Easy Potato Candy
Easy Potato Candy may sound odd, yet it’s surprisingly delightful. You might wonder how mashed potatoes can transform into a sweet treat, but the simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a unique dessert that sparks curiosity and conversation. Imagine serving a candy that both intrigues and satisfies your guests. What’s even more fascinating is the history behind this no-bake confection, which adds another layer to its appeal. So, what’s the story behind this unconventional candy?
Why You’ll Love This Recie
You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just 3-4 simple ingredients and no baking at all. In about 25 minutes, you can create a delicious treat using basic kitchen tools. You can customize your potato candy with various fillings like peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider including vanilla extract or chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a thoughtful gift. Plus, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just remember to use powdered sugar for the right texture and chill the candy before cutting for the best results. The key to achieving the perfect consistency is gradually incorporating powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
History
Potato candy has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century. While it’s called “Irish” potato candy, it actually originated in Philadelphia and is an American invention, with no ties to Irish culture.
This treat typically consists of cream cheese, sugar, and coconut, shaped into small balls and rolled in cinnamon. It is noteworthy that the candy is made using cream cheese and confectioners sugar instead of any actual potatoes.
It’s essential to recognize that this differs from southern potato candy, which uses boiled potatoes and was created during the Great Depression out of economic necessity.
Each version has its unique preparation and ingredients, but both have become beloved sweets.
Today, you’ll find Irish potato candy enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, showcasing its cultural significance in American traditions.
Recipe
Easy Potato Candy Recipe
Potato candy is a delightful treat that combines the unexpected ingredient of mashed potatoes with the sweet taste of confectioners’ sugar and creamy peanut butter. This no-bake candy isn’t only easy to make but also a fun way to use leftover mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a unique dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family. This recipe requires 7 cups of confectioners sugar to achieve the perfect consistency.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create luscious potato candy that can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. The preparation is simple, and with a little patience, you’ll have a delicious candy roll that you can slice and serve. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably russet potatoes)
- 6-7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Verify that the mashed potatoes are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps in preventing the sugar from melting.
- Mix the Ingredients****: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, 4-5 cups of confectioners’ sugar, and the vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend them together until smooth. Gradually add more confectioners’ sugar until the mixture forms a moldable dough that isn’t sticky.
- Chill the Mixture: Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough while still keeping it pliable.
- Roll the Dough: After chilling, dust your work surface and rolling pin with confectioners’ sugar. Roll the dough out into a rectangle that’s about ¼-inch thick, dusting with more sugar as needed to prevent sticking.
- Apply the Filling: Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to avoid overflow when rolling.
- Roll the Candy: Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure to keep it tight but not too tight, to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- Cut into Slices: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled candy into slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Repeat the rolling and filling process with any remaining dough.
- Storage: Place the cut candy slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Extra Tips
When preparing potato candy, make sure to avoid using instant mashed potatoes, as they’re too wet and won’t yield the desired texture.
Additionally, generously dust your work surface and rolling pin with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking during the rolling process.
If you find your dough too sticky, simply add more sugar to achieve the right consistency.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different fillings like Nutella or other nut butters for a delicious twist on this classic recipe!
Final Thoughts
As you wrap up your culinary adventure with potato candy, remember that this unique treat not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also showcases your creativity in the kitchen. Keep in mind the importance of potato size and the gradual addition of powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency. If you encounter a liquidy texture, just keep mixing in sugar until it thickens.
Incorporating nut butter options allows for delightful variations that can elevate your candy to new flavors. Be sure to store your candy in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings like almond butter or chocolate chips for a twist.
Chilling the candy before cutting helps maintain its shape, so work quickly to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your homemade delight!
FAQ
Curious about potato candy? This sweet treat is made with just three main ingredients: cooked potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like potatoes at all! Instead, it’s sweet and creamy. If you’re gluten-free, you’re in luck—potato candy fits the bill. The texture of potato candy resembles soft fudge, making it a delightful indulgence.
For the best results, use Russet potatoes and mash them until smooth. You can customize your candy by swapping peanut butter for almond butter or adding flavors like vanilla.
If your dough is too dry, just add a bit more potato. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, sprinkle in more powdered sugar.
Remember to chill the dough for at least two hours to achieve the perfect consistency before slicing.

Easy Potato Candy
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes preferably russet potatoes
- 6-7 cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Verify that the mashed potatoes are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps in preventing the sugar from melting.
- Mix the Ingredients****: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, 4-5 cups of confectioners' sugar, and the vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend them together until smooth. Gradually add more confectioners' sugar until the mixture forms a moldable dough that isn't sticky.
- Chill the Mixture: Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough while still keeping it pliable.
- Roll the Dough: After chilling, dust your work surface and rolling pin with confectioners' sugar. Roll the dough out into a rectangle that's about ¼-inch thick, dusting with more sugar as needed to prevent sticking.
- Apply the Filling: Spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small margin around the edges to avoid overflow when rolling.
- Roll the Candy: Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure to keep it tight but not too tight, to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- Cut into Slices: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled candy into slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Repeat the rolling and filling process with any remaining dough.
- Storage: Place the cut candy slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.