1. Combine the peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract with a mixer until combined.
2. Add 1 cup of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
3. Add additional powdered sugar until the mixture is at the consistency where you can create a ball that will hold it’s shape and stay on a toothpick.
4. Create balls of about 1 tablespoon each. You should get about 16 balls.
5. Melt the chocolate according to package directions and dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate using a toothpick. Set balls onto parchment paper to dry, then refrigerate.

TO MAKE THE CUPCAKES:

6. Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
7. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
8. Combine the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla in another medium sized bowl.
9. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
10. Add the water to the batter and mix until well combined. Batter will be thin.
11. Fill the cupcake liners about half way and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
12. Remove the cupcakes from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
13. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large mixer bowl and mix until smooth.
14. Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
15. Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
16. Add the vanilla extract, salt and 3 tablespoons of milk or water and mix until well combined.
17. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
18. Add additional water or milk, as needed, to get the right consistency of frosting.
19. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. I used Ateco tip 808, a large round tip. Hold the tip slightly above the center of the cupcake, apply pressure to the piping bag and allow the frosting to spread from the center out to the edges of the cupcake, then slowly raise the piping bag and tip of create the dome. Release pressure and stop piping.
20. Refrigerate the frosted cupcakes for 2-3 hours, so that the frosting is firm.
21. To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a small bowl.
22. Heat the heavy whipping cream in the microwave until it just begins to boil, then pour over the chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
23. Dip the top of each frosted cupcake into the chocolate ganache and allow excess chocolate to drip off.
24. Place one of the buckeyes on top of each cupcake and allow the ganache to cool.
25. Refrigerate cupcakes in an air tight container until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature. Cupcakes are best for 3-4 days.