Peanut Butter Truffle Buckeye Brownies

Do you love brownies and peanut butter? If so, you are going to love these peanut butter truffle Buckeye Brownies. A creamy peanut butter layer and chocolate ganache make these brownies the ultimate dessert.

These are one of my favorite brownies of all time. I have been making this chocolate peanut butter dessert recipe for years, so I hope you enjoy them.  

Our family loves these peanut butter balls. So I used it as a filling for the top of these gooey brownies.

I like to save time and take shortcuts with layered brownie desserts, so I will usually make brownies baked from a box. You can absolutely make brownies from scratch if you prefer.

Why You Will Love These

Buckeye brownies are the perfect dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! These brownies have a creamy peanut butter filling that will remind you of your favorite Buckeye candies.

You will enjoy these brownies so much that you will want to make them for every event. They are perfect for parties because chocolate and peanut butter is a popular flavor combo.

As soon as everyone takes a bite of these delicious goodies, you will be the star of the party.  Every time we bring them to an event, people go NUTS for them.

But don't take our word for it that these buckeye brownies are awesome. Make a pan of brownies with peanut butter layer for yourself and see what happens.

Key Ingredients

The three layers in these peanut butter truffle brownies are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.

• Brownies - You will need one box brownie mix or a double batch of these chocolate chip brownies. If you are using the box mix, you will also need the ingredients from the back of the box.
• Butter - Softened unsalted butter
• Peanut Butter - The filling is best when made with a creamy peanut butter like Jif.
• Marshmallow Fluff - Adds a soft fluffy texture to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt - Adds a good balance of flavor.
• Heavy Cream - Used to make a creamy ganache topping.
• Chocolate Chips - Use your favorite type of chocolate for this layer. Milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate, or dark chocolate chips are all good choices.

How to make Buckeye Brownies

These chocolate peanut butter brownies come together so quickly because they start with a box mix. Once they are cool, add the toppings and devour!

1. Bake the brownies. Mix together the brownie mix and ingredients from the back of the box. Spread the brownie batter in a 9x13 pan and bake. Cool to room temperature.
2. Make the peanut butter truffle filling. Beat the softened butter, peanut butter, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream until the filling is slightly spreadable.
3. Assemble brownies. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled brownie layer. You may need to use your finger tips to help press it into place.
4. Make the chocolate ganache. Place the heavy whipping cream and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and creamy. Pour the chocolate on top of the filling and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.  

Storage Recommendations

• To Store - Keep the brownies with peanut butter in a covered container on the counter for 2-3 days. You can also keep the brownies longer by covering the pan tightly and refrigerating for 5-7 days.
• To Freeze - Cut the frosted brownies into squares. Place on a sheet pan and freeze for 1 hour. Then wrap each brownie in two layers of plastic wrap. Place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Serve - Thaw the brownies overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Line the baking pan with parchment paper or foil. This will help you lift the brownies out easily after they are frosted.
• A natural peanut butter is not recommended for the truffle filling.
• Try different chocolate chips based on your chocolate preference. Milk chocolate will be very sweet, so we usually use semisweet or dark chocolate.
• Cut the brownies with a plastic knife to avoid having the brownies stick to the knife.

Recipe FAQ'S

What are buckeyes?

Buckeyes are a popular Ohio candy. The candies feature a soft peanut butter filling that is dipped in a chocolate coating. This peanut butter brownie recipe is much easier and faster than dipping individual candies.

Can you use a chunky peanut butter for the filling?

You sure can. The crunchy peanut butter will add a good crunch to the peanut butter mixture.

Can you freeze chocolate peanut butter brownies?

Yes you can. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

More Brownie Recipes

• Oreo Brownies recipe
• Coffee Brownies
• Zebra Brownies
• Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert
• Coconut Brownies
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
• M&M Brownies

(original photo from October 2008)

*The post for Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies was first published on October 28, 2008.  The photos were redone August 2016, and the post was republished August 16, 2019.