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Ultimate Layered Buckeye Brownies

A person holding a thick, three-layer buckeye brownies square with a rich chocolate top.
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Make these decadent Buckeye Brownies featuring a fudgy chocolate base, a thick, creamy peanut butter fudge layer, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. This layered brownie recipe combines the best of chocolate and peanut butter into one rich bar.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for brownie layer)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for peanut butter layer)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
  • 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (for ganache)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the brownie layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips over the top.
  5. Bake the brownie layer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownie cool completely in the pan.
  6. Prepare the peanut butter fudge layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Mix in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  7. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the peanut butter layer is firm.
  8. Prepare the chocolate ganache topping: Place the 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips and the shortening/coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  9. Pour the melted chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer. Spread quickly and evenly to cover the entire surface.
  10. Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is set.
  11. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan. Cut into squares to serve your rich brownie bars.

Notes

  • For a fudgy texture, avoid overbaking the brownie base. The center should still look slightly underdone when you remove it.
  • If you prefer a firmer peanut butter layer, reduce the milk in the filling to 2 tablespoons.
  • You can use a box brownie mix for the base layer to make this an easy box brownie recipe, following package directions for a 9×13 pan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/buckeye-brownies-recipe-layered-peanut-butter-bars/