Potato Candy (Old Fashioned Recipe) (2024)

With a sweet fusion of mashed potatoes, peanut butter, and vanilla, this old fashioned potato candy offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience ideal for holidays.

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About Potato Candy

Mashed potatoes in a dessert?

It’s not a mix-up; it’s potato candy.

This unique treat marries the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the allure of a sweet indulgence. Hailing from American traditions, potato candy showcases how something as basic as a potato can transform into a delightful confection with just the right amount of sweet-tooth-fueled determination.

What is potato candy?

Potato candy is an unexpected treat. At its core, it’s made from mashed potatoes – and yes, you read that right.Mashed potatoes. When these potatoes team up with sugar, they take on a fudge-like texture that’s versatile. And a favorite way to jazz it up? Flattening it out, slathering on some peanut butter, and then rolling it back up to slice it into round melt-in-your-mouth candies.

As if we needed another reason to love potatoes, amirite?

As for where this quirky candy came from, the details are a bit fuzzy. But the general consensus is that it found its footing in the United States, particularly around the Pennsylvania Dutch area. It’s believed that folks turned to this recipe when times were lean, given that potatoes were always on hand. And during the Great Depression? This simple and cost-effective treat became a staple that still carries on today.

What’s in potato candy?

In order to whip up this peanut butter potato candy, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• Plain Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show! While unexpected in a candy, mashed potatoes serve as a binder, providing a unique texture. Combined with powdered sugar, they create a sweet, pliable dough. And don’t worry, the final candy doesn’t taste like potatoes.
• Salted Butter: Butter adds richness and a creamy texture to the candy. The salt in the butter also subtly contrasts the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: This is the primary sweetener and helps form the dough-like consistency when mixed with the mashed potatoes. The extra powdered sugar for rolling ensures the candy doesn’t stick and gives it a delightful finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth and a classic sweet aroma to the candy, complementing the other ingredients.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Used as a filling in potato candy, peanut butter offers a nutty contrast to the sweet outer layer. Its creamy texture melds perfectly with the soft potato dough, making each bite a delightful mix of sweet and savory.

What type of potatoes should you use?

You need plain and smooth mashed potatoes for this recipe, andthe easiest way to get them is to make your own. To do this, peel some russet potatoes, boil them until fork tender, and then mash them up until there are no lumps. Be sure to allow the potatoes to cool completely before using them in this recipe.

Note: Russet potatoes are recommended due to their high starch content and neutral flavor. You could use white or golden potatoes instead, but due to their lower starch content, you might need to add more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency for the candy dough.

Should you use leftover potatoes?

Bad news here, guys. In most cases,using leftover mashed potatoes for potato candy is not recommended.Leftovers often come with additional seasonings, potential lumps, inconsistent moisture, and diminished starch content (as potatoes naturally break down over time), all of which would negatively impact the taste and consistency of potato candy.

For the tastiest results, opt for plain, freshly mashed, silky smooth potatoes.

Can you use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter is acceptable and will give this otherwise smooth candy some texture and crunch.

How long are they good for?

Once prepared, potato candy can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five to seven days.

Can you freeze them?

Yes, you totally can!

Once prepared and cut into pieces, wrap each potato candy inplastic wraporaluminum foil, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Potato candy can be frozen forup to three months.

When ready to eat, allow the potato candy to thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) for a few hours.

Notes & tips for potato candy

• If you love if you love old-school candy recipes like this one, be sure to check outIrish potato candy, too.
• Peanut butter is the traditional filling for this potato candy, but chocolate or hazelnut spread (or a combination of these flavors) is also popular.
• For extra flavor and presentation, drizzle the potato candy with melted chocolate.
• Parchment paper is preferred for this recipe due to its overall versatility and durability, but wax paper can also be used.
• While a particular mixing attachment isn’t required for this recipe, a flat edge or paddle attachment is recommended.

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How to make old-fashioned potato candy

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1– In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer and large bowl), combine mashed potatoes, butter, vanilla, and a cup of powdered sugar. Mix for 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until the dough is firm and smooth.

Step 2– Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for an hour.

Step 3– Prepare a work area with parchment paper, dusting both the paper and a rolling pin with powdered sugar. Divide the chilled dough in half.

Step 4– Roll one dough half into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Spread out half the peanut butter, leaving a border. Lifting up the parchment to aid you, roll the dough into a tight log, then wrap it in fresh parchment. Chill the dough log for one hour. Repeat this step with the second half of dough.

Step 5– After chilling, unwrap the dough logs and cut into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 6– Serve and enjoy!