The Best Buckeye Brownies
These buckeye brownies take the classic buckeye treat and turn it into an ultra-decadent brownie. A rich, ultra-fudgy brownie base is topped with a smooth peanut butter buckeye layer, then finished with a glossy chocolate ganache for the ultimate chocolate peanut butter combo. Every layer works together to recreate that familiar buckeye flavor, just in brownie form. If you love the iconic chocolate and peanut butter pairing, these brownies are guaranteed to become one of your new favorites!
Secret to a Crackly Top and a Fudgy Brownie
The secret to a thin, crackly top on a brownie isn’t a special ingredient. The key is thoroughly beating the eggs and sugar before the rest of the ingredients are incorporated. The sugar dissolves into the eggs and helps the mixture incorporate just enough air to create that perfect crust on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the color changes from a deep golden yellow to a lighter, yellowish white.
Another tip to keep just the right amount of air in your brownies is to switch from a whisk to a spatula and gently stir in the dry ingredients. This keeps your brownies dense, rich, and fudgy instead of opening the door to cakey brownies… yuuuckkk! (PSA: if you do love cakey brownies, I respect you—but this recipe is not for you.)
5 Other Ways to Top These Brownies
Try Oreo Frosted Brownies!
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Why I Measure in Grams (and You Might Want To, Too)
If you’ve ever made the same recipe twice and gotten two totally different results, the measuring method is often the reason.
Professional bakeries almost always measure by weight, not volume. Measuring cups leave room for inconsistency—especially with ingredients that pack differently depending on how you scoop or pour them. A scale removes all of that guesswork.
One of the biggest offenders is sugar. Different sugars (and even the same sugar measured by different people) can vary wildly in volume, but 100 grams is always 100 grams. Measuring by weight gives you repeatable, bakery-consistent results and cuts down on extra dishes at the same time.
A food scale is one of the best (and most affordable) investments you can make for your kitchen if you love baking and want your recipes to turn out exactly the same every time.
Ingredients To Prepare
Before baking, take a few minutes to gather the ingredients below and to ensure that they are rich, fudgy, and perfectly chocolatey!
Once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, you’re officially set up for buckeye brownie success. I always recommend measuring everything out ahead of time so the process is smoother, and you can focus on making the fudgiest buckeye brownies possible!
Best Fudgy Buckeye Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whip until the mixture turns from yellow to light and off-white.
- (This step is key for achieving that classic crackly brownie top!)
- Mix in the vegetable oil until fully incorporated.
- Add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix until just combined and mostly smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased and parchment-lined square pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for 21–23 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft.
- Let the brownies cool while you prepare the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
- Mix together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, and vanilla extract until mostly smooth and dough-like. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream for about 45 seconds, or until melted. Stir until smooth, then pour and spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Allow the brownies to set for 20–30 minutes, then slice with a sharp knife.
- Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Nutrition
Private Notes
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