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Buckeye Brownies


Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 18 people
Close up photo of a stack of three buckeye brownies on a wooden table with chocolate chips and peanut butter around it.

Buckeye Brownies are a rich and indulgent easy-to-make treat that has layers of chewy brownie, salty peanut butter, and smooth ganache! Prep this crowd-pleasing dessert in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients  

Brownie Layer

  • 1 (18oz.) box Brownie mix + Ingredients as directed on box usually eggs, water and oil

Peanut Butter Layer

Ganache Layer

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the box mix and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the package and bake for the recommended time and allow them to cool.
    1 (18oz.) box Brownie mix
  • While the brownies are cooling, prepare the peanut butter layer by beating together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt. This will have a thick consistency. Set this aside.
    2½ cups powdered sugar, 1½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup salted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Next prepare the ganache by measuring the chocolate into a medium-sized glass bowl (you will need a lid or plate that will cover this) and set this aside.
    2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. When the butter is melted, whisk in the cream constantly while increasing the heat to medium-high. Cook this until it just starts forming bubbles.
    2 Tablespoons salted butter, 1 cup heavy cream
  • Immediately pour the cream mixture over the bowl of chocolate and cover it with the lid. Let this sit for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and stir the chocolate and cream mixture until thick and smooth.
  • Let the ganache cool and thicken slightly. Just stir it up again when you are ready to spread it.
  • Once the brownies have cooled, top them with the peanut butter mixture by dropping spoonfuls of it on the brownies, then using a rubber spatula to smooth it out and cover completely.
  • Pour the ganache on top of the peanut butter layer and smooth it out.
  • Place the buckeye brownies into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow them to cool and set for easier cutting.

Notes

  • How Do I Store These Brownies? I find that these Brownies last best when they’re stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. In the fridge, they will last for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Can This Recipe Be Made With Sugar-Free Or Natural Peanut Butter? This recipe actually works best with regular peanut butter. I make mine with Jif Creamy Peanut Butter.
  • What Do I Do If I Can’t Find A Boxed Brownie Mix That Makes A 9x13-inch Pan? No worries, you can just use 2 boxes of those smaller mixes! If you want to just use a smaller mix you can make it in an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. If you choose to do that, then just half the recipe for the peanut butter layer and chocolate ganache.
  • Can I Top These Buckeye Brownies With Crushed Peanuts? Of course! I’d recommend adding them on as soon as you layer on the ganache. That way as the ganache sets the peanuts will stick to it. As far as how much peanuts to add, I’d say measure that with your taste buds! If you want a slight crunch just a sprinkle will do. However, if you’re a peanut lover you may want to pack them right on!
  • Do I Need To Allow These To Cool Before Enjoying? Chilling the pan of Brownies allows them to cut more neatly. However, you can certainly eat them right away too! It’ll just be a little messy.
  • What If I Don’t Have Any Heavy Cream For The Ganache Layer? You can still make the chocolate layer! Just use chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of salted butter, and 2 Tablespoons of milk. Even if you don’t have milk you could still make it with just the chocolate chips and butter. Just keep in mind that the chocolate layer will be a bit firmer but still super delicious!
  • Can I Use Milk Chocolate Chips Instead Of Semi-Sweet? You’re totally welcome to try that swap! However, I’ve found that milk chocolate doesn’t create as much of a contrast to the sweetness of the brownies and peanut butter.
  • What Do I Do If The Ganache Has Thickened Up Before Assembling The Brownies? No worries at all, just stir the ganache up again when you’re ready to spread it.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 246IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

Find it online: www.sugarandsoul.co/buckeye-brownies/