13 Ohio Bakeries Putting A New Spin On Buckeye Candy You Have To Taste To Believe
Buckeye candy is Ohio’s sweet pride, a perfect pairing of chocolate and peanut butter that’s stolen hearts for generations.
But some local bakeries aren’t content to keep it classic—they’re remixing this beloved treat with creative twists and unexpected flavors that surprise and delight.
From decadent fillings to unique shapes, these bakeries are turning tradition upside down. If you think you know Buckeye candy, get ready to taste a whole new level of delicious.
1. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
Forget everything you thought you knew about buckeyes! Anthony-Thomas has boldly infused their signature treats with bourbon, creating an adults-only sensation that’s flying off shelves.
Fourth-generation candy makers at this Columbus institution hand-roll these spirited delights daily.
The subtle oak notes from premium Kentucky bourbon perfectly complement the creamy peanut butter center.
Weekend tours let you watch the magic happen – just arrive early because they regularly sell out.
2. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus & Fudge Haus
Sausage and buckeyes might sound like an odd couple, but Schmidt’s has created a culinary masterpiece by adding a hint of their famous smoked meats to their buckeye recipe.
Located in German Village, this century-old establishment sprinkles crispy bacon bits into their peanut butter filling.
The salt-sweet combination creates an addictive flavor profile that’s uniquely Schmidt’s. Grab a six-pack to go or enjoy one for dessert after their legendary Bahama Mama sausage.
3. Krema Nut Company
Authenticity fanatics, rejoice! Krema grinds their own fresh peanut butter daily for buckeyes that taste nothing like the overly sweet versions you’re used to.
As America’s oldest peanut butter manufacturer still operating, Krema knows their nuts. Their small-batch approach means you’re getting buckeyes made from peanuts that were roasted and ground that very morning.
The resulting candy has an earthy, natural flavor that makes the commercial stuff taste like plastic by comparison.
4. Donna’s Delicious Dozen
Morning sweet tooth? Donna’s has transformed the humble buckeye into breakfast fare with their ingenious buckeye-stuffed donuts that sell out by 9 AM daily.
Each yeast donut gets injected with peanut butter mousse before being topped with chocolate ganache and a mini buckeye.
The warm donut melts the filling just enough to create a gooey, messy delight worth every napkin. Pro tip: call ahead to reserve yours – locals line up before dawn on weekends!
5. C. Krueger’s Finest
French technique meets Ohio tradition at C. Krueger’s, where delicate almond macarons sandwich a creamy peanut butter filling and get half-dipped in Valrhona chocolate.
Owner Cheryl Krueger spent three months perfecting this fusion dessert after retiring from running Cheryl’s Cookies.
The result is a sophisticated take that maintains the buckeye’s essence while elevating it to fine patisserie status. Each macaron gets a tiny edible gold leaf garnish – a nod to OSU’s colors.
6. The Buckeye Lady
Pumpkin spice buckeyes in fall? Lemon lavender in spring? The Buckeye Lady has revolutionized Ohio’s favorite candy with over 30 rotating seasonal flavors that keep customers coming back monthly.
Lisa Inglish started selling buckeyes from her home kitchen in 2012. Today, her boutique shop offers everything from chai-infused to Fruity Pebbles-crusted versions.
My personal favorite: the maple bacon buckeyes that combine three breakfast flavors into one mind-blowing bite.
7. Pistacia Vera
Wedding cake alternatives don’t get more Ohio-proud than Pistacia Vera’s showstopping buckeye macaron tower – a gluten-free masterpiece that’s become the must-have centerpiece at Columbus weddings.
Each tier features progressively larger peanut butter macarons dipped halfway in chocolate.
The German Village patisserie requires six weeks’ notice for these architectural wonders that serve up to 200 guests. They’ll even customize the chocolate drizzle to match your wedding colors!
8. Buckeye Bakery Inc.
Size matters at Buckeye Bakery Inc., where their signature “Buckeye Bomb” weighs in at a jaw-dropping half pound of peanut butter goodness. Not for the faint of heart!
Owner Mike Davis created this behemoth after a customer jokingly complained his regular buckeyes were too small.
Now people drive from neighboring states just to attempt the “Buckeye Challenge” – finish one in under 5 minutes. Winners get their photo on the Wall of Fame and a free t-shirt.
9. Our CupCakery
Cupcake or buckeye? Why choose? Our CupCakery has merged these beloved treats into one spectacular creation that’s causing traffic jams in Dublin every Saturday morning.
Their chocolate cupcake base gets hollowed out and filled with fresh peanut butter mousse, then topped with chocolate ganache and a mini buckeye.
The “Buckeye Bomb” (not to be confused with the half-pounder from Buckeye Bakery) sells out within hours of opening. Worth every calorie!
10. Wyoming Pastry Shop
French pastry technique meets Ohio tradition at Wyoming Pastry Shop, where third-generation baker Frank Miller laminated peanut butter into croissant dough to create morning magic.
Each buttery croissant gets rolled with a thin layer of peanut butter, shaped into a crescent, then half-dipped in chocolate after baking.
The result is a flaky, nutty pastry that honors both European craftsmanship and Midwestern flavor preferences. Saturdays only – and they’re gone by noon!
11. Schwebel’s Bakery
Comfort food gets an Ohio makeover at Schwebel’s, where day-old bread transforms into a warm buckeye bread pudding that’s worth the drive to Youngstown.
Chunks of their famous white bread soak in a custard infused with peanut butter before baking. The finished pudding gets a warm chocolate sauce pour-over that creates that classic buckeye look.
Available only on Fridays, this dessert has developed such a following that they now ship nationwide in insulated containers.
12. Blue Chip Cookies
Cookie monsters and buckeye fanatics unite! Blue Chip has combined two beloved treats into one handheld masterpiece that’s perfect for gameday parties.
Two chocolate chip cookies sandwich a thick layer of peanut butter filling, with the edges dipped in chocolate to mimic the classic buckeye look.
The contrast between crunchy cookie and creamy filling creates textural magic. During football season, they sell scarlet and gray versions that sell out before kickoff every Saturday.
13. DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Tucked away in Toledo’s historic district, DeBrand Fine Chocolates has revolutionized the humble buckeye with their “Buckeye Bonanza” collection.
Their master chocolatier spent three years perfecting a recipe that infuses the classic peanut butter center with unexpected additions like bourbon-soaked cherries and caramelized bacon bits.
The outer shell isn’t just chocolate anymore—it’s a kaleidoscope of flavors including white chocolate infused with local honey, dark chocolate with cayenne pepper, and milk chocolate swirled with Ohio maple syrup.