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Close-up of Buckeye Brownies With Peanut Butter Frosting showcasing a stack of rich Buckeye Brownies with a sprinkle of pretzel pieces hinting at an Easy Peanut Butter Buckeye Recipe With Pretzels.

Old-Fashioned Buckeye Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting


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Description

Get ready for a chocolate-and-peanut-butter mash-up that’s anything but ordinary! These Buckeye Brownies have a fudgy base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate top—pure dessert bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Base

  • 1 (18.3-oz) box brownie mix
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, beaten and at room temperature
  • 3 tbsp water

For the Peanut Butter Filling

  • 8 tbsp salted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 2 cups smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup heavy cream


Instructions

  1. Make the Brownie Layer
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper and give it a light coating of baking spray.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, oil, eggs, and water just until the mixture looks uniform.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
    • In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer in a large bowl), beat the softened butter on medium-high for about 1 minute until silky.
    • Add the peanut butter and vanilla, then continue to mix on medium-high until fully blended.
    • Drop the speed to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
    • Once the brownies are cool, use an offset spatula to spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the top.
    • Tip: Lay a piece of wax paper directly on the filling and gently glide your spatula over it for a super-smooth finish.
  3. Prepare the Ganache
    • Place the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 45 seconds, stir, then heat in 15-second bursts, stirring until the ganache is silky and lump-free.
    • Pour the warm ganache over the peanut butter layer and smooth it out with your spatula.
  4. Chill and Slice
    • Cover the pan and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let the ganache set just enough for clean cuts.
    • Remove from the fridge, slice into 15 pieces (about 2½″×3″ each), then return the covered pan to chill for an additional 1 hour 45 minutes.
    • Lift the brownies out by the parchment paper. If needed, re-slice the edges before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips & Notes

  • Chill Timing: If you chill the fully intact slab for the entire 2 hours, the ganache can crack when you cut it. That’s why we do a quick pre-slice after 15–20 minutes, then finish chilling.
  • Smooth Operator: Placing wax paper on the peanut butter layer makes spreading a breeze and ensures a flawless finish.
  • Re-slicing: After lifting the brownies out, you might find the edges a bit ragged—just trim them with your knife for picture-perfect bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts

Nutrition

  • Calories: 661kcal
  • Sugar: 53g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 71g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 47mg