Are you a fan of buckeye candy? Even if you’re not familiar with the classic treat, it’s hard not to be a fan of it since it is, after all, a confection combining two of the most popular flavors out there: peanut butter and chocolate! Named after the nuts of the Ohio buckeye tree, those balls of peanut butter fudge dipped in chocolate are hard to resist, so of course we wondered— is there a way to make it better? And is there a way to make it ALL fudge?
Well friends, the answer to that last question is definitely YES! Whether it’s better depends on your personal tastes, of course, but our vote is definitely going to these layers of peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, and toasted nuts. The final result is so delicious, and it’s not difficult to make at all! We’re definitely adding this one to our collection of fudges inspired by other desserts, and you will, too, after you watch our demonstration. Give it a look, then read on for the full recipe!
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Buckeye Fudge
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 7 ounces (½ of a 14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk
Topping
- ½ cup salted, roasted peanuts, chopped
Directions
- Line an 8-by-8-inch or a 9-by-9-inch pan with wax paper.
- In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and milk. Stir just until the sugar is incorporated into the milk.
- Heat the milk mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Cook, without stirring, for 2-½ minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage of 235 degrees Fahrenheit (115 degrees Celsius). Remove the pot from the heat.
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- Add the creamy peanut butter to the mixture. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon for a minute or two, just until the peanut butter is melted and mixed throughout.
- Quickly pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and smooth out the top.
- Place the dark chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
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- Microwave the mixture in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted. This step may take up to 90 seconds, or a little more, depending on the microwave.
- Pour the chocolate fudge layer evenly over the peanut butter fudge layer.
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- Immediately top the chocolate fudge with the chopped peanuts.
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- Allow the fudge to sit for at least two hours, until it has set and cooled completely.
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See? This fudge is basically “just” peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, and some toasted nuts, and yet somehow the combination feels like something truly special— and addictive! No matter what size you choose to slice your fudge squares, we know you won’t be able to stop at just one. Plus, we love that this fudge sets at room temperature; no worries about rearranging your fridge for making this one! Of course, make sure to store the final result in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
TipHeroSo what do you think of this recipe? Do you have your own methods of making peanut butter and chocolate fudge to share? Are you a fan of traditional buckeye candy? Do you think you’ll give this recipe a try, and are there any changes you would make to it? Make to sure to come back and let us know how your attempts turn out!
Recipe adapted from Barefeet In The Kitchen
