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Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is not only a delicious holiday candy to eat, it’s super fun and easy to make and you only need 3 ingredients. It’s also no-bake. What’s not to love?

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

 

And yes, it really does have potato in it. But you totally can’t taste them. They do act as a great binder for the dough and preven this candy from being too sweet.

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy- only 3 ingredients

 

A potato, powdered sugar, and peanut butter are all you need to make this delicious Old-Fashioned Potato Candy. It’s kind of a miracle that 3 ingredients can come together and form such a fabulous treat. This recipe has been around for ages. I think since the Great Depression when it was popular because the ingredients were inexpensive and readily available.

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

You actually can’t taste the potato at all. It just acts as a glue to hold the powdered sugar together. You’ll only need a small potato which should equal about 1/2 cup once cooked and mashed. Don’t worry if you are a little over or under. You will work the powdered sugar in gradually until it forms a putty-like dough. Just add less or more sugar to get the right consistency.

Besides getting the consistency right, you really can’t mess it up.

Potato Candy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy- only 3 ingredients

Try These Other Old-Fashioned Candy Recipes:

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

Only 3 ingredients needed to make this easy candy! Has lots of peabut butter flavor and will definitely satisfy a sweet tooth!
PREP: 1 hour
COOK: 0 minutes
TOTAL: 1 hour
SERVINGS: 24 pieces

Ingredients

  • 1 small russet potato, peeled and sliced
  • 6-8 cups powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  • Place potato in a small pan and cover with water. Cook until very tender. Drain and place in a large bowl.
  • Use a hand mixer to beat the potato until it is lump-free.
  • Add 4 cups of powdered sugar and beat until mixed well.
  • Continue to mix powdered sugar in 1 cup at a time until thick. (It should have the consistency of putty or cookie dough.)
  • Place on a large piece of waxed paper that has been lightly coated with powdered sugar. Sprinkle some more powdered sugar on top.
  • Roll potato mixture out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
  • Spread evenly with peanut butter.
  • Starting at a long side, roll up tightly like you would cinnamon rolls. Wrap in wax paper, cut in half and place both pieces in a large ziptop bag.
  • Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
  • Remove wax paper and cut into 3/4-inch slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal
Author: Christin Mahrlig
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas

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67 thoughts on “Old-Fashioned Potato Candy”

  1. James Rutledge

    I’ve had this for years because of my mother and grandmother. I’ve also made it myself. But I was wondering, could you use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?

    1. It has to be powdered sugar. It will not mix correctly to make a dough if it is any type of granulated sugar

    2. We used to shape the “dough” into potato shapes and roll in cinnamon. Looked liked potatoes! Also good with coconut added.

    1. Tamara McEowen

      Awesome sweet!!

      If mixture is sticky, add more sugar.
      If mixture is runny, continue adding sugar.
      **NOTE: When you add sugar to your mashed potato, it will become runny. Have faith, add more sugar!! The mixture will eventually become firm like a cookie dough and be pliable for using the rolling pin. **

  2. When you slice them for serving, will they be sticky or will they have the feel of cookies or candy?

  3. Have been making this for years BUT I used leftover mashed potatoes and a splash of vanilla. Last time I also added cocoa to the powdered sugar and sifted both together well. The dough turned out good and it was a nice change.

  4. Jackie Dumbra

    This is my first time making potato candy. I was wondering if anything else could be added, besides peanut butter?

  5. Sherry L Brown

    How much does this make? I need quite a lot. Can’t wait! My dad makes this every so often over the holidays but not for awhile now. I’m going to surprise him!

  6. Holly McCullough

    I’m so glad you shared this! My grandma made these every Christmas and none of us could remember her ingredients. Who would have thought potato? Thank you!

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