Buckeye Candy
Buckeye Candy is a beloved confectionary treat that has its roots in Ohio, United States. This delightful dessert gets its name from the resemblance of its shape to that of a buckeye seed – the nut of the Ohio state tree, the Buckeye tree.
The candy is made with a creamy peanut butter filling coated in chocolate, making it a delectable sweet and savory blend. Buckeyes are often enjoyed during holidays or special occasions and have become an iconic treat for many Midwesterners.
We’ll delve into the history and preparation of this classic candy, as well as exploring some delicious variations on this traditional recipe.
Where Did Buckeye Candy Originate
Buckeye candy is a sweet treat that has become an iconic dessert in the United States, particularly in Ohio. This candy consists of a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate and resembles the nut from the buckeye tree. Although it’s unclear who first created this delicious confectionery, there are several theories about its origin.
One theory suggests that Buckeye candy was invented by early 20th-century Ohio State University students. According to this story, these students were inspired by the state tree of Ohio, which is the buckeye tree. They decided to make a peanut butter filling shaped like a buckeye nut and coat it with chocolate.
Another popular theory suggests that Buckeye candy originated during the Great Depression era when ingredients were scarce. Peanut butter was one of the few affordable ingredients available at that time, and people would often mix it with sugar to make a simple yet tasty treat.
Regardless of its origins, Buckeye candy has become synonymous with Ohio and is often enjoyed during football games and other events throughout the state. It has also gained popularity outside of Ohio and can be found at specialty stores or made at home using various recipes.
Whatever the origins of this sweet treat are I am completely hooked on them and I hope that after one bite you will be too.
Why You’ll Love This Buckeye Candy
Buckeye candy is a sweet and delicious treat. It’s made of a creamy peanut butter filling covered in chocolate to resemble the nut from the buckeye tree. Here are some reasons you’ll love this tasty confection:
- It’s irresistible: The combination of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. Once you take a bite of Buckeye candy, it’ll be hard to stop at just one.
- Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients, including peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips, Buckeye candy is easy to make at home. You don’t need any special equipment or skills – just mix up the filling,
Buckeye Candy Recipe Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
Peanut Butter Balls
- 2 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter Do not use natural Peanut Butter
- 6 Tablespoon Butter At Room Temperature
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
Chocolate Coating
- 10 Ounces Melting Chocolate Wafers
- 1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
EQUIPMENT
Here is a list of the items that I used to make this Buckeye Candy recipe. I have included the link for some of my favorite items to make them easier for you to locate on amazon.
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Microwave Safe Bowl
- 1 Wooden Mixing Spoon
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper Sheets are pre-cut and help to keep the Buckeyes from sticking to the cookie sheet.
- 1 Handheld mixer or Standing Mixer
How To Make Buckeye Candy
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Using the mixer cream together the creamy peanut butter and butter until completely combined. This takes 2-3 minutes.
Beat into the mixture the Pure Vanilla Extract and the salt until they are completely combined. This takes about a minute.
The mixture should be creamy and resemble cake batter.
With the mixer on low speed add the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time. I like to stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure that all the ingredients mix together.
The finished peanut butter mixture should be smooth and a little crumbly but not sticky.
If it is too sticky add a bit more of the powdered sugar until it no longer sticks to your hands. It should be easy to roll into balls.
Scoop the mixture out of the bowl and roll into small 1 inch sized balls. I use a wooden spoon to scoop up the peanut butter mixture and roll it into balls using my hands.
Place the peanut butter balls on the parchment lined baking sheet. Once all of the peanut butter balls have been formed place the baking sheet into a freezer for 30 minutes or into the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Because they are going to be dipped into warm chocolate we want to prevent them from melting.
Peanut butter balls should be firm to the touch not soft.
Dipping Buckeye Candy In Chocolate
Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chocolate melting wafers together into a microwave safe bowl. Heat them together in the microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted.
Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and use a toothpick to stick into the top of the peanut butter balls and transfer them to the melted chocolate.
Do not cover the entire peanut butter ball, but leave a small area uncovered on top.
Drain excess chocolate and transfer the chocolate covered peanut butter ball to the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Careful remove the toothpick from the Buckeye and use your finger to close up the hole on top. Repeat the process with the remaining peanut butter balls until they are all covered with chocolate.
Place the buckeyes into the refrigerator until ready to serve and Enjoy!
Buckeye Candy Variations
Buckeye candy is a delicious treat that has become synonymous with the state of Ohio. The sweet and creamy peanut butter filling, coated in a layer of chocolate, has won over countless fans across the country.
But did you know there are many variations to this classic candy? Here are some exciting buckeye candy variations to try:
- White Chocolate Buckeyes
If you’re looking for a twist on the original recipe, try making white chocolate buckeyes instead. This version replaces the dark chocolate coating with smooth and creamy white chocolate, giving it a lighter and sweeter taste.
- Nutella Buckeyes
For those who love all things Nutella, give this variation a try! It swaps out the traditional peanut butter filling for a rich and nutty Nutella-based one. That’s right you can use Nutella instead of the peanut butter option.
- Oreo Buckeyes
Oreo lovers rejoice – this variation combines two beloved treats into one delightful mouthful! Simply replace some of the powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling with crushed Oreos for an extra crunchy texture.
- Coconut Buckeyes
Coconut adds an exotic flair to these already tasty treats! Mix shredded coconut into your peanut butter filling or coat them in toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
- Caramel Buckeyes
Caramel adds another level of sweetness and richness to these candies! Drizzle caramel sauce over your finished buckeyes or add chopped caramel bits to your peanut butter mixture before shaping them.
- Pretzel Buckeyes
Salty pretzels combined with sweet chocolate make for an irresistible snack! Crush up pretzels finely and mix them into your peanut butter mixture prior to coating them in chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Buckeye Candies Have To Be Refrigerated?
Do these tasty Buckeye Candies have to be refrigerated? The answer is yes and no.
If you’ve just made homemade buckeyes or purchased them from a store, it’s best to refrigerate them. This is because both the peanut butter and chocolate can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Refrigerating buckeyes will keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
However, if you’re planning on serving your buckeyes immediately or within a few hours of making them, then there’s no need to refrigerate them. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Can You Freeze Buckeye Candy?
If you have a large batch of Buckeye Candy and don’t want to eat them all at once, you may be wondering if you can freeze them.
The good news is that yes, you can freeze buckeyes! However, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and tasty.
- Freeze Buckeye Candy as Soon as Possible: If you plan on freezing your buckeyes, it’s best to do so as soon as possible after making them. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: When making buckeyes for freezing purposes, use high-quality ingredients. Cheap peanut butter or low-quality chocolate could result in an unpleasant taste or texture when thawed.
- Wrap Each Buckeye Individually: To prevent your buckeyes from sticking together when frozen, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label and Date Your Container: Make sure to label your container with the date of freezing so that you know how long they’ve been stored in the freezer.
- Defrost Slowly: When ready to enjoy your frozen buckeyes, defrost them slowly by moving the container from the freezer to the fridge for several hours before serving.
- Keep Them Fresh: Once thawed, store your buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks maximum,
What Do Buckeyes Taste Like?
Buckeye Candy is made from peanut butter and powdered sugar blended together to form a smooth batter. The mixture is shaped into small balls and dipped in chocolate to create a sweet and creamy treat.
The taste of Buckeyes can be described as rich and indulgent with a nutty flavor from the peanut butter. The chocolate coating adds sweetness and creaminess to the overall taste experience.
Some people compare Buckeye Candy to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but they have their own unique taste profile due to the use of powdered Sugar.
Other Recipes To Try
Buckeye Candy
Equipment
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Microwave Safe Bowl
- 1 Wooden Mixing Spoon
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper Sheets
- 1 Handheld mixer or Standing Mixer
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Balls
- 2 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter Do not use natural Peanut Butter
- 6 Tbsp Butter At Room Temperature
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 tsp Salt
Chocolate Coating
- 10 Ounces Melting Chocolate Wafers
- 1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using the mixer cream together the peanut butter and butter until completely combined. This takes 2-3 minutes.Beat into the mixture the Pure Vanilla Extract and the salt
- With the mixer on low speed add the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time. I like to stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure that all the ingredients mix together.The finished peanut butter mixture should be smooth and a little crumbly but not sticky.
- Scoop the mixture out of the bowl and roll into small 1 inch sized balls. Place the peanut butter balls on the parchment lined baking sheet.Once all of the peanut butter balls have been formed place the baking sheet into a freezer for 30 minutes or into the refrigerator for 1 hour. Peanut butter balls should be firm to the touch not soft.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chocolate melting wafers together into a microwave safe bowl.Heat them together in the microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted.
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and use a toothpick to stick into the top of the peanut butter balls and transfer them to the melted chocolate.
- Do not cover the entire peanut butter ball, but leave a small area uncovered on top.Drain excess chocolate and transfer the chocolate covered peanut butter ball to the parchment paper lined baking sheet.Careful remove the toothpick from the Buckeye and use your finger to close up the hole on top.Repeat the process with the remaining peanut butter balls until they are all covered with chocolate.
- Place the buckeyes into the refrigerator until ready to serve and Enjoy!
Leave a comment