Buckeye Brownies

Confession time: I don’t really like peanut butter.

Before you throw me to the wolves, hear me out. It’s not that I don’t like peanut butter. I’m just not a rabid fan of the stuff. Will I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Of course! Will I purposefully seek one out to make? Not really.

I like Reese’s, sure. But I don’t typically get one from the candy aisle (I’m a Take Five kinda gal). Rob is so in love with peanut butter, on the other hand, he’ll eat it by the spoonful. He’s been known to put away a one pound tub of the spread in just a few days. I know when he gets ice cream, he’ll choose a peanut butter chocolate version.

Peanut butter serves it’s purpose, but peanut butter flavored things aren’t typically my jam…no pun intended. I prefer the jelly part of a PB&J. I like chocolate more than peanut butter.

So, why, you may be asking, did I make peanut butter chocolate brownies?

I’m not heartless, you guys. I will make things for people that I wouldn’t typically make for myself.

I knew I wanted to make brownies this week, but I didn’t want them to be just regular old fudge brownies. Skimming through pinterest I stumbled upon a Peanut Butter turtle version. Thinking the “turtle” part was just a bit too much, I shortened the recipe to just be peanut butter & chocolate. Those two things would suffice well enough.

Plus, that’s where the “buckeye” part comes in. Buckeyes are those easy-to-make chocolate peanut butter candies you see around the holidays. Shockingly, I’m not a fan of those either…but I digress. These brownies aren’t just about me, they’re about people who love chocolatey peanut butter things!

I actually really liked the peanut butter topping on these brownies. It’s light and fluffy and really sweet and delicious. A quick chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, and these brownies are like heaven in a bite.

Everybody at work seemed to love them, too, and I think Rob was upset that I was sharing them with other people and not just him. I’m sure he could’ve eaten the whole pan if I left them at home!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Make brownies according to package instructions.

Bake and then let cool.

In a stand mixer, whip together peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.

Melt chocolate according to package instructions. Spread peanut butter mixture over cooled brownies. Drizzle chocolate over the top and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve.