There’s a sweet treat that might surprise you, and it starts with a simple potato!

Known as potato candy, this old-fashioned dessert is a sweet and creamy delight that takes just a few humble ingredients.

Don’t let the name fool you; this isn’t your typical savory potato dish.

Instead, it’s a playful, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a layer of peanut butter rolled up in a sugary potato dough.

People have been making this candy for generations, handing it down as a simple yet fun recipe that’s almost magical in its simplicity.

Potato Candy Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup mashed potatoes (cooled to room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of fine sea salt
• 6–8 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
• ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled mashed potatoes. Add the softened butter and use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The amount needed may vary depending on your potato’s moisture content and humidity levels. The mixture should be thick like cookie dough, where you can press and mold it together easily.
4. Spread out a large sheet of wax or parchment paper and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Place the dough on the paper, sprinkle more powdered sugar on top, and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness, aiming for a rectangular shape.
5. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Roll the dough tightly into a long log, then wrap it in plastic wrap, tucking in the ends. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.
7. Unwrap the roll on a cutting board and slice into ¼- to ½-inch pieces. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips For Perfect Potato Candy

Making potato candy is pretty easy, but a few simple tips can make it even better:

• Cool the Potato First: Be sure the mashed potato is at room temperature before you start. If it’s too warm, the candy mixture will turn runny.
• Add Powdered Sugar Slowly: Don’t dump in all the sugar at once! Add it a little at a time until you reach a dough-like consistency. This way, you’ll avoid making it too dry or too sticky.
• Use Wax or Parchment Paper: Rolling out potato candy can get sticky. Wax or parchment paper dusted with powdered sugar makes it easier to work with.
• Keep an Eye on Thickness: Roll the candy to about ¼ inch thick. If it’s too thin, it might tear; too thick, and it won’t roll as nicely.
• Chill Before Slicing: After you roll it, put the log in the fridge for a few minutes. This firms up the candy, making it easier to slice without smushing.

What Kind Of Potato Is Best For Potato Candy?

A starchy potato, like a Russet, works best for potato candy. The high starch content and low moisture in Russets give the candy a better texture and make the mixture less sticky.

If you use a waxy potato (like red or yellow potatoes), the mixture may become too wet, making it harder to get the right consistency.

If Russets aren’t available, any similar baking potato will do as long as it’s starchy.

Can I Make Potato Candy Ahead Of Time?

Yes, potato candy can easily be made ahead of time! In fact, giving it a bit of time to chill in the fridge often improves the texture.

You can make the candy up to two days before serving. Just follow these steps:

• Roll it up and chill it in the fridge.
• Slice it just before serving so it looks fresh.

This makes potato candy a great option for parties or family gatherings because you can prepare it without rushing on the day itself.

How To Store Leftover Potato Candy?

Storing leftover potato candy is simple. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Place the slices in a single layer in a container, separating layers with wax paper. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it even longer, potato candy can be frozen. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can You Freeze Potato Candy?

Yes, you can freeze potato candy, and it’s actually a great way to keep it fresh for longer! Here’s how to freeze it properly to maintain its flavor and texture:

• Wrap Each Piece Individually: Place a small piece of wax or parchment paper between each slice, then wrap each one in plastic wrap. This keeps the pieces from sticking together.
• Store in a Freezer Bag or Airtight Container: Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for Up to 3 Months: Potato candy can stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let the pieces thaw in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight for the best results.

Is Potato Candy The Same As Irish Potato Candy?

Though they may sound similar, potato candy and Irish potato candy are actually two different treats!

• Potato Candy: This candy is made by mixing mashed potatoes with powdered sugar until it forms a dough. It’s then rolled out, spread with peanut butter, rolled up, and sliced. There are no actual potatoes in Irish potato candy!
• Irish Potato Candy: Despite its name, Irish potato candy doesn’t contain any potato at all. This treat usually consists of a mixture of cream cheese, coconut, and powdered sugar rolled into little balls, then dusted with cinnamon to look like small potatoes. It’s a traditional candy in some Irish-American communities around St. Patrick’s Day.

Why Is My Potato Candy Runny?

If your potato candy mixture is turning out runny, don’t worry! Here are some common reasons why it happens and how to fix it:

• Potatoes Were Too Warm: The mashed potatoes need to be completely cool before mixing in the powdered sugar. If they’re still warm, the sugar melts, making the mixture runny.
• Too Much Liquid: If the potatoes were overcooked and became watery, they can make the candy too soft. Use dry, fluffy potatoes to avoid this problem.
• Added Too Little Sugar: Powdered sugar thickens the dough, so if the candy is too soft, try adding more powdered sugar a little at a time until it firms up.