Buckeye Candy
Every time I think of Buckeye Candy, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, surrounded by the delightful smell of melting chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These sweet, rich treats were a staple during the Halloween season, often making their way into lunchboxes or served at festive gatherings. I remember watching my mom carefully dip each little ball into the chocolate, ensuring that just the right amount of the peanut butter filling was exposed to create that perfect “nut” appearance. It was always such a treat to help with the process, as the chocolate coating seemed to magically transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
As I grew older, I realized that Buckeye Candy is not just for Halloween. These sweet morsels are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to cozy family gatherings. They have a way of bringing people together, offering a nostalgic bite of sweetness that’s hard to resist. I love sharing these with friends and family, and they often ask for the recipe, which is always a testament to how delicious they are. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy your own sweet cravings, Buckeye Candy is sure to please. So, let’s dive into the world of these delicious treats!
Recipe Snapshot
15 mins
15 mins
0 mins
Medium
180 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Mixing Bowl
Why This Buckeye Candy Shines
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
One of the things I love most about Buckeye Candy is the perfect harmony between the sweet and salty. The rich sweetness of the melted chocolate combined with the creamy peanut butter center creates a delightful contrast that keeps me coming back for more.
No-Bake Convenience
Another reason to adore this recipe is its no-bake simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of Buckeye Candy in no time, making it an ideal choice for when you want a sweet treat without the fuss of baking.
Kid-Friendly Treat
As a bonus, this recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen! They love rolling the dough into balls and dipping them in the chocolate, which makes it a great way to teach them some kitchen skills while having fun.
Versatile and Customizable
What’s more, Buckeye Candy can be customized to your liking. You can play around with different types of chocolate, or even add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for an extra crunch or festive touch.
Long-Lasting Treats
These candies store well in the fridge and can last for up to two weeks, making them great for meal prep or as a sweet treat to have on hand. Just be warned, they might disappear faster than you think!
Tradition and Memories
Lastly, Buckeye Candy holds a special place in many hearts as a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Creating these candies can evoke cherished moments that you’ll want to share with your loved ones.
What You Need for Buckeye Candy
The ingredients that come together to make Buckeye Candy are both simple and iconic. This recipe features a few key players: Confectioners sugar for sweetness, unsalted butter for creaminess, and creamy peanut butter for that signature flavor. Together, they blend into a smooth dough that’s easy to work with and absolutely delicious. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a rich coating, while the optional coconut oil helps achieve a smooth texture. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful treat that everyone will love!
- 2 ½ cups Confectioners sugar: This is the key ingredient that adds sweetness to your candies. It helps create a smooth, creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the chocolate coating.
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this adds richness and helps bind the filling together, making it easy to scoop and shape.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! This ingredient gives our candies that classic flavor that we all know and love.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: While we avoid any artificial flavors, real vanilla adds depth to the overall taste and enhances the sweetness.
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: This forms the luscious coating for the candies. It balances the sweetness of the filling with its rich, deep flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil (optional): While not necessary, this helps the chocolate melt smoothly, making it easier to dip the candies.
Buckeye Candy Instructions
Making Buckeye Candy is surprisingly simple and requires just a few steps. I love how quickly they come together, and soon you’ll be enjoying your own homemade treats! Follow these easy steps:
In a large mixing bowl, combine confectioners sugar, unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a dough. It should be creamy and hold its shape when formed into balls. Don’t be afraid to dive in and use your hands if you need to!
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Using a small cookie scoop or a 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet. The mixture should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up, making it easier to dip them into the chocolate later. While they chill, you can prepare the chocolate.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave on medium power for 1 to 1.5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it may seize.
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Once the chocolate is melted, retrieve your chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick, poke it into a ball, making sure it goes in deep enough to hold it securely while dipping.
Carefully dip each ball in the melted chocolate, coating it about three-quarters of the way. The top should remain uncoated to mimic the appearance of a buckeye nut. Lift the ball out and gently scrape the bottom against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat the dipping process for all the balls. This is a fun step where you can get creative with the dipping technique!
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After all the buckeyes are dipped, return them to the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to set the chocolate. This will help them hold their shape and firm up.
Finally, once the chocolate is set, you can remove the toothpick and use a knife or your finger to smooth out the hole left behind. Your Buckeye Candy is now ready to be enjoyed!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling is essential: It’s crucial to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate to ensure they hold their shape and don’t crumble during the dipping process.
- Check your chocolate: When melting chocolate, be patient and stir frequently to avoid burning. It’s better to melt it gradually than to overheat it.
- Store properly: Always keep Buckeye Candy in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from becoming too soft.
- Experiment with flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture for a delightful sweet-salty contrast or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for added texture.
Ways to Customize
There are countless ways to make Buckeye Candy your own! Here are some fun ideas to consider:
- Storage: Store leftover Buckeye Candy in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last for up to two weeks. Just be careful, they might not last that long!
- Freezing: You can freeze these delightful treats for up to two months. Make sure they are in an airtight container, and let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
- Variations: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Each variation offers a new take on this classic treat.
- Nutty Twist: Add a few tablespoons of chopped nuts into the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
- Decorative Touch: Drizzle melted chocolate over the set candies for a decorative finish, or sprinkle some crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles on top.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Buckeye Candy, imagine placing them on a beautiful platter, ready to impress your guests. These treats are perfect for so many occasions:
- Snack Time: Serve Buckeye Candy as an afternoon snack, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
- Parties: They’re a hit at any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations. Just watch them disappear!
- Gift Giving: Package them in a cute box or jar tied with a ribbon and give them as gifts to friends and family. They make for thoughtful and delicious presents.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Whether for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even a summer barbecue, these treats fit right in no matter the occasion.
- Post-Dinner Treat: Enjoy them after dinner with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful end to your meal.
- Family Treat Night: Create a family tradition by making Buckeye Candy together; it’s a sweet bonding experience!
FAQ
Conclusion
Buckeye Candy is a beloved treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a smooth chocolate coating, creating a satisfying sweet experience. Whether you’re making these for a festive gathering or just because you have a craving, they are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them. I encourage you to dive in and make a batch today; you won’t regret it!
Buckeye Candy
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Confectioners sugar
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine confectioners sugar, unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a dough. It should be creamy and hold its shape when formed into balls. Don’t be afraid to dive in and use your hands if you need to!
- Using a small cookie scoop or a 1 Tablespoon measuring spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet. The mixture should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up, making it easier to dip them into the chocolate later. While they chill, you can prepare the chocolate.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave on medium power for 1 to 1.5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it may seize.
- Once the chocolate is melted, retrieve your chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick, poke it into a ball, making sure it goes in deep enough to hold it securely while dipping.
- Carefully dip each ball in the melted chocolate, coating it about three-quarters of the way. The top should remain uncoated to mimic the appearance of a buckeye nut. Lift the ball out and gently scrape the bottom against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
- Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat the dipping process for all the balls. This is a fun step where you can get creative with the dipping technique!
- After all the buckeyes are dipped, return them to the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to set the chocolate. This will help them hold their shape and firm up.
- Finally, once the chocolate is set, you can remove the toothpick and use a knife or your finger to smooth out the hole left behind. Your Buckeye Candy is now ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- Storage: Buckeye Candy will last for about a two weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag. But good luck not eating them all in the first day!
- Freezing: Store this easy no bake dessert in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag for up to two months in the freezer. This is recommended for long term storage!
- Do Buckeye Candies Have To Be Refrigerated? Yes. Storing them at room temperature can affect the chocolate coating and your candy will not last as long.
- Do I Have To Use Coconut Oil? You don’t have to, but coconut oil helps make the chocolate easier to dip. However, you could also substitute shortening.
