Potato Candy

5 from 1 vote
Potato Candy with Idaho Potato bag in the background
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This old-fashioned Potato Candy is a recipe that our Great-Grandmothers use to make! Don’t let the mashed potatoes in this potato candy scare you off, it’s quite delicious!

hand grabbing potato candy on a plate

This post is sponsored by Wada Farms.

You’re either really intrigued by this recipe or at some point in your life you have enjoyed potato candy. Regardless, it’s pretty simple to make. All you need is mashed potatoes, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, butter and creamy peanut butter! That’s it.

Now while mashed potatoes obviously aren’t at the forefront of your mind when you think of candy, the mashed potatoes is the base of combining all the ingredients together. Mashed potatoes become sweetened with the powdered sugar and a silky smooth consistency. You actually won’t even know that this dessert recipe is made with mashed potatoes!

Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?

I have made this recipe countless times and I’ve never used crunchy peanut butter. Traditionally, the recipe is a smooth textured candy. If you try it with crunchy peanut butter, be sure to come back and let us know how it went!

Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

You can’t use leftover mashed potatoes. They are already seasoned with seasonings, milk and butter. The consistency will not firm up.

However, if you are making homemade mashed potatoes, after you’ve boiled the potatoes, you can remove half a cup and set aside. Ensure that the potatoes have drained, have dried thoroughly and cool before using. You don’t want any extra liquid within the potatoes themself.

shot of potato candy on a white plate

Why are my potatoes watery?

You don’t want to boil the potatoes like you would mashed potatoes for this recipe. By doing so you are adding water to the potatoes. To ensure this recipe works properly, I recommend baking the potato in the microwave to not add any water to the recipe.

If you have watery potatoes, there’s no fixing the recipe and you need to start over.

Can I Use Unsalted Butter?

Absolutely! You’ll want to add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt as well.

Recipe Tips

I’ve made this recipe several times over the past few years as my family asks for it and well I’m the cook in the family! Here’s a few tips:

  1. Ensure that the potatoes have cooled completely. You don’t want to refrigerate the mashed potatoes as they will dry out.
  2. You may need additional powdered sugar than what the recipe calls for. You’re looking for a consistency that isn’t sticky and you can work with.
  3. Powdered sugar is your friend within this potato candy recipe, trust me! Place powdered sugar on your working surface, rolling pin and on top of the potato candy as it makes the dough so much easier to work with.

What candy is made from potatoes?

Potato candy of course! When we decided to re-create this recipe for our readers, as it’s seemingly not a popular one, we quickly realized that friends on the Eastern half of the country have either heard of it or have enjoyed it!

Where did potato candy come from?

After doing some research, the potato candy reportedly started in Germany. Essentially, this recipe is potatoes and powdered sugar.

Does potato candy need to be refrigerated?

close up shot of potato candy stacked on a plate

While there is no baking for potato candy, it does need to be refrigerated in order for the dough to harden. Once the dough has been hardened, you can store the potato candy at room temperature, out of direct sunlight for up to a week.

What’s the difference between Potato Candy and Irish Potato Candy?

Irish potato candy is shared like a potato and is dusted with cocoa powder. It also doesn’t have any peanut butter.

What kind of potato is best to use for a potato candy recipe?

You want to use a russet potato as it stands up well compared to a gold or red potato that is quite softer.

ingredients for potato candy

Ingredients Needed for Potato Candy Recipe

  • mashed potatoes
  • vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar
  • butter
  • creamy peanut butter

Recipe Tip

To get a nice even, clean cut, wipe the knife off with a towel in between each cut!

How To Make Potato Candy

bag of Wada Farms potatoes on counter

Start by washing your potatoes. Pierce the potato with a fork and place in the microwave for about 7 minutes, halfway through, flip the potato over. You want a fork tender potato! If the potato isn’t quite ready, continue to microwave for 1 minute at a time until it’s fork tender. Remove the potato from the skin and let it cool completely.

glass bowl with mashed potatoes and butter stick

Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix until smooth.

bowl of mashed potatoes that have been blended with softened butter and vanilla extract

Add in the vanilla and combine.

hand holding dough of potato candy

Next, slowly add in the powdered sugar. . We suggest adding one cup at a time and mixing in between. You essentially want the consistency of the dough to be like cookie dough that can be rolled out. You should be able to mold it together with your fingers.

potato candy on cutting board dusted with powdered sugar

On a flat working surface, dust it generously with powdered sugar. Place the potato mixture down and sprinkle the top of the dough with more powdered sugar. Knead it just a few times to bring the dough together. Split the dough in half.

overhead shot of potato candy rolled out into a rectangle with peanut butter on top

Roll each ball of dough out until it’s about 1/4″ thick and a rectangle shape. Place the peanut butter on top of the dough in an even layer, leaving about a 1/4″ border.

two rolls of potato candy

Start with the long side, roll the dough tightly. Place in a piece of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up.

two rolls of potato candy sliced on cutting board with powdered sugar

Cut into 1/4″ to 1/2″ pieces and serve!

upclose vertical shot of potato candy

More Delicious Dessert Recipes

5 from 1 vote

Potato Candy

This old-fashioned Potato Candy is a recipe that our Great-Grandmothers use to make! Donโ€™t let the mashed potatoes in this potato candy scare you off, itโ€™s quite delicious!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Refrigerate10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings28 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 c mashed potatoes room temperature
  • 2 tbsp salted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6-8 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 c creamy peanut butter

Instructions 

  • Start by washing your potatoes. Pierce the potato with a fork and place in the microwave for about 7 minutes, halfway through, flip the potato over. You want a fork tender potato! If the potato isn’t quite ready, continue to microwave for 1 minute at a time until it’s fork tender. Remove the potato from the skin and allow to cool completely.
  • Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix until smooth.
  • Add in the vanilla and combine.
  • Next, slowly add in the powdered sugar. I typically do about one cup at a time and full mix between each addition. You essentially want the consistency of the dough to be like cookie dough that can be rolled out. You should be able to mold it together with your fingers.
  • On a flat working surface, dust it generously with powdered sugar. Place the potato mixture down and sprinkle the top of the dough with more powdered sugar.
  • Roll the dough out until it’s about 1/4″ thick and a rectangle shape.
  • Place the peanut butter on top of the dough in an even layer, leaving about a 1/4″ border.
  • Start with the long side, roll the dough tightly. Place in a piece of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up.
  • Cut into 1/4″ to 1/2″ pieces.

Video

Notes

  1. Ensure that the mashed potatoes have cooled completely. You donโ€™t want to refrigerate the mashed potatoes as they will dry out.
  2. You may need additional powdered sugar than what the recipe calls for. Youโ€™re looking for a consistency that isnโ€™t sticky and you can work with.
  3. Powdered sugar is your friend within this potato candy recipe, trust me! Place powdered sugar on your working surface, rolling pin and on top of the potato candy as it makes the dough so much easier to work with.
  4. To get a nice even clean cut, wipe the knife off with a towel in between each cut!

Nutrition

Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 139
Keyword: Potato Candy
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Why We Love Wada Farms

Wada Farms is a premier example of 80 years of family-owned farming that has grown tremendously because of hard work and tireless dedication. Established in 1943, Wada Farms began farming potatoes on 160 acres in Pingree, Idaho.

Today, Wada Farms has grown to become one of the nationโ€™s largest suppliers of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes. When you see that Wada Farms logo, you know you are eating the best!

Pinterest Pin Potato Candy

About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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