Ultimate Fudgy Buckeye Brownies: The Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Bar
Make these decadent Buckeye Brownies featuring a fudgy chocolate base, a creamy peanut butter fudge center, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. This layered brownie recipe satisfies intense chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 min
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box for fudgy brownies)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie base: Follow the box directions for fudgy brownies, often requiring less liquid or adding an extra egg. Mix ingredients in a bowl.
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the brownie mix box. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake according to the box directions, checking a few minutes early for a fudgy texture. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the peanut butter layer: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup peanut butter, 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter layer to set firmly.
- Make the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the set peanut butter layer. Spread quickly to cover the entire surface evenly.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is completely firm.
- Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares to create your rich chocolate peanut butter dessert bars.
Notes
- For the fudgiest brownie base, substitute the water called for on the box with an equal amount of milk or use only egg yolks instead of whole eggs.
- If you prefer a quicker topping, you can use melted chocolate melting wafers instead of making a ganache.
- Chill the brownies thoroughly before cutting to get clean slices of your layered brownie recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 30