Okay, seriously, who can resist chocolate and peanut butter? It’s like the ultimate dessert power couple! And when you turn that amazing combo into Buckeye Brownies? Forget about it! You’ve got fudgy, chocolatey goodness swirled with creamy, peanut buttery perfection. It’s a total game changer, trust me.
I remember the first time I had one of these Buckeye Brownies. My friend Sarah brought them to a potluck, and I swear, they were gone in minutes. Everyone was raving about them. I snagged the last one (oops, sorry not sorry!), and from that moment, I was hooked. I just HAD to recreate them at home, and now I’m sharing my version with you. Get ready for some seriously addictive Buckeye Brownies!
Why You’ll Love These Buckeye Brownies
Seriously, you NEED these Buckeye Brownies in your life! Here’s why:
- Fudgy, peanut buttery, chocolatey – need I say more?
- They’re way easier to make than you think (promise!).
- Perfect for impressing your friends (or just treating yourself!).
The Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Combination
Okay, let’s be real. Chocolate and peanut butter just *belong* together, right? These Buckeye Brownies take that iconic duo and make it even better. That rich chocolate brownie base with the creamy peanut butter… it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Easy to Make Buckeye Brownies
Don’t let the layers fool you! These Buckeye Brownies are surprisingly simple to whip up. We’re talking basic ingredients and straightforward steps. Even if you’re not a super experienced baker, you can totally nail this recipe (I believe in you!).
Buckeye Brownies are Great for Sharing
Got a party coming up? Need a show-stopping dessert for a potluck? Or maybe you just want to be the most popular person at the office? These Buckeye Brownies are your answer! They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and trust me, they won’t last long!
Ingredients for Buckeye Brownies
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Buckeye Brownies. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? It makes a difference!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – yep, the real deal!
- 2 cups granulated sugar – for that perfect sweetness.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – gives the brownies that deep, dark chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – just a pinch to balance everything out.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure vanilla, please!
- 4 large eggs – these should be at room temperature for best results.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed!
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – I use regular, not natural (it can be too oily).
- 3 cups powdered sugar – also known as confectioners’ sugar.
- 6 tablespoons milk – any kind will do!
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate – for the ganache, get a good quality bar!
- 2 tablespoons butter – more butter for the ganache!
How to Make Buckeye Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here we go! Time to turn those ingredients into Buckeye Brownie magic! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Just take it one layer at a time, and you’ll be golden!
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, you don’t want these babies sticking!
- Now, in a saucepan, melt that butter. I usually do it over low heat to avoid burning it. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla. Smells amazing already, right?
- Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, gradually add the flour until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix! We want fudgy, not tough, Buckeye Brownies!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool COMPLETELY. This is important, or the peanut butter layer will melt!
- While the brownies are cooling, let’s make the peanut butter filling. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until it’s smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
- Once the brownies are totally cool (seriously, don’t rush this!), spread that peanut butter filling evenly over the top.
- Now for the grand finale: the chocolate ganache! Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and the remaining butter together. You can do this in the microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between!) or over a double boiler. Just make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn!
- Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread it out so it’s nice and even.
- Finally, pop the whole thing into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps the ganache set up and makes them easier to slice. And then…ENJOY your Buckeye Brownies!
Tips for the Best Buckeye Brownies
Want Buckeye Brownies that are seriously out-of-this-world? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tricks to make sure they’re absolutely perfect every single time.
Getting the Right Brownie Texture
Fudgy or cakey? That’s the question! For super fudgy Buckeye Brownies, pull them out of the oven when a toothpick still has a few *moist* crumbs clinging to it. If you like ’em a little more cakey, bake them until the toothpick comes out mostly clean. Easy peasy!
Achieving a Smooth Peanut Butter Layer for Buckeye Brownies
Nobody wants a lumpy peanut butter layer! To make it super smooth and easy to spread, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature. If it’s still too thick, try adding a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Perfecting the Chocolate Ganache on your Buckeye Brownies
That glossy ganache is the finishing touch! The key is to melt the chocolate *slowly* and *gently*. And use good quality chocolate! Trust me, it makes a difference. If the ganache looks a little thick, stir in a tiny bit of melted butter until it’s smooth and pourable. Careful, it splatters!
Buckeye Brownies Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic Buckeye Brownies? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and try some variations. These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and make them your own!
Adding Chocolate Chips to your Buckeye Brownies
Want even *more* chocolate? (Is that even possible?!). Toss in some chocolate chips! Milk chocolate chips will make them extra sweet, while dark chocolate chips add a touch of bitterness. My favorite? Peanut butter chips, of course!
Buckeye Brownies with a Salted Peanut Butter Swirl
Okay, this one’s a game-changer! Before you spread the peanut butter layer, sprinkle it with some coarse sea salt. Then, swirl it in with a knife for a marbled effect. That salty-sweet combo? Mwah! Perfection!
Storing and Reheating Your Buckeye Brownies
Got leftover Buckeye Brownies? Lucky you! To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about a week (if they last that long!). If you want to warm them up, just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds. Warm Buckeye Brownies are seriously the best!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckeye Brownies
Got questions about making these Buckeye Brownies? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked, so you can bake with confidence!
Can I Freeze Buckeye Brownies?
Absolutely! These Buckeye Brownies freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or for a quicker treat, just zap one in the microwave for a few seconds!
How Can I Make Buckeye Brownies Gluten-Free?
Want to make these Buckeye Brownies gluten-free? No problem! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve had good luck with King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour. Just be sure to follow the package instructions!
Why is My Peanut Butter Layer Runny in my Buckeye Brownies?
Oops! Runny peanut butter layer? That usually happens when the brownies are still warm when you spread on the peanut butter. Make sure those brownies are COMPLETELY cool before adding the filling. Also, using a natural peanut butter (the kind with the oil separation) can sometimes make the filling too soft. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the best results!
Buckeye Brownies Nutritional Information
Okay, so let’s talk nutrition… but just a heads up! The nutritional information for these Buckeye Brownies can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, I can’t give you exact numbers, but just keep in mind that these are a treat! Enjoy them in moderation!
Enjoy Your Homemade Buckeye Brownies!
There you have it! Time to dig in and enjoy those Buckeye Brownies! And hey, if you loved them, leave a comment below or share a pic on social media! I wanna see your creations!
Sinful Buckeye Brownies: Recipe In Under 1 Hour
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Buckeye Brownies combine rich chocolate brownies with a creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa, salt, and vanilla.
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually add flour until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For the peanut butter filling, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread peanut butter filling over cooled brownies.
- For the ganache, melt chocolate and butter in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Pour ganache over peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Adjust baking time for desired brownie texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
