Buckeye Brownies Recipe

Addictive Buckeye Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Ohio-Inspired Treat

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers unite over this decadent buckeye brownies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, fudgy brownies serve as the perfect canvas for creamy peanut butter layers.

The classic combination melts hearts with each delectable bite.

These brownies blend nostalgic flavors from Ohio’s beloved dessert tradition.

Smooth peanut butter nestles between intense chocolate layers, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist.

Each square delivers a harmonious balance of sweet and salty notes.

You’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone around you.

Buckeye Brownies – Rich and Nutty Indulgence

  • Simplify Baking: Create delectable cupcakes with minimal kitchen skills using a straightforward cake mix and soda combination that guarantees delicious results every single time.
  • Family Fun Dessert: Kids and adults will adore these playful grape-flavored cupcakes that transform ordinary baking into an exciting culinary adventure with sweet grape jelly frosting.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings, these cupcakes come together super fast without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Adaptable for birthdays, picnics, school events, or casual weekend desserts, these cupcakes bring a burst of fruity excitement to any occasion with their vibrant grape-inspired design.

Ingredients for Decadent Buckeye Brownies

Brownie Layer Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the brownie ingredients together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the structure and moisture of the brownies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Flour: Gives structure and helps hold the brownie together.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Peanut Butter Fudge Layer Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter, Butter: Create a creamy and rich base for the fudge layer.
  • Vanilla Extract, Salt: Add depth and balance to the peanut butter mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the peanut butter layer.
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Butter: Combine to create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.

Baking Instructions for Perfect Buckeye Brownies

Step 1: Create Chocolate Base

Warm your oven to 350F (177C). Grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with foil or parchment paper, letting edges hang over.

Spritz with cooking spray. In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until they become best friends.

Crack in eggs and vanilla, stirring until silky smooth. Gently sift in:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt

Whisk just until combined.

Pour the chocolatey goodness into the pan, spreading evenly like a cozy blanket. Bake for 23-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownie layer chill completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Peanut Butter Fudge Layer

Zap peanut butter and butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until dreamy smooth.

Mix in vanilla and salt. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, stirring between each addition.

The mixture might get stubborn – don’t worry! Use your hands to knead if needed.

Press the peanut butter mixture across the cooled brownies, creating an even blanket.

Step 3: Crown With Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave, stirring at 50% power every 30 seconds until glossy.

Pour this liquid gold over the peanut butter layer, smoothing with a spatula. Slide into the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes until the chocolate sets like a rock-solid dream.

Step 4: Slice And Celebrate

Lift the entire creation out using the parchment edges. Slice into squares and devour these decadent buckeye brownies!

Pro Tips for Baking Buckeye Brownies Flawlessly

  • Use room temperature eggs for a smoother, more uniform brownie batter that blends seamlessly.
  • Warm peanut butter slightly before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free layer that spreads easily.
  • Microwave chocolate at 50% power to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, perfectly melted topping.
  • Keep brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their rich, decadent texture.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these brownies accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Flavor Variations to Customize Buckeye Brownies

  • Gluten-Free Buckeye Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Low-Sugar Buckeye Brownies: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and reduce overall sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use erythritol as sugar replacement, swap flour with almond flour, and incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate for topping.

Pairing Suggestions for Buckeye Brownies

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors. The wine's robust tannins will balance the sweetness of the brownies.
  • Match with Cold Milk: Serve alongside a chilled glass of whole milk to enhance the creamy texture and provide a classic, nostalgic pairing that cuts through the dessert's richness.
  • Brew Espresso Companion: Prepare a shot of strong espresso or dark roast coffee to contrast the sweet brownie layers. The bitter coffee notes will create a perfect flavor harmony with the chocolate and peanut butter.

Storage Advice to Keep Buckeye Brownies Fresh

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep layers intact by placing parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ensure container is sealed to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Warm gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power. Avoid overheating to preserve the chocolate and peanut butter layers' smooth texture.

FAQs

  • Why use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate in the brownie layer?

Cocoa powder provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor without adding extra fat, creating a denser and more concentrated brownie base.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for the fudge layer?

Stick with creamy, commercial peanut butter as natural versions might separate and create a grainy texture when mixed with powdered sugar.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted – this ensures a fudgy, not dry, brownie texture. The edges should also look slightly set but not hard.

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Buckeye Brownies Recipe

Buckeye Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers rejoice with these sinful Buckeye Brownies that blend rich fudgy layers and creamy peanut butter perfection. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each delectable bite of this Ohio-inspired sweet treat that promises pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping/Filling:

(No ingredients listed in the original content)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking pan by lining an 8-inch square with foil or parchment paper, creating an overhang. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350F (177C).
  2. Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly until well integrated.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  4. Carefully sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Transfer brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 23-28 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely.
  7. Microwave peanut butter and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
  8. Mix in vanilla extract and salt to the melted mixture.
  9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar in three separate additions, mixing thoroughly after each. If needed, knead the mixture by hand to achieve a consistent texture.
  10. Flatten peanut butter mixture and distribute evenly over cooled brownies, creating a smooth layer.
  11. Melt chocolate chips and butter in microwave using 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval until glossy and smooth.
  12. Pour melted chocolate over peanut butter layer, spreading carefully to create an even coating.
  13. Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes until chocolate sets completely.
  14. Remove from pan using parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

  • Check brownie doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center, looking for a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture.
  • Soften peanut butter and butter gently in the microwave to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and better brownie structure.
  • Customize by adding chopped nuts or sea salt on top for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 193 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 69 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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