Every state is known for something and when it comes to Ohio, buckeyes come to mind. Whether you mean the native tree, the candy, or the football team, you’d be right. Ohio is known for all those versions of buckeyes… and now for this new twist on the classic treat! Easy to make and perfect for entertaining or gifting, this Buckeye Fudge takes a classic flavor combo and gives it to you in a delicious new way. And don’t worry; this isn’t fussy fudge, it’s foolproof!

What are Buckeyes?

The Buckeye is a tree that’s native to Ohio, but the name also refers just to the nut of that tree which is mostly dark brown with a light spot in the center. It’s said that the nut resembles a “buck’s eye” and that’s where the tree got its name!

However, when you hear the term, it might also refer to the Ohio State football team’s mascot, or just any average Ohioan, OR it might be referring to the popular candy that goes by the name same. A peanut butter and chocolate sphere, it’s meant to resemble the buckeye nut. (And they’re delicious, which is exactly why we decided to make a fudge version!)

What Ingredients are in Buckeye Fudge?

It’s not a terribly long list! In fact, it’s only six things. You’ll need:

• Creamy peanut butter. Use something like Jif or Skippy… natural doesn’t help you here.
• Butter.
• Powdered sugar.
• Some vanilla extract.
• Sweetened condensed milk.
• Chocolate chips.

How Do You Make Buckeye Fudge?

Well, I can promise you it’s easier than it looks. The fudge is based off of a “foolproof fudge” recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk, so this isn’t a situation where you need a lot of knowhow or even a candy thermometer. You want to start off with the peanut butter mixture:

All you need to do here is take a hand mixer and mix the peanut butter, a stick of melted butter, a touch of vanilla extract, and the powdered sugar together until it’s crumbly in texture. Then, take a cookie scoop or spoon out balls of the mixture and line them up in a square pan lined with parchment or foil. If you want a little bit of a denser bite (to match the fudge), you can roll the balls between your palm first. Place that in the freezer or fridge while you work on the fudge. (Which goes quick, the peanut butter won’t have time to get solid, don’t worry.)

In a double boiler, or simply a heatproof bowl placed over a pan of water, melt together the chocolate chips, some more butter, and the sweetened condensed milk. You might wonder if it’s ever going to come together — but just trust it, it will.

Once it does come together, pour it over those peanut butter balls and use a rubber spatula to smooth it out. Gently push it into the corners and around the peanut butter, but don’t stress about it too much — it will all fill in.

All you need to do now is wait for it to set! The quickest way to do that is in the fridge. Once it’s firm, you can easily lift out that parchment or foil and slice it into nice little squares for serving.

Or for gifting… but definitely steal a few for yourself first! If you like the combo of peanut butter and chocolate (I know I do), you’ll love this fudge.