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?
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 prevent this candy from being too sweet.
Peanut butter gets rolled up in a mixture of potatoes and powdered sugar to create an awesome peanut butter-flavored dessert.
I love a good old-fashioned recipe and this is one of my favorites. I’m a huge fan of passing down recipes through the generations. It’s an important part of what makes us feel connected to past generations.
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.
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.
Recipe Tips
When you first start to add the powdered sugar, the mixture will get watery. Keep adding it until it develops a putty-like texture.
Do not use any type of sugar other than powdered sugar. The consistency will not be right.
Variations
- Use any kind of nut butter. Almond, cashew or pecan are all delicious.
- Use Cookie Butter.
- Use Nutella.
- Add some ground cinnamon.
Storage
Potato Candy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItTry These Other Old-Fashioned Candy Recipes
- Martha Washington Candy
- Classic Rum Balls
- Buckeye Balls
- Cream Cheese Mints
- Bourbon Balls
- Vanilla Wafer Bourbon Balls
Old-Fashioned Potato Candy
Equipment
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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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.
Can you use red potatoes?
Yes, it’s the starch that’s really making it…
This is my first time making potato candy. I was wondering if anything else could be added, besides peanut butter?
I sub Nutella for the pb sometimes for a chocolate version
OMG! I so have to try that.
I always add a pinch of salt to the whipped potatoes. It elevates the flavor.
Can potatoe candy be froze?
my mom sprinkled the peanut butter with coconut before rolling it up
How do you get the consistency right?😞😞
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!
LOVE these things. School cafeteria always ran out of this dessert.
My mom used to make this mine got sticky is this normal and what did do wrong
Just add more powdered sugar if it is sticky.
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!