If you’ve ever had a Buckeye candy, you know the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate. Now, imagine turning that magical combination into a rich, fudgy brownie. Welcome to the world of Buckeye Brownies! These brownies are everything you love about Buckeye candies—decadent chocolate and smooth, creamy peanut butter—wrapped up in one irresistible dessert. The fudgy brownie base is topped with a peanut butter layer, and everything is drizzled with more chocolate for the perfect sweet treat. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Buckeye Brownies
Here’s why these Buckeye Brownies are going to become your new favorite dessert:
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bliss: This classic flavor combo is a crowd favorite, and these brownies take it to the next level. Each bite is the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
- Decadent & Fudgy: The brownie base is dense and fudgy, making it the perfect base for that creamy peanut butter layer on top. It’s the perfect texture for anyone who loves a chewy, indulgent dessert.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients. You can whip up these brownies even on a busy day and impress everyone around you.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are made for sharing—whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Layer: The best part? You don’t need to bake the peanut butter layer—it just gets spread over the brownie base, making the process even easier!

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Buckeye Brownies:
Brownie Base
This fudgy, chocolatey layer is the perfect foundation for your Buckeye brownies. It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying.
Butter
Butter is the key to making these brownies extra rich and moist. You’ll also use butter in the peanut butter layer to get that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar
A little sugar adds sweetness to both the brownie base and the peanut butter layer, making every bite as indulgent as can be.
Cocoa Powder
For that deep, rich chocolate flavor that will melt your heart (and taste buds), cocoa powder is a must in the brownie batter.
Eggs
Eggs help hold the brownie batter together and create that perfect fudgy texture we all crave in brownies.
Peanut Butter
Smooth peanut butter is what gives the top layer its signature creamy, nutty flavor. It pairs beautifully with the rich chocolatey base.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar helps create the smooth, spreadable texture of the peanut butter layer. It gives the layer that perfect sweetness without being too gritty.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to both the brownie base and the peanut butter layer. It’s the little secret ingredient that enhances all the other flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
The chocolate chips are melted and drizzled on top, creating that signature Buckeye look. They bring an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the dessert.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering Buckeye Brownies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your brownies bake evenly and turn out perfectly fudgy.
Prepare the Brownie Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until smooth. Finally, add the flour and mix until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake the Brownie Base
Bake the brownies for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer
While the brownies are cooling, make the peanut butter layer. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth and well combined. Once the brownies have cooled slightly, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the brownies.
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Set
Place the brownies in the refrigerator to allow the peanut butter layer and chocolate drizzle to set. This will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate has hardened, cut the brownies into squares and serve. The combination of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter, and melted chocolate will make these a total hit!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 380
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
How to Serve Buckeye Brownies
These Buckeye Brownies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to add an extra touch, here are a few ideas:
- With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Warm with Whipped Cream: Heat up a brownie in the microwave and top it with a dollop of whipped cream for a warm, comforting dessert.
- Fresh Berries: A few fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can add a nice fruity contrast to the richness of the brownies.
- Coffee or Milk: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect dessert experience.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your Buckeye Brownies even better:
- Don’t Overbake: The key to fudgy brownies is not overbaking. Start checking them at 25 minutes to avoid drying them out.
- Let the Layers Set: Be patient and allow the peanut butter and chocolate layers to set in the fridge before slicing. It’ll help you get clean, neat cuts.
- Add More Peanut Butter: If you’re a peanut butter lover, feel free to add an extra spoonful or two to the peanut butter layer for more flavor.
- Try Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter topping, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these brownies without the peanut butter layer?
A1: You can, but the peanut butter layer is what makes these brownies so special. If you skip it, you’ll lose the Buckeye flavor, but the brownies will still be delicious on their own.
Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A2: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit more texture, but smooth peanut butter is traditionally used for a creamy consistency.
Q3: Can I freeze these brownies?
A3: Absolutely! After they’ve cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.
Q6: Can I add other toppings to these brownies?
A6: Definitely! Chopped nuts, extra chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt could all be delicious additions.
Q7: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A7: Yes, you can swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
Q8: How do I cut these brownies without making a mess?
A8: To get clean cuts, let the brownies chill in the fridge to set before cutting. A sharp knife dipped in hot water helps make cleaner cuts.
Q9: Can I use store-bought brownies instead of making them from scratch?
A9: While homemade brownies are best, you can use store-bought brownies as a base. Just layer the peanut butter mixture and chocolate on top.
Q10: Can I add more chocolate chips to the brownies?
A10: Absolutely! You can fold chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking for extra chocolatey goodness.
Conclusion
These Buckeye Brownies are the perfect combination of everything we love—rich, fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter, and a drizzle of chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these brownies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Go ahead, take a bite—you’re in for a real treat!
PrintBuckeye Brownies
These Buckeye Brownies take the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination to the next level! A rich, fudgy brownie base is topped with a smooth peanut butter fudge layer and finished with a silky chocolate topping. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy recommended)
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter (sliced)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted butter (sliced)
Instructions
-
Make the Brownie Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Grease with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Whisk until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
-
Make the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat peanut butter and butter in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Add powdered sugar in three additions, mixing well each time. The final mixture will be thick—knead it with your hands if necessary.
- Flatten pieces of the peanut butter mixture with your hands and place over the cooled brownies. Smooth into an even layer.
-
Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour over the peanut butter layer and smooth evenly.
- Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chocolate sets.
-
Slice & Serve:
- Lift brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the fudge layer.
- For a firmer texture, store these brownies in the refrigerator after they’ve set.
- These brownies can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 345kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg