Buckeye Brownies Recipe
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These Buckeye Brownies are a delicious twist on the classic candy. It’s three layers of goodness! A rich and fudgy chocolate brownie, creamy peanut butter “fudge”, and finished with dark chocolate ganache.
If you love the classic candy or maybe our peanut butter swirl brownies, I can guarantee you will love these brownies even MORE!
No, you’re eyes are not deceiving you. These buckeye brownies are EXTRA thick! I personally love to call them “sky-high buckeye brownies” because of the genuine height of these bars. They’re the tall, dark, and handsome treat you’ve always wanted. 😉
So, What Exactly IS A Buckeye/Buckeye Brownie?
Well, as you may have guessed, a buckeye is a chocolate and peanut butter candy. While similar to peanut butter cups in ingredients, they are actually just a little bit different. Instead of encasing peanut butter filling in chocolate, a buckeye is made from a peanut butter fudge ball partially dipped in chocolate to leave a little “eye” poking out on top. The peanut butter to chocolate ratio in a buckeye candy is MUCH more than what you would find in any other candy.
These brownies take that same idea but turn it into an extra decadent and rich treat. We have about a 50/50 ratio, which we found during testing to be the best amount. Any less and the chocolate was the main star of the show, leaving little peanut butter flavor. Any more and all you could taste was peanut butter with a hint of chocolate.
What Goes In Buckeye Brownies?
This recipe is divided into three sections. The brownie, the peanut butter “fudge”, and the ganache. This helps streamline your baking process and ensures each element is done right when it needs to be!
GrabIngredients For The Brownies:
- Bittersweet Chocolate – Our go to for most things chocolate, bittersweet chocolate has a rich, complex flavor without being overly sweet.
- Unsalted Butter – With a bright, fresh flavor that adds richness, unsalted butter also adds moisture and flavor and allows us to control the level of salt.
- Eggs – The binder that holds all the ingredients together, eggs also contribute structure, stability, moisture, and richness.
- Granulated Sugar – Adding the perfect amount of sweetness, granulated sugar also contributes to the soft and chewy texture of these brownies.
- Salt – Just a bit of salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – While adding a subtle undertone, vanilla enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- All Purpose Flour – The protein content in all purpose flour creates the ideal structure for these brownies.
Next, The Peanut Butter Layer:
- Smooth Peanut Butter – Use a commercial brand of peanut butter for this, not natural peanut butter. If you use natural, it will throw the ratios off; and it won’t taste good.
- Unsalted Butter – Helps to keep the peanut butter smooth and creamy.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and tempers the sweetness from the powdered sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a little bit really rounds out the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Not only does powdered sugar sweeten, it melts easily which helps to keep this “fudge” layer smooth.
Lastly, The Ganache:
- Bittersweet Chocolate – Smooth and not too sweet, bittersweet chocolate provides a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream – The higher fat percentage in heavy cream makes it ideal for ganache.
How To Make Buckeye Brownies
Step 1: Make the brownies
In a medium bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla together.
Whisk in chocolate.
Fold in flour.
A Quick Tip!
When prepping your pan, line it with parchment paper with enough overhang to lift the brownies out. This will make things much easier in terms of getting the brownies out of the pan, as well as prevent your pan from getting damaged by cutting.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Peanut Butter Layer
Combine peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
Stir in salt and vanilla.
With a hand mixer, beat in powdered sugar.
Spread evenly on top of brownie layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set.
Step 3: Make ganache
Combine chocolate and cream in a medium bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring well after each, until chocolate is melted, and mixture is smooth.
Spread evenly over top of peanut butter layer.
Recipe FAQ’s
More Brownie Recipes You Will Love
When you make these Buckeye Brownies, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.
Happy baking!
x, Caylie
Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 3½ cups bittersweet chocolate
- ⅞ cup unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all purpose flour*
Peanut Butter Layer
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3/16 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chocolate Layer
- 1½ cups bittersweet chocolate
- 1½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
Brownie Layer
- Heat oven to 350℉.
- Spray a 9 inch x 13 inch pan with baking spray. Set aside. (You can line with parchment before spraying, if desired.)
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate and butter.
- Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla together.
- Whisk in chocolate.
- Fold in flour.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Set aside.
Peanut Butter Layer
- Combine peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl.
- Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in salt and vanilla.
- With a hand mixer, beat in powdered sugar.
- Spread evenly on top of brownie layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set.
Chocolate Layer
- Combine chocolate and cream in a medium bowl.
- Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring well after each, until chocolate is melted, and mixture is smooth.
- Spread evenly over top of peanut butter layer.
- Place in fridge for 30 minutes, or until set/ready to serve.
Notes + Tips!
- Room temperature is about 70℉.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate cooking temperatures.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate for the bittersweet.
- You can substitute salted butter for the unsalted butter with the following amendments: Brownie Layer – reduce salt to 3/16 teaspoon. Peanut Butter Layer – omit salt altogether.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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