Easy Old-Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Treat

Sweet nostalgia meets delightful simplicity in this classic potato candy recipe that generations have cherished.

Southern kitchens whisper tales of this unexpected treat crafted from humble ingredients.

Potatoes might sound strange in a dessert, but they create an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth confection.

The magic happens when mashed potatoes blend seamlessly with powdered sugar and peanut butter.

Each bite carries a delicate balance of sweetness and nutty richness that surprises and delights.

This no-bake wonder transforms ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary confection.

Prepare to fall in love with a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.

FAQs

• Why use mashed potatoes in a candy recipe?

Potatoes create a unique, soft texture and help bind ingredients without adding strong flavor, making the candy smooth and creamy.

• Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter work great as alternatives, offering similar spreadability and rich taste.

• How sweet will this candy be?

The candy is quite sweet due to the large amount of powdered sugar, creating a classic confectionery-level sweetness typical of traditional potato candy.

• Is this a traditional recipe?

Yes, potato candy is a vintage Appalachian and Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that originated during times of economic hardship when bakers needed to use affordable ingredients creatively.

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy Stirs Up Nostalgia

• Dive into a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, connecting you with generations of family recipes.
• Create something delightful with just a few simple pantry staples like potatoes, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla.
• Craft this unique candy in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous baking moments or satisfying sudden sugar cravings.
• Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation that requires zero baking skills, making it welcoming for all skill levels.

Ingredient Rundown for Classic Potato Candy

• Potatoes: A starchy vegetable that provides the unique texture and foundation for this classic candy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the candy mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the candy.

• Powdered Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the right consistency for the candy dough.

• Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor and creates a delicious filling for the rolled candy.

• Wax Paper: Used for rolling and shaping the candy mixture.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps in wrapping and chilling the candy log.

Tools for Homemade Potato Candy

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating mashed potatoes and butter into a smooth, creamy base.
• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining ingredients and mixing potato candy mixture.
• Wax Paper: Perfect surface for rolling out dough and preventing sticking.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll mixture into thin, even rectangle.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cleanly slicing the candy log into neat pieces.
• Plastic Wrap: Crucial for wrapping and shaping the candy log.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately adding powdered sugar.
• Spatula: Great for spreading peanut butter and scraping mixture from bowl.

Potato Candy: Stepwise Directions

Step 1: Whip Potato Base

Combine cooled mashed potatoes and softened butter in a mixing bowl.

Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Stir in vanilla extract for a delightful flavor enhancement.

Step 2: Create Sweet Dough

Slowly incorporate powdered sugar into the potato mixture, adding one cup at a time.

Mix thoroughly after each addition until the consistency resembles a soft cookie dough.

The mixture should be firm enough to handle but still slightly sticky.

Step 3: Prepare Rolling Surface

Sprinkle a clean work surface or wax paper generously with powdered sugar.

Transfer the potato mixture onto the sugared surface.

Dust the top of the dough with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Using a rolling pin, carefully flatten the dough into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Ensure the surface remains well-coated with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Apply Peanut Butter Filling

Spread a smooth, even layer of peanut butter across the rolled-out dough.

Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.

Step 6: Create Candy Roll

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer side.

Use the wax paper to help guide and compress the roll smoothly.

Step 7: Wrap and Chill

Wrap the rolled candy log tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring the ends are securely tucked.

Place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to firm up and set the shape.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove the candy from the refrigerator and unwrap.

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch thick slices.

Serve chilled and enjoy your classic potato candy treat.

Pro Tips for Creamy Potato Candy

• Use an electric mixer to ensure mashed potatoes and butter blend smoothly without lumps, creating a perfect creamy base for the candy.
• Add powdered sugar gradually to control consistency, stopping when the mixture feels like soft cookie dough for optimal texture.
• Use wax paper and extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking and make rolling out the candy easier and less messy.
• Leave a small border when spreading peanut butter to prevent overflow and ensure even distribution throughout the roll.
• Refrigerate the candy log briefly before cutting to help it hold shape and make clean, uniform slices possible.

Other Potato Candy Variations to Try

• Coconut Cream Variation: Replace peanut butter with sweetened coconut cream for a tropical flavor profile. Dust rolled candy with shredded coconut for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with smooth almond butter for a nutty, protein-rich option. Sprinkle crushed almonds on top for added crunch.
• Vegan Potato Candy: Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter and replace powdered sugar with organic powdered sugar. Select almond or sunflower seed butter as filling for plant-based version.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Mix cocoa powder into potato mixture for rich chocolate flavor. Use chocolate hazelnut spread as filling and drizzle melted dark chocolate on top after slicing.

Presenting Potato Candy for Parties

• Sweet Companions: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
• Nostalgic Plating: Arrange candy slices on vintage ceramic plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar for classic presentation.
• Party Variation: Create bite-sized pieces perfect for cookie trays or holiday gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in wax paper with a ribbon for a charming homemade treat to share with friends and family.

Storing Old Fashioned Potato Candy

• Store candy log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent spoiling.
• Wrap potato candy log in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container and store for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Allow sliced candy to sit at cool room temperature for short periods, no longer than 2 hours. Avoid warm environments that might soften peanut butter filling.
• If candy becomes slightly hard after storage, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

Potato Candy Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Pennsylvania Dutch potato candy delivers a nostalgic twist on dessert without using actual potatoes. Peanut butter and powdered sugar combine for a simple, delightful treat you’ll savor with childhood memories.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked mashed potatoes, cooled to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6–8 cups powdered sugar (for dusting and mixing)

Filling Ingredient:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Dusting Ingredient:

• Additional powdered sugar for rolling and coating

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Instructions

1. Whip mashed potatoes and butter with an electric mixer until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
2. Incrementally fold in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition until the mixture transforms into a pliable, cookie dough-like consistency.
3. Swiftly transfer the mixture onto a surface generously dusted with powdered sugar. Sprinkle additional sugar on top and expertly roll into a thin, approximately 1/4-inch thick rectangular sheet.
4. Carefully spread a uniform layer of peanut butter across the rolled dough, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
5. Methodically roll the dough into a compact, tight log, ensuring even pressure throughout the rolling process.
6. Encase the log completely in plastic wrap, carefully sealing the ends to prevent moisture loss.
7. Refrigerate for approximately 10 minutes to allow the candy to firm up and stabilize its shape.
8. Remove from refrigeration, unwrap, and slice into delicate, 1/2-inch thick rounds, ready for serving.

Notes

• Moisture Control Keep potatoes very dry after mashing to prevent candy from becoming too sticky or soft. Pat potatoes thoroughly with paper towels before mixing.
• Sugar Consistency Add powdered sugar gradually to control texture and prevent grainy or crumbly results. Stop adding sugar when mixture becomes firm like cookie dough.
• Rolling Technique Use cold hands and work quickly when rolling to maintain smooth, even candy log. Dust surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version. Use gluten-free powdered sugar for celiac-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg