Buckeye Fudge
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Buckeye Fudge combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a velvety layer of chocolate, creating a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering, a cozy movie night, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this no-bake dessert has a place in every home baker’s recipe box. It’s an all-time favorite, renowned for its delightful blend of textures and flavors that pays homage to the iconic Buckeye candy from Ohio.
Why you’ll love this treat
Buckeye Fudge is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also strikes a perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and, let’s be honest, topping anything with chocolate and peanut butter is generally a win! This fudge is perfect for a weeknight dessert when you want something satisfying without the fuss of baking or intricate techniques.
"I made this Buckeye Fudge for a potluck, and it vanished in minutes! Everyone asked for the recipe. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!" – Sarah, avid home baker.
Preparing Buckeye Fudge
While this fudge may seem like a labor-intensive dessert, it’s quite simple. You’ll start by making the rich peanut butter layer, which sets the foundation for the layers of flavor to come. After that, you’ll whip up the chocolate layer on top, bringing the dish together in a beautifully sweet harmony.
Here’s what you can expect: A creamy peanut butter base gets poured into a lined pan, then a luscious chocolate topping is added to finish it off.
What you’ll need
To create this irresistible Buckeye Fudge, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (NOT the natural no-stir variety)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1¾ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1½ tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
Feel free to experiment with substitute ingredients if you have allergies or dietary preferences. For example, you can use almond butter for a different flavor profile without the dairy, or opt for a dairy-free chocolate variant.
Step-by-step instructions
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Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later. Set it aside.
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In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, add the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until melted.
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Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract, mixing it until well combined.
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Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until completely incorporated. Make sure there are no streaks or lumps remaining.
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Pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
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Set the peanut butter layer aside while you prepare the chocolate layer.
Chocolate Layer
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In a separate bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips with the softened salted sweet cream butter and the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and silky.
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Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly.
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Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until it is firm enough to slice.
Best ways to enjoy it
Buckeye Fudge can be presented in delightful ways. Cut it into squares and serve it in mini cupcake liners for parties. You might also consider drizzling some extra melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling crushed peanuts for an added flavor punch.
Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Buckeye Fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes!
Helpful cooking tips
- For a smoother peanut butter layer, make sure to use creamy peanut butter without the natural stir variety.
- If you want to accelerate the cooling process, you can place the pan in the freezer for 30-60 minutes.
Creative twists
There are countless ways to customize Buckeye Fudge to suit your taste. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast, or mix in some crushed Oreos for extra crunch. You could also try using dark chocolate for the topping instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare Buckeye Fudge?
A: The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes, not including the cooling time.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
A: It’s best to avoid natural peanut butter in this recipe as it can be too oily and may not yield the desired texture.
Q: Is there a vegan option for this fudge?
A: Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter, use plant-based condensed milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
Make this decadent Buckeye Fudge a star at your next gathering, and watch everyone fall in love with its sweet, nutty goodness!
Buckeye Fudge
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later. Set it aside.
- In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, add the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until melted.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until completely incorporated.
- Pour the peanut butter fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Set the peanut butter layer aside while you prepare the chocolate layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips with the softened salted sweet cream butter and sweetened condensed milk.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and silky.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until it is firm enough to slice.
