batter. Love these!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Goldie! 🙂
Donna
I made these, and I couldn’t get the texture of the peanut butter layer right. They made a ball, but weren’t very spreadable – more like we smushed them into a layer. We didn’t want to add more milk as the butter seemed to be separating out and the fudge was starting to get crumbly instead of more spreadable. They taste great, but I’m hesitant to use them for the cookie exchange because they don’t stick together between the brownie and the fudge. I’d like to fix the problem with another batch but I don’t know what to do differently. Help, please.
Sam
Hi Donna! Oh no! That’s very strange, I haven’t had this happen before but I could make a few guesses from what you described.
1) Did you happen to use “natural” peanut butter? That can be more dry than the more conventional varieties and I could imagine it could possibly make the filling crumbly because of this.
2) Could the sugar have accidentally been over-measured? With how dry the mixture sounds I’m wondering if the sugar could’ve accidentally been over-measured. Much like measuring flour, it’s easy to accidentally overdo it if you scoop the sugar (it should be spooned into a measuring cup and leveled off or measured with a scale).
The one thing that’s really throwing me off is the way you described the butter separating out, that’s really strange as well and I’m wondering if, if you did use natural peanut butter, this was actually the oil from the peanut butter? I’m pretty stumped otherwise as it just doesn’t make sense to me why it’s happening. Let me know what you think, I’m happy to continue to help troubleshoot. Oh, and if it’s helpful I do have a video in the recipe card that shows how I make it in my kitchen/how it looks.
Charolette
I have a quick question that applies to a lot of your recipes. So you have a high altitude adjustment for these? I am planning on trying these today. A lot of times it is simply adding more flour, but just wanted to check.
Sam
Hi Charolette! I am not familiar with high altitude baking so unfortunately I cannot advise on how to alter recipes. 🙁
Becky
My husband: “Dang, these are good! Where did you get the recipe?”
Me: “The same lady I get the no bake recipe from.”
My husband: “Well, tell her thank you.”
This recipe is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Sam
🤣 I’m so glad everyone is enjoying everything so much! 🙂
Teresa
hi,
Do you recommend salted or unsalted butter?
Thanks
Sam
Hi Teresa! Sorry for the confusion here. I’ll have to update it. I used salted butter. 🙂
Megan
I made these for my dads birthday. They were a huge hit for everyone. They were easy to make. Another amazing recipe!
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much, Megan! 🙂
Mikaela
Hi! I’m making these in the morning for a party in the evening. Should I refrigerate the brownies after baking them? Thanks!
Sam
Hi Mikaela! You can refrigerate them if you want but you don’t have to. 🙂
Honor
These are amazing! I’ve made them several times, and they disappear right away every single time. The only one not happy with the situation is my waistline…
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much! I definitely know the feeling there. 🤣
Kathy
When I retired, one of the things I knew I would miss most were the peanut butter layer brownies our cafeteria made. This recipe is exactly like those brownies! I made them yesterday. They cut so cleanly. Would be a great dessert to take to a family get-together. They are rich and delicious and so easy to make.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Kathy! 🙂
Jane
Why why why could I not get the buckeye balls to roll smooth. I tried everything ! Added 1/2 cup more powdered sugar and didn’t want to do anymore for fear of losing peanut butter taste. Refrigerators them, froze them, touch of cooling oil on my hands on and on!! So I using the mixture on top of brownies. We’ll see how that goes!!
Sam
Hi Jane! You can always dust your hands with powdered sugar to help roll it smoothly. It does go well on top of brownies. 🙂
Mahina
What kind of chocolate chips? Thanks!
Sam
Hi Mahina! Any kind will work, but I like to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. 🙂
Jillian
Can these be frozen?
Sam
Hi Jillian! You shouldn’t have any issue freezing them. 🙂
Ann
I want to make this! ingredients are so expensive these days, do you think I could reduce/ half the peanut butter layer?
Sam
You could do that if you’d like. 🙂
Margie
My husband had a buckeye brownie from a local backery and fell in love. The bakery closed, and he was very sad. I found your buckeye brownie recipe, because I use your buckeye recipe (by far, best buckeye recipe around; it must be the brown sugar). I have made it this year to add to my Christmas cookies. My husband is convinced it is better than the bakery one he loved. Very easy to make and very delicious. I made the brownies the night before, and the peanut butter fudge, chocolate ganache the next morning. Definitely a keeper recipe for my collection.
Sugar Spun Run
That is wonderful, Margie! I am so glad that the buckeye brownies exceeded his expectations and that everyone enjoyed them. Thanks for trying my recipe! 🙂