Buckeye Brownies combine the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy brownies and a creamy peanut butter filling, topped with a decadent chocolate layer. Inspired by the classic Buckeye candy from Ohio, these brownies are a delightful twist on a beloved treat. The combination of soft, gooey chocolate brownie and smooth, peanut butter filling offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself, Buckeye Brownies are sure to impress. The layers of chocolate and peanut butter blend harmoniously, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and new. These brownies are easy to make and come together quickly, making them a great choice for anyone craving a homemade dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare. With the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, Buckeye Brownies are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
The History of Buckeyes
The Buckeye candy, from which these brownies take inspiration, has strong ties to Ohio, where the candy is a local favorite. Named after the Ohio buckeye tree, the candy features a ball of creamy peanut butter coated in smooth chocolate, resembling the appearance of the tree’s nuts. While the candy has become synonymous with Ohio State University and its fans, it has been a regional treat for generations. Over time, creative bakers and candy enthusiasts began experimenting with different ways to incorporate this sweet combination into various desserts. The Buckeye Brownie is a modern adaptation, layering the peanut butter filling between two delicious brownie layers, offering a more substantial treat while keeping the spirit of the original Buckeye candy alive. These brownies have since become a favorite dessert, perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – provides richness and moisture to the brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with the texture of the brownies.
- 1 cup brown sugar – enhances the flavor with a slight caramel undertone.
- 4 large eggs – bind the ingredients together and give the brownies their structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth and flavor to the brownie base.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – forms the base of the brownie, giving it structure.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – provides the rich chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – helps the brownies rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – the main flavor of the filling, providing a smooth and nutty taste.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the peanut butter and helps form the smooth texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavor of the peanut butter filling.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – forms the chocolate topping, adding a smooth, rich finish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a glossy texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Brownie Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat. Stir in both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. - Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Add the vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Spoon the peanut butter filling over the brownie batter, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. - Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (with a few moist crumbs). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Add the Chocolate Topping:
Once the brownies are completely cooled, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Let the chocolate topping set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or refrigerate the brownies for quicker results. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate topping has hardened, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter!
Tips for the Perfect Buckeye Brownies
- Make sure to let the brownies cool completely before adding the chocolate topping to prevent it from melting into the peanut butter filling.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or a combination of dark and semisweet chocolate.
- If you prefer a firmer peanut butter filling, add more powdered sugar to the mixture until you achieve your desired consistency.
- To achieve clean cuts when slicing, refrigerate the brownies for a bit after the chocolate layer has set. This will help maintain the shape of each piece.
- Feel free to adjust the ratio of chocolate and peanut butter to suit your personal taste—whether you prefer a thicker layer of peanut butter or more chocolate.
Variations and Customizations
- Nut Butter Substitution: Swap out the creamy peanut butter for other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a different twist.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you love a little texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added crunch.
- Additional Toppings: Top the brownies with crushed nuts, such as chopped peanuts, to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Swirled Brownies: To make the brownies even more decadent, swirl the peanut butter filling into the brownie batter before baking for a marbled effect.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Buckeye Brownies are a delicious indulgence, they are not exactly a health food. With ingredients like butter, sugar, and chocolate, these brownies are calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, they do provide a small amount of protein from the peanut butter and healthy fats from the peanuts. For a slightly healthier option, you could experiment with reducing the sugar in the brownie and filling layers or using a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the indulgent nature of these brownies makes them best as an occasional treat.
FAQ
How do I store Buckeye Brownies?
Store your Buckeye Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze Buckeye Brownies?
Yes! You can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh and delicious.
Easy Buckeye Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownie mix plus the ingredients listed on the box, for a 9×13 pan
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the brownie mix in a 9×13 pan according to the instructions on the box, then allow it to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, ½ cup softened butter, and creamy peanut butter. Mix until smooth, then spread the mixture evenly over the cooled brownies using your fingers to gently press it down—it will have a playdough-like texture.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread this melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Let it cool completely before serving and enjoy!