Make these rich, fudgy Buckeye Brownies featuring a decadent brownie base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. This recipe delivers the classic candy flavor in a satisfying bar form.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:1 hr 50 min
Yield:24 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Brownie Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup melted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the 1 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
Once the brownies are cool, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the cooled brownie layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter layer to set.
Prepare the Glossy Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter together, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading quickly and evenly to cover the entire surface.
Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
Notes
For a fudgier brownie, slightly underbake the base layer. The residual heat will finish cooking it as it cools.
If you want a thicker peanut butter layer, use an 8×8 inch pan instead of 9×13 inches, but reduce the baking time for the brownie base slightly.
To achieve a clean cut, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice.