Best Ever Buckeye Brownies: A Decadent Chocolate and Peanut Butter Dream

Buckeye brownies are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter filling and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. This recipe takes the classic combination to a whole new level, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. These brownies are perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you need a little indulgence.

## Why This Recipe Works

This buckeye brownie recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Fudgy Brownie Base:** The brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy, thanks to the generous amount of melted chocolate and the use of both cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
* **Creamy Peanut Butter Filling:** The peanut butter filling is smooth and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfectly balanced with the richness of the chocolate.
* **Decadent Chocolate Ganache:** The chocolate ganache adds a final layer of indulgence, creating a truly decadent treat. It’s also surprisingly easy to make!
* **Texture Contrast:** The combination of the fudgy brownie, creamy peanut butter, and smooth ganache creates a delightful textural experience.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for each component of these buckeye brownies:

**For the Brownies:**

* **Unsalted Butter:** Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Melted butter provides moisture and richness.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie’s structure.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** All-purpose flour provides structure to the brownies.
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** Unsweetened cocoa powder adds intense chocolate flavor.
* **Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Baking Powder:** Baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Chocolate chips add extra chocolate richness and pockets of melted chocolate.

**For the Peanut Butter Filling:**

* **Creamy Peanut Butter:** Use your favorite creamy peanut butter. Make sure it’s well-stirred before using.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter.
* **Milk:** Milk helps to thin out the filling to a spreadable consistency.

**For the Chocolate Ganache:**

* **Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:** Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness and chocolate flavor.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy ganache.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the best buckeye brownies you’ve ever tasted:

**Part 1: Making the Brownies**

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal.
2. **Melt Butter and Sugar:** In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake.
9. **Cool Completely:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the peanut butter filling.

**Part 2: Making the Peanut Butter Filling**

1. **Cream Butter and Peanut Butter:** In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. **Add Vanilla and Milk:** Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the filling is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
4. **Spread over Brownies:** Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the top.
5. **Chill:** Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter filling to set.

**Part 3: Making the Chocolate Ganache**

1. **Heat Heavy Cream:** In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it is just simmering. Be careful not to boil it.
2. **Pour over Chocolate Chips:** Pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl.
3. **Let Stand:** Let the mixture stand for 1 minute to allow the chocolate chips to melt.
4. **Whisk Until Smooth:** Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy.
5. **Pour over Peanut Butter Filling:** Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter filling and spread evenly.
6. **Chill Again:** Return the brownies to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

**Part 4: Cutting and Serving**

1. **Remove from Pan:** Once the ganache is set, carefully remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if used). Otherwise, cut around the edges of the brownies with a knife to loosen them.
2. **Cut into Squares:** Cut the brownies into squares.
3. **Serve:** Serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality chocolate and peanut butter will make a big difference in the flavor of the brownies.
* **Don’t Overbake the Brownies:** Overbaking will result in dry brownies. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool Completely Before Adding Filling:** Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the peanut butter filling, or it will melt.
* **Chill Before Adding Ganache:** Chilling the peanut butter layer helps the ganache set up nicely on top.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the brownie batter or peanut butter filling.
* **Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache can enhance the flavors and add a nice salty-sweet contrast.
* **Use a Hot Knife to Cut:** Dipping your knife in hot water and wiping it clean between cuts will help you cut clean, even squares.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** While the ganache is still wet, you can sprinkle on chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of melted peanut butter for extra flair.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free Buckeye Brownies:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the brownie batter. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Vegan Buckeye Brownies:** Substitute the butter in the brownie batter and peanut butter filling with vegan butter. Use a flax egg in place of the eggs. Use vegan chocolate chips and heavy cream for the ganache or make a simple chocolate glaze using cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and plant-based milk.
* **Buckeye Blondies:** Omit the cocoa powder from the brownie batter to make buckeye blondies.
* **Peanut Butter Cups:** Press mini peanut butter cups into the top of the brownies before baking for an extra peanut butter boost.
* **Different Nut Butters:** Experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, in the filling.
* **Swirl the Peanut Butter:** Instead of creating a separate layer of peanut butter filling, swirl the peanut butter directly into the brownie batter before baking for a marbled effect.

## Serving Suggestions

These buckeye brownies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make them even more special:

* **With a Scoop of Ice Cream:** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter ice cream.
* **With a Glass of Milk:** Enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
* **With a Cup of Coffee:** Pair with a cup of coffee or espresso.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include these brownies on a dessert platter with other sweet treats.
* **As a Gift:** Package the brownies in a decorative box and give them as a gift.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Buckeye brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the brownies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
* **Freezer:** Buckeye brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.

## Buckeye Brownies Recipe Card

**Yields:** 16-24 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Chill Time:** 1 hour

**Ingredients:**

**For the Brownies:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

**For the Peanut Butter Filling:**

* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-4 tablespoons milk

**For the Chocolate Ganache:**

* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup heavy cream

**Instructions:**

**Make the Brownies:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the peanut butter filling.

**Make the Peanut Butter Filling:**

10. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
12. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the filling is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
13. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled brownies.
14. Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter filling to set.

**Make the Chocolate Ganache:**

15. Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until it is just simmering. Be careful not to boil it.
16. Pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl.
17. Let the mixture stand for 1 minute to allow the chocolate chips to melt.
18. Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy.
19. Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter filling and spread evenly.
20. Return the brownies to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

**Cut and Serve:**

21. Once the ganache is set, carefully remove the brownies from the pan.
22. Cut the brownies into squares.
23. Serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your decadent buckeye brownies! They are a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream come true.