Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing, and these Buckeye Brownies bring that match-up together in an easy, crowd-pleasing bar. Using a standard 13″ x 9″ brownie mix as the base, a creamy peanut butter frosting and a glossy chocolate ganache turn ordinary boxed brownies into rich, bakery-style treats that taste just like buckeye candies.
Buckeye Brownies
These bars are straightforward to make and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a dessert that’s indulgent but simple. Start with a box of brownie mix designed for a 13″ x 9″ pan and bake according to the package directions. Once the brownies have cooled, a thick peanut butter frosting is spread on top, followed by a silky chocolate ganache that sets into a shiny finish.
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting so the peanut butter layer remains smooth and thick rather than melting into the cake. For the frosting, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and creamy peanut butter until silky. Spread it evenly over the cooled pan, then chill for about an hour to firm everything up before pouring on the ganache.
To make the ganache, warm heavy whipping cream until it just begins to bubble, then remove from the heat and stir in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it’s pourable but not hot, then spread it over the chilled peanut butter layer. Once the chocolate has set, cut the brownies into smaller pieces—24 squares work well since these bars are rich and satisfying.
Tips and Variations
- Use a quality dark chocolate for the ganache to balance the sweetness of the peanut butter frosting.
- If you prefer a lighter peanut butter flavor, reduce the peanut butter in the frosting slightly and add a tablespoon of milk to keep the texture smooth.
- For a decorative touch, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the ganache or sprinkle flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets.
- To make these nut-free, substitute a sunflower seed butter in the frosting and ensure the rest of the ingredients are free of cross-contamination.
Buckeye Brownies
Buckeye brownies combine a boxed brownie base with a creamy peanut butter frosting and a silky chocolate ganache for an easy, decadent dessert.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buckeye Bars, Buckeye Brownies, peanut butter brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 176 kcal (approximate)
Author: Leah @ Beyer Beware
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix for a 13″ x 9″ pan (prepared and baked according to package directions)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the brownies according to the box directions in a 13″ x 9″ pan. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Chill the pan for about one hour to let the frosting firm up.
- Heat the whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to bubble. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth. Let it cool 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly, then pour evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Allow the chocolate to set before slicing. Cut into 24 pieces and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for best texture.
Nutrition (per bar, approximate)
Calories: 176 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 11 g | Sugar: 13 g
Brownie Mix and Cake Mix Recipes
Other recipes that use boxed mixes in creative ways include Cake Mix Brownies, Cake Mix Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, Snickers Cake, and Caramel Brookie Bars. These make great companions to the Buckeye Brownies when planning dessert spreads or bake sale tables.
These Buckeye Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and have the perfect peanut-butter center — a simple, satisfying way to elevate a boxed brownie mix into something special.