Delectable Irish Potato Candy Recipe for Sweet Treats
My dear food lovers, let me introduce to you a delightful and unique candy recipe that will impress your taste buds in the most unimaginable way. I am talking about the mouthwatering Irish Potato Candy Recipe. This charming concoction blends the humble mashed potatoes with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and to top it all off, crunchy peanut butter. This traditional Irish recipe will undoubtedly take you on a nostalgic journey and give you a taste of the Emerald Isle’s old-world charm.
Potatoes are a staple food in Ireland, and they have been since the 16th century. Through wars and poverty, these spuds have always been a comfort food that brought people together. The Irish Potato Candy is a testament to the country’s resourcefulness and creative use of limited ingredients. It has been passed down from generation to generation and has now become a cherished dessert of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world.
I understand that it may seem odd to use mashed potatoes as a candy base, but trust me when I say that this beloved treat is worth trying at least once in your life! The quirky combination of flavors will make you feel right at home with old-fashioned potato desserts that were served during simpler times.
So fire up your oven and prepare for a treat like no other with this incredible Irish Potato Candy Recipe that will make your heart sing with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? Look no further than the Irish Potato Candy recipe! This recipe is the perfect combination of old-fashioned candy and traditional Irish ingredients, resulting in a one-of-a-kind treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because of its simplicity. With just six main ingredients – mashed potatoes, cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut – this candy recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment or skills. Anyone can make it at home with minimum effort.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – every bite of this candy is packed with flavor. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, cream cheese, and butter combined with the sweetness from the powdered sugar and vanilla extract creates a heavenly combination. And let’s not forget about the crunch from the shredded coconut, making this candy an irresistible treat for anyone who loves a good texture in their sweets.
And if you’re still not sold on this recipe, how about its versatility? This candy recipe can be made using a variety of ingredients such as crunchy peanut butter or ground cinnamon to create different flavor profiles. You can even use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones to add a twist to the classic Irish potato candy.
But wait, there’s more! This candy can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with coffee or tea as an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat.
In conclusion, the Irish Potato Candy recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a unique yet simple way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with their loved ones. With its delicious combination of flavors and versatility in ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this tasty treat!
Ingredient List
Now let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to make this traditional Irish Potato Candy recipe. The recipe is quite simple and requires only a few pantry staples that you may already have available.
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut or 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter (for variations)
- Rolled cinnamon or ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
Most ingredients for the Irish potato candy recipe are probably on hand in most households. However, it is essential to use unsalted butter, softened to achieve the best results. The key ingredient, mashed potatoes, gives the candy its unique texture and character while also meaning that you can have dessert while eating your vegetables. In addition to this, there are variations that you can add to personalize, such as shredded coconut or crunchy peanut butter, both adding additional rich taste and texture. Make sure you have everything measured out before starting because they will help make the process much more straightforward.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this Irish potato candy recipe. Gather 4 cups of confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of mashed potatoes. You will also need powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and rolled ground cinnamon to garnish the candy.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and mashed potatoes until it is smooth. Add in one cup of powdered sugar at a time and beat using an electric mixer or mix by hand until smooth on each addition. Continue adding more powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and difficult to mix.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Grab about a tablespoon-size of mixture and form it into a ball shape with your hands. Arrange the balls on a plate or baking tray lined with wax paper.
Step 4: Coat with Toppings
Roll each ball in a shallow bowl of shredded coconut or ground cinnamon until coated well. Place them in another plate or baking tray lined with wax paper to set completely.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Before serving these Irish potato candies, it is best to chill them first in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or freeze them for about two hours until firm.
Enjoy your delightful freshly-made Irish potato candies!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, fellow potato candy lovers! If you’re looking to put a twist on this classic Irish treat or adapt it to your dietary restrictions, I have some fantastic substitution ideas that’ll make your taste buds dance in delight. Whether you’re avoiding dairy or nuts, or simply want to try something different, these swaps will give you versatile versions of the evergreen Irish Potato Candy.
1. Cream cheese swap: While using creamy, tangy cream cheese is a classic ingredient for this recipe, you can replace it with vegan cream cheese if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan. You can also substitute equal amounts of ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese for a different texture and flavor.
2. Peanut butter swap: The combination of crunchy peanut butter and potatoes creates a sinfully delicious texture and nutty undertone. But if you can’t consume peanuts or don’t like them, consider using almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini paste. These ingredients will lend their own unique character to the potato candy while maintaining the delightful crunchiness.
3. Sweet potato variation: Who says Irish Potato Candy is only meant for regular potatoes? You can make an equally delicious variation using sweet potatoes. Simply cook and mash the sweet potato as per the recipe instructions and add sugar, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and other seasonings to create a softer yet irresistibly sweet candy.
4. Chocolate covered candy: Give your old fashioned potato candies a touch of extravagance by dipping them in melted chocolate. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate as per your preference and drizzle them with sprinkles if you like.
5. Swap sugar with maple syrup: If you’re steering clear of refined sugars, try substituting powdered sugar with 1/2 cup of maple syrup and reduce the quantity of cream cheese accordingly. This will give your Irish Potato Candy a mild maple sweetness and ooey-gooey consistency.
Remember, the variations and substitutions are endless with this recipe. So, feel free to experiment with flavors and textures to find your perfect Irish Potato Candy. Happy Cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Welcome back to my Irish Potato Candy Recipe! Now that you have made this delicious candy, let’s talk about how to serve and pair it perfectly. Irresistibly sweet and loaded with that subtle hint of mashed potatoes, Irish Potato Candies are an iconic dessert for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This sweet treat is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth, but it’s also an excellent addition to a dessert dish or served as a post-dinner treat.
When it comes to pairing, the flavor profile of Irish Potato Candies works well with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. The creamy texture compliments a cup of hot beverage beautifully. It’s also a great snack to have in between meals or bring as a gift to your friends or family. You can pack them in small bags and gift them as party favors, sell them at fairs or markets or enjoy them right out of your candy jar.
For dessert pairing, try serving Irish Potato Candies on a cake stand along with some grated coconut cupcakes. The delicate flavor of the cupcakes matches perfectly with the smooth cream cheese and potato mixture of the Irish potato candies for a delightful taste experience. Serve them on a platter in your dining room for more formal events or pack them in lunch boxes for an office treat.
The beauty of Irish Potato Candies is that they freeze incredibly well. To preserve their deliciousness for more extended periods, wrap each candy in plastic wrap before putting them in an airtight container in your freezer. They remain fresh up to three months! So go ahead and make multiple batches; they make for perfect homemade gifts too!
Overall, Irish Potato candies pair well with most desserts, snacks or hot beverages. Whether you’re enjoying them as an after-dinner treat or hosting a party, these delicacies are sure to complement any occasion with their irresistible taste and delightfully unique flavor profile.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made your delicious Irish Potato Candy, you may be wondering how to store it properly. This candy can be made ahead of time for any special occasion or simply to have on hand for a sweet treat. However, it’s important to know how to store and reheat it to achieve the best results.
If you plan on making this candy ahead of time, it’s best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will ensure that the candy remains fresh and maintains its desired texture. If stored in the right conditions, these treats will last up to one week.
To reheat the candy, simply place the desired amount on a plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be sure not to overheat the candy as this can cause the chocolate and peanut butter to melt and become too runny.
If you have leftovers that you’d like to save for later, simply freeze them in an airtight container. They will maintain their quality for several months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve your potato candy again, make sure to let it thaw and come back down to room temperature before serving. Trust me, this extra step is worth it!
Now that you know how to properly store and reheat your delicious Irish Potato Candy, you can make them ahead of time with confidence and enjoy them whenever you desire!
Tips for Perfect Results
As someone who has made Irish Potato Candy countless times, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make this candy recipe turn out perfectly. Here are my top tips for achieving perfect results every time:
1. Use room temperature ingredients
Make sure your cream cheese, butter, and mashed potatoes are all at room temperature before making the candy. This will help ensure that all the ingredients blend together smoothly and without any lumps.
2. Check the consistency of the candy
The goal is to achieve a smooth texture that is not too sticky or too dry. After mixing in the powdered sugar, check the consistency by pinching a small amount between your fingers. If it’s too sticky, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
3. Don’t overwork the dough
When mixing in the powdered sugar, be careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can cause the candy to become tough and dense.
4. Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture
For an extra crunch in your Irish Potato Candy, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
5. Store properly
Store your finished Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not freeze or refrigerate as this can alter the texture of the candy.
By following these tips and taking your time with each step of the recipe, you’ll be sure to impress with your delicious Irish Potato Candy.
FAQ
Now, let’s have a look at some of the most common questions people have about Irish Potato Candy. These FAQs aim to help you avoid any confusion or mistakes while making this delicious treat at home. Be sure to read through this section before getting started on your Irish Potato Candy recipe.
What is Irish potato candy made of?
Irish potato candy is a confection that resembles miniature potatoes. The candy is created from a blend of butter, cream cheese, confectioners powdered sugar, shredded coconut and vanilla. Cinnamon is added to the mixture to give the candy a potato-like appearance.
What is potato candy made of?
Potato candy is made using mashed potatoes, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients to create this delicious treat.
What are the ingredients in Oh Ryan’s Irish potatoes?
For this recipe, we’ll need some sweet ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, and Maxinvert (invert sugar). Additionally, we’ll also use coconut (with no sodium metabisulfite added), as well as butter (a dairy product). To enhance the texture and thickness of the mixture, we’ll add Binosol-15 (made from tapioca starch), and to enhance the flavor, we’ll include coconut and vanilla flavoring, as well as a dash of cinnamon and some citric acid for a bit of tanginess.
What is the origin of the Irish potato candy?
A confection that has gained popularity in certain regions is the Irish potato candy. It consists of a mixture of ingredients such as cream cheese, sugar, and coconut shaped into balls and coated with cinnamon to resemble small potatoes. The origins of this sweet treat are believed to date back to the late 1800s or early 1900s in Philadelphia.
Bottom Line
Now that you have all of the necessary information to make the perfect Irish Potato Candy, what are you waiting for? The combination of crunchy peanut butter, mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and cream cheese will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Not only is this candy easy to make, but it’s a great conversation starter during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you want to impress your friends and family.
So gather all of the ingredients listed above and dive into the recipe how-to. Don’t forget to check out the substitutions and variations section for ideas on how to switch things up. And once you’ve perfected your Irish Potato Candy, be sure to share it with loved ones or take it as a sweet treat to your next party.
In conclusion, this traditional candy recipe is not only delicious but also a fun and unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or to simply enjoy an old-fashioned candy made with potatoes. So go ahead and give it a try! Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite dessert.
Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup hot mashed potatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) jar crunchy peanut butter
Instructions
- Mix sifted sugar into potatoes a little at a time by hand. (Don't panic when potatoes liquify as the first sugar is added. This is what it's supposed to do. Just keep adding sugar until it is pastry consistency.) Sprinkle wax paper with additional powdered sugar. Take baseball-sized ball of mixture and roll out like pastry. Spread with peanut butter and roll like a jelly roll. Wrap rolls in plastic wrap; chill and slice.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.