Buckeye Candies: Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Perfection
Whip up these dreamy buckeye candy! An easy, no-bake treat combining peanut butter and chocolate. Think peanut butter balls with a homemade touch! Get the recipe now. ... Heritage Kitchen
Recipe Introduction: Buckeye Candy Bliss Awaits!
Fancy a cheeky little peanut butter dessert that's both simple and seriously addictive? have you ever heard of a buckeye candy ? oh my gosh, these little balls of chocolate peanut butter candy are unbelievably good! they are truly the bomb.
Think of them as little bites of happiness – a sweet treat that's perfect for satisfying that afternoon craving or impressing your friends at a party.
Buckeye Beginnings: A Bite of Ohio History
Ohio buckeye candy is named after the buckeye tree. it’s ohio's state tree, and the candies look just like the nuts! it is a non baked dessert , super easy and relatively quick to make.
Honestly, you don't need to be a michelin star chef to pull these off. the recipe yields about 36 buckeyes.
They are great to have around for unexpected guests, or when you just want a little pick-me-up.
Why You'll Adore This Recipe
One of the best things about this buckeye recipe easy is that it requires no baking. they're naturally gluten-free and make for fantastic homemade candy gifts .
This makes them a winner in my book. the peanut butter provides a good dose of protein too. i'm not saying they're health food, but hey, every little bit helps, right? plus, they're incredibly moreish.
Let's Talk Ingredients
To make these amazing buckeye candy , you'll need a few simple ingredients. you’ll need some peanut butter, obviously! you'll also need butter, icing sugar, vanilla, salt, chocolate chips, and a little shortening.
Honestly, the quality of the chocolate really makes a difference. i recommend going for a good quality chocolate for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness! on top of that, if you ever wanted to substitute butter, margerine can be used.
Buckeye Candies: Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Perfection Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Perfect Buckeyes
So, you wanna make some ohio buckeye candy ? awesome! it's way easier than you think. honestly, this is a great first step in the candy recipes homemade world.
My nan, god bless her soul, always said the best things in life are simple. and these chocolate peanut butter candy treats? so simple! this isn't a non baked dessert recipe.
Ready to dive in?
Main Players
Here's what you'll need. Don't skimp on quality, especially the peanut butter. It makes a huge difference.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened. The butter needs to be soft. Like, almost melty but not quite.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) creamy peanut butter. Jif or Skippy are classics for a reason.
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted. Sifting is key . Trust me on this one. You don't want lumpy Buckeyes.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract is the best.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) salt. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ghirardelli or Nestle are my go-to choices.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) shortening (like Crisco). Don't skip this! It makes the chocolate smooth and shiny.
I really like peanut butter desserts , and this is one of the most popular simple quick dessert recipes .
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
Peanut butter and chocolate ? delicious together. but let's talk about flavor! vanilla extract is a must. also, don't underestimate salt.
It balances the sweetness perfectly. want a kick? add a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy chocolate peanut butter candy .
If you don't have vanilla extract, a little bit of almond extract will work. But vanilla extract adds that homey touch.
What You'll Need: Tools of the Trade
Okay, gear up. You don't need a fancy kitchen for this buckeye recipe easy .
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held). This saves your arm so much work.
- Mixing bowls.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Keeps the Buckeyes from sticking.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. For melting the chocolate.
- Fork or dipping tools. Makes dipping easier, but a fork works just fine.
No double boiler? No worries! Use a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water. Just make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water.
Seriously, making these peanut butter balls for homemade candy gifts is like giving a little hug in candy form. my mum made these with me when i was a kid! these are the perfect chocolate dessert recipes .
Try them out and see for yourself!
Buckeye Candies: Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Perfection
Oh my gosh, these buckeye candies are seriously addictive! you know, those little chocolate peanut butter candy treats that look like buckeye nuts? my nan used to make them every christmas.
She was the queen of candy recipes homemade . honestly, this buckeye recipe easy is a winner. the perfect simple quick dessert recipes !
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!
First things first: get your mise en place sorted. this means having all your ingredients measured and ready to go.
Soften 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter , get out your 1 ½ cups (300g) of creamy peanut butter , and sift 4 cups (480g) of powdered sugar .
Oh, and don't forget that 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt . organisation is key, my friend.
It helps with the flow, you know? and stops you from having a total meltdown mid-recipe.
Step-by-Step: Buckeye Bliss in 7 Easy Steps
Here's the breakdown to making the greatest Peanut Butter Desserts ever:
- Cream together the softened butter and peanut butter in a bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and salt. Mix on low until combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Boom!
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet.
- Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Important!
- Melt 12 ounces (340g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of shortening until smooth.
- Dip the chilled peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a portion exposed. Refrigerate again for 15- 20 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Buckeyes
Here are a few tricks i learned the hard way. don't overmix the peanut butter filling or the candy will be a bit tough.
Secondly, make sure you really chill those peanut butter balls, so they don't fall apart while dipping. finally, use shortening in the chocolate – it melts better and gives a lovely shine.
If you're looking for non baked dessert options, this recipe is perfect.
And if you are looking for other chocolate dessert recipes , make sure to check out our other entries. these ohio buckeye candy treats also make great homemade candy gifts .
You can even make the peanut butter balls a day ahead. i cannot wait to give them all away! just keep them stored in the fridge, and dip them the day you want to serve.
Trust me, these little peanut butter balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! everyone will love your chocolate peanut butter candy !
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're diving into the world of buckeye candy . fantastic! these peanut butter desserts are always a hit. honestly, they're one of my go-to simple quick dessert recipes when i need a sweet fix.
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Look Pretty!
These ohio buckeye candy treats deserve a bit of flair, you know? for plating, think rustic charm. a simple white plate lets the chocolate and peanut butter shine.
Presentation wise, sometimes less is more. and who can resist a good chocolate dessert recipes ?
Complementary pairings? ice-cold milk is classic. or, if you're feeling fancy, a shot of espresso. these are rich, so something to cut through the sweetness is perfect.
A nice touch is to serve the buckeye candies on top of a little bed of cocoa powder to enhance presentation, looks pretty and smells great.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Refrigeration is your friend here. Store your buckeye recipe easy creations in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll last for about a week, maybe longer if you're lucky enough to resist eating them all!
Freezing? totally doable! wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a freezer bag. they'll keep for a couple of months.
When reheating after refrigeration, let them come to room temperature before serving, to not be too hard.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Want to spice things up? add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peanut butter balls mixture for a little kick.
Or, for a seasonal twist, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes during christmas time.
If you have a nut allergy, almond or cashew butter can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will obviously change.
For those watching their diet, consider dark chocolate to lower sugar levels, as well as using a sugar substitute.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat, A Little Knowledge
Alright, let's be real – these aren't health food. however, they are a delicious homemade candy recipes homemade treat! each buckeye is about 150 calories, with 2g of protein, 10g of fat, 15g of carbs and 13g of sugar.
The chocolate peanut butter candy delivers a little protein from the peanut butter, but remember moderation is key. it's a non baked dessert , so you save on oven time! a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? besides you can give them as homemade candy gifts , always a nice touch.
So, go on, give these buckeye candy a whirl! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store my homemade buckeye candy to keep them fresh?
To keep your buckeye candy in tip-top shape, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent the peanut butter from drying out and keep the chocolate firm. They'll last for about 1-2 weeks this way, but let's be honest, they probably won't stick around that long! Think of it like keeping biscuits from going stale – proper storage is key.
My chocolate keeps seizing up when I try to melt it – what am I doing wrong?
Seized chocolate is a baker's nemesis! The most common culprit is moisture getting into the chocolate. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Also, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent overheating. Adding a bit of shortening (like Crisco) can also help create a smoother, more forgiving melted chocolate for dipping your buckeye candy.
Can I freeze buckeye candy?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze buckeye candy! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing is a great option, especially around Christmas, like batch-baking mince pies early.
Are there any substitutions I can make if I'm missing an ingredient?
Certainly! If you're short on butter, margarine can be used, though the flavor might be slightly different. Almond butter or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter, but the flavor will, of course, change. For shortening, coconut oil can be used, but it may impart a slight coconut flavor. The buckeye candy recipe is quite flexible!
Can I make these buckeye candies vegan?
You bet! To make vegan buckeye candy, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, like a good quality plant-based spread. Then, simply use your favourite vegan chocolate chips for the coating. Now everyone can enjoy this classic American treat.
How can I prevent my peanut butter balls from falling apart when dipping them in the chocolate?
The key is chilling! Make sure you chill the peanut butter balls thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before dipping. This will help them firm up and hold their shape. Also, work quickly and gently when dipping and use a toothpick or dipping tools for easier handling of your buckeye candy.
