14 Ohio Bakeries Giving Buckeye Candy A Delicious New Twist
Buckeye candy, those beloved peanut butter and chocolate treats that resemble the nuts from Ohio’s state tree, are getting makeovers across the Buckeye State.
Local bakeries are transforming this classic candy into cakes, cookies, brownies, and more.
These creative confections honor Ohio’s sweet tradition while adding exciting new flavors and textures that’ll make your mouth water.
1. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company’s Buckeye Bliss Cake
Family-owned since 1952, this Columbus institution serves up a towering chocolate cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting. Each slice comes topped with their famous handcrafted buckeyes.
What makes it special? The cake features their signature peanut butter filling—the exact same recipe used in their world-famous buckeye candies that they’ve been perfecting for generations.
2. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus’ Buckeye Cream Puff
German heritage meets Ohio tradition at this Columbus landmark. Their jumbo cream puff shells are filled with peanut butter mousse and draped in chocolate ganache.
Folks line up around the block when these treats hit the display case! The contrast between the light pastry and rich filling creates an unforgettable bite that’s worth every calorie.
3. Krema Nut Company’s Inside-Out Buckeye Brittle
Talk about flipping tradition on its head! Grandview Heights’ Krema Nut Company crushes their homemade buckeyes into chunks, then folds them into golden peanut brittle.
The result? A crunchy-meets-creamy texture explosion. Founded in 1898, they’re one of America’s oldest peanut butter makers, so they know their stuff when it comes to nutty innovations.
4. Donna’s Delicious Dozen’s Buckeye Donut Holes
Morning sweet tooth? These bite-sized wonders from Columbus feature peanut butter-filled donut holes dipped in chocolate glaze. The warm, fresh-from-the-fryer treats practically melt in your mouth!
Owner Donna started with just twelve signature recipes (hence the name), but these buckeye bites became so popular they’re now available daily. Pro tip: get there early—they sell out fast!
5. C. Krueger’s Finest’s Buckeye Macarons
French elegance meets Ohio charm at this Blacklick bakery! Their delicate chocolate macarons sandwich a silky peanut butter ganache, creating a sophisticated take on the humble buckeye.
The crisp outer shell gives way to chewy chocolate goodness before hitting that creamy center. Each macaron is hand-piped and topped with a tiny buckeye candy—because sometimes good things come in small packages.
6. Candy Cottage’s Buckeye Cheesecake Bites
Lancaster’s sweetest spot serves up mini cheesecakes with a twist! Each bite-sized treat features a chocolate crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and chocolate ganache topping.
The kicker? A whole buckeye candy nestled in the center creates a surprise treasure. Founded by former school teacher Ms. Penny, the shop donates a portion of proceeds from these treats to Ohio schools—sweetness that gives back!
7. Nothing But Chocolate’s Buckeye Brownie Tower
Cambridge’s premier chocolatier stacks fudgy brownies with peanut butter frosting layers, then enrobes the entire creation in chocolate ganache. The impressive tower serves 8-10 people—if you’re willing to share!
Each slice reveals perfect stripes of chocolate and peanut butter. Owner Theo, a third-generation chocolate maker, developed this recipe after watching Ohio State football games where fans would bring homemade buckeyes for tailgating.
8. Buckeye Candy Company’s Buckeye Biscotti
Coffee lovers rejoice! This Gahanna bakery creates twice-baked chocolate biscotti with peanut butter chips throughout. One end gets dipped in chocolate, mimicking the classic buckeye look.
These crunchy treats are perfect for dunking. The owner, a former barista, developed these after noticing customers always ordered something sweet with their coffee. Now these Italian-meets-Ohio creations are shipped nationwide to homesick Buckeye State natives!
9. Chocolate Cafe’s Buckeye Hot Chocolate Flight
Winter blues don’t stand a chance at this Columbus cafe! Their famous flight features four mini buckeye-inspired hot chocolates: classic, white chocolate-peanut butter, spicy chocolate-peanut butter, and salted caramel-peanut butter.
Each mug comes topped with whipped cream and a mini buckeye. The cafe started as a college project for owner Jamie, who turned her OSU culinary school assignment into a thriving business celebrating all things chocolate.
10. Resch’s Bakery’s Buckeye Coffee Cake
East Columbus’ beloved family bakery (operating since 1912!) creates morning magic with their streusel-topped coffee cake hiding pockets of peanut butter filling. Chocolate glaze creates that distinctive buckeye look.
Perfect with—you guessed it—coffee! The recipe came from current owner Frank’s grandmother, who added peanut butter to her traditional German cake as a nod to her new Ohio home. During football season, they sell over 200 cakes each weekend!
11. The Buckeye Lady’s Buckeye Whoopie Pies
Columbus’ dedicated buckeye specialist puts a Pennsylvania Dutch spin on Ohio’s favorite candy. Two chocolate cake rounds sandwich creamy peanut butter filling for a hand-held delight.
The edges get dipped in chocolate for that authentic buckeye look. Owner Melissa started selling these at farmers markets before opening her brick-and-mortar shop. She now makes over 30 buckeye variations, but these whoopie pies remain her bestseller year after year.
12. Pattycake Bakery’s Vegan Buckeye Brownies
Plant-based paradise! This Clintonville vegan bakery proves dairy-free desserts can be decadent with their fudgy brownies topped with peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache swirls.
You’d never guess they’re completely plant-based. Founded by two friends with dairy allergies, the bakery has won multiple awards for these brownies. Their secret? Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) creates the perfect egg replacement for fudgy texture without animal products.
13. Kittie’s Cakes’ Buckeye Cupcake Flight
German Village’s cutest cupcakery offers a flight of four mini buckeye-inspired cupcakes: chocolate-peanut butter, white chocolate-peanut butter, chocolate-peanut butter-banana, and chocolate-peanut butter-pretzel.
Each tiny treat comes adorned with a quarter-sized buckeye on top! Named after the owner’s grandmother (who reportedly made the best buckeyes in Fairfield County), this bakery donates one cupcake to local food banks for every dozen sold.
14. Fox in the Snow’s Buckeye Morning Bun
Italian Village’s hippest cafe reinvents breakfast with their croissant dough morning buns. The laminated pastry gets rolled with peanut butter filling, baked till golden, then dipped in chocolate ganache.
Flaky, buttery, and utterly irresistible! The owners, a husband-wife team who met while working at a Brooklyn bakery, created these after moving to Columbus and discovering buckeyes. The name comes from their cat who left paw prints in an early test batch!
