Did you know a simple potato can turn into a delicious candy? Get ready to be amazed by this easy 3-ingredient, no-bake potato candy recipe. It’s a treat that’s perfect for peanut butter fans and great for gifts. It’s a classic that’s hard to mess up, thanks to its few ingredients and no baking needed.
Key Takeaways
- This easy 3-ingredient, no-bake potato candy recipe is a surprisingly delicious and addictive treat.
- The recipe requires only a small russet potato, 6-8 cups of powdered sugar, and 2/3 cup of peanut butter.
- Potato candy can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days and yields approximately 164 calories per serving.
- The recipe calls for 50 pieces to be made, indicating a serving size.
- This classic sweet treat is perfect for peanut butter lovers and is easy to make without any baking.
But what exactly is potato candy, and how did this unassuming ingredient become the star of a beloved old-fashioned treat? Prepare to uncover the fascinating history and irresistible appeal of this unique confection.
What is Potato Candy?
A Surprisingly Delicious Old-Fashioned Treat
Potato candy is a sweet treat that has been loved for years. It doesn’t taste like potatoes at all. Instead, mashed potatoes help mix with powdered sugar to make a creamy fudge.
This recipe was a hit during the Great Depression. It used mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. These ingredients made a tasty and affordable candy.
Now, potato candy is a favorite from the past. It offers a rich, sweet taste that brings back happy memories. If you want to try something new and tasty, this old fashioned potato candy recipe is perfect.
“Potato candy is a unique and unexpected treat that harks back to the resourcefulness of the Great Depression era. Its creamy, fudge-like texture and sweet, peanut butter flavor make it a truly delightful confection.”
The History of Potato Candy
The origins of potato candy are a topic of debate. Some say it started in Germany and came to the United States. Others think it has Irish, Russian, or Pennsylvania Dutch roots. It became a hit during the Great Depression era because it used cheap ingredients like potatoes.
It’s believed that potato candy became popular in the Appalachian region. This area was settled by European immigrants. The recipe was simple and used peanut butter for the filling. But, some now use Nutella for a different taste.
The Irish potato candy is thought to have started in Philadelphia in the late 19th or early 20th century. This was when the city had a big Irish community. Today, companies like Oh Ryan’s use shelf-stable buttercream. But, some local makers still use the old cream cheese filling.
The classic potato candy recipe makes about 36 candies. It includes powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, coconut, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Each candy has about 151 calories, with 7g of fat, 5g of saturated fat, 20g of carbs, and 17g of sugar.
“The potato candy recipe became popular during the Depression era for its few and relatively cheap ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This potato candy recipe
Looking for a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and delicious? This potato candy recipe is perfect. It mixes mashed potatoes with peanut butter for a fudge-like texture that’s irresistible.
This potato candy is loved for many reasons. It needs only a few ingredients and no baking. It’s a family favorite passed down through generations. Its creamy texture and classic flavor make it great for gifts or personal treats.
The recipe’s benefits go beyond taste. Mashed potatoes add a unique twist and provide complex carbs and nutrients. You can also try different nut butters or add cinnamon for a festive touch.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to potato candy, this recipe will win your heart. Try it and enjoy this old-fashioned yet modern treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple Ingredients for a Classic Treat
To make this tasty potato candy, you only need a few easy ingredients. The main ingredient is a small, cooked potato. It’s the base of the sweet treat.
Powdered sugar is mixed with the mashed potato to make the candy dough. Then, creamy peanut butter is spread on the dough. After that, the dough is rolled into a log. A bit of vanilla extract can be added for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet Potato, cooked and mashed | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 6-8 cups |
| Creamy Peanut Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
The secret to this potato candy ingredients list is using a real, cooked potato. Don’t use instant potatoes because they’re too watery. Russet potatoes work best for this what do you need to make potato candy recipe.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a sweet and nostalgic treat. It’s a classic confection that will satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Potato Candy
Making homemade potato candy is easy and fun. It results in a sweet treat that’s full of old-fashioned charm. Follow this how to make potato candy guide to make this classic confection at home.
- First, cook a small russet potato until it’s very tender, about 20 minutes. Then, mash it until it’s smooth and creamy, giving you about 1/2 cup of mashed potato.
- In a big mixing bowl, add 6-7 cups of powdered sugar to the mashed potato, mixing well after each cup. The mix should become a thick, playdough-like potato candy dough.
- Next, dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, about 2 feet long.
- Spread a layer of peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter) evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log, starting from the short side. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm.
- After chilling, slice the log into 3/4-inch thick pieces. These are your potato candy pinwheels. Serve and enjoy this delicious old-fashioned treat!
The secret to this step by step potato candy recipe is powdered sugar. It makes the dough perfect for shaping. Work quickly when rolling and shaping the dough, as it can dry out easily. Any leftover dough can be rolled into a ball, coated in cocoa powder, and made into mini candies.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can make a batch of homemade potato candy. This nostalgic treat is great for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying as a sweet snack any time of day.
potato candy recipe Tips and Variations
Customizing Your Potato Candy
To make sure your potato candy is perfect, remember a few key tips. First, let the cooked potato cool down completely before mixing it with powdered sugar. If the potato is warm, it can melt the sugar, making the dough too wet.
Be careful with the powdered sugar amount. Start with 6 cups and add more if needed to get the right consistency. The exact amount depends on how moist your mashed potato is.
Want to try something different? Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a fall flavor. The recipe author suggests using Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes for a buttery taste and smooth texture.
Don’t waste leftover melted chocolate. Harden it in the fridge and break it into pieces for later use. This way, you can use every bit of your ingredients.
| Potato Candy Tips | Potato Candy Variations |
|---|---|
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By following these tips and trying out different variations, you can make your potato candy your own. This way, you can create a delicious homemade treat that you’ll love.
Storing and Gifting Potato Candy
After enjoying homemade potato candy, you’ll want to keep it fresh and share it. Storing it properly is crucial to keep its taste and texture. You can store leftover potato candy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
When giving potato candy as a gift, use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Include a note to keep it chilled. This makes a great homemade gift, especially during the holidays.
The recipe for Old Fashioned Potato Candy is simple. It needs just a medium potato, 2 bags of powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Roll it out to 1/4″ thick, chill for 2 hours, then cut into 1/4″ slices.
During the Great Depression, potato candy was a hit because it was cheap. This recipe is over 100 years old and still loved today. It makes 30 slices, with only 136 calories per slice, making it a guilt-free treat to share.
The potato flavor is not noticeable in the candy’s taste. It helps bind the ingredients. Adding vanilla or crunchy peanut butter can improve the taste and texture.
More No-Bake Candy Recipes
If you like this potato candy recipe, check out my other no-bake candy recipes. You’ll find Spring Confetti Crock Pot Candy, Soft Caramels, and Best Ever Caramel Corn. These treats are great for a sweet fix or as homemade gifts.
The Irish potato candy recipe makes about 25 pieces. It needs 4 ounces of cream cheese, 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 cups of shredded coconut. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with 15 minutes for making and 30 for chilling.
These no-bake recipes are easy to store. Keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months. You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut, whichever you prefer.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
You can also add different fillings to the potato candy. Try chopped nuts, candied cherries, or chocolate. The size of the potato changes how much powdered sugar you need, so adjust the recipe accordingly.
These no-bake candy recipes are perfect for quick sweet fixes. Try the potato candy and enjoy these easy treats!
Conclusion
This easy potato candy recipe is a tasty treat for peanut butter fans and candy lovers. It only needs a few ingredients and no baking. It’s a classic sweet that’s simple to make at home.
It’s great to enjoy by yourself or share as a thoughtful gift. This potato candy will surely make someone’s day. Try this unique recipe for a sweet taste of the past.
The potato candy recipe uses instant mashed potatoes, a versatile and affordable pantry item. Potato flakes are great for binding meatballs or making crispy breading. In this candy, the potato adds a subtle flavor, letting the peanut butter and sugar take center stage.
Indulge in a piece of this old-fashioned potato candy for a taste of the past. Its easy making and delicious taste make it a new favorite. Enjoy this delightful treat!
FAQ
What is potato candy?
Potato candy is a sweet treat from the past. It’s made with mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter.
What are the origins of potato candy?
The exact start of potato candy is unclear. Some say it came from Germany and then to the U.S. Others think it’s from Ireland, Russia, or Pennsylvania Dutch. But it was loved during the Great Depression for being cheap to make.
Why is this potato candy recipe so easy to make?
This recipe is simple. You need just three things: potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. The potatoes make it creamy, while the sugar and nut butter add sweetness and taste.
What makes this potato candy recipe so delicious?
The mix of potatoes, sugar, and peanut butter makes it creamy and fudge-like. It’s a treat that’s both old-fashioned and tasty. It’s especially good for those who love peanut butter.
How do I store and gift potato candy?
Keep leftover potato candy in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For gifts, wrap small pieces in wax paper to keep them from sticking. Don’t forget to tell the recipient to keep it cold.
