Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Don’t be fooled by the name—there aren’t any potatoes involved, but these bite-sized sweets get their quirky charm from a generous roll in cinnamon, creating a spud-like appearance. Rich, creamy, and flecked with coconut, this classic Irish-American confection is a staple for St. Patrick’s Day and always draws oohs and aahs from family and friends. Whether you’re making them with kids or sharing them at a party, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients—each one essential for getting the taste and texture just right. The magic really happens when creamy, sweet, and lightly spiced flavors come together in one irresistible candy.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Gives the candy a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly soft without being greasy.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds wonderful tanginess and creaminess that makes every bite smooth and luscious.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a deep, fragrant sweetness that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Essential for creating that sweet, doughy base—be sure to sift for the smoothest results!
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut (2 1/2 cups): The star of the show for chewy texture and extra flavor in every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for coating): This is the finishing touch that gives Irish Potato Candy its classic “spud” look and a warm, spicy kick.
How to Make Irish Potato Candy
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and your hand mixer or sturdy spoon. Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is essential for a luxurious base—no lumps allowed!
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Drizzle in the vanilla extract and give it a good mix. Now the base is fragrant and sweet, setting the stage for all the other flavors to shine.
Step 3: Mix in the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. By the end, you’ll have a thick, sticky dough that’s easy to shape (and hard to resist sneaking a taste!).
Step 4: Fold in the Shredded Coconut
Add all the shredded coconut and gently fold it through until it’s evenly distributed. The coconut should be totally integrated, making every bite perfectly chewy and delicious.
Step 5: Shape the Candies
Scoop up small amounts of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands. This is a great step to do with kids or friends—just beware of sticky fingers!
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon
Pour the ground cinnamon into a shallow dish. Roll each candy ball in the cinnamon until completely coated, creating that signature “potato” look.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place all your finished candies on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Once chilled, your Irish Potato Candy is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Irish Potato Candy
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon just before serving always wins hearts, but for a fun twist, try rolling a few candies in cocoa powder or even a blend of cinnamon and powdered sugar. If you’re feeling festive, a tiny sprig of mint on the platter adds a fresh pop of green.
Side Dishes
While Irish Potato Candy is a joy all on its own, pair it with a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea or smooth espresso for the perfect afternoon treat. At a party, serve alongside other no-bake morsels like chocolate truffles or fudgy brownies for a candy buffet everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your candies on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment for a homey touch, or pile them into a potato sack or basket for an extra bit of whimsy. Mini cupcake liners make for cute, mess-free individual servings, and a sprinkle of edible gold glitter is a charming nod to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish Potato Candy stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Layer the candies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these delightful treats! Arrange the candies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, so you can make a batch ahead and pull out a few whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
No reheating required here—these candies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored them in the freezer, let them thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter until soft enough to bite.
FAQs
Is Irish Potato Candy actually made with potatoes?
Despite the name, there are absolutely no potatoes in Irish Potato Candy! The name comes from their uncanny resemblance to little potatoes, thanks to their cinnamon-coated exterior.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
You certainly can, but keep in mind that unsweetened coconut will make the candies a bit less sweet and slightly drier. If you go this route, consider adding a tablespoon or two of milk to help with moisture.
Are there any nut-free alternatives or additions?
Yes! This recipe is already nut-free, but you can add a little crunch by rolling your finished candies in finely chopped pistachios (for a spot of green) or toasted coconut, or leave the original recipe as-is for a completely nut-free treat.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Irish Potato Candy is a fantastic make-ahead dessert for parties or potlucks. Doubling the ingredients is straightforward—just use a large enough bowl for mixing and plan for extra chill time if your fridge is packed.
What’s the best way to transport these candies?
For get-togethers or gifting, store the candies in a sturdy, airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. This keeps them fresh and prevents any sticking or smudging while you’re on the go.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Irish Potato Candy before, you’re in for a real treat. These sweets are pure comfort—an old-fashioned favorite with plenty of room for your own creative touches. Gather your ingredients, get the family involved, and make some delicious memories together!
Print
Irish Potato Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 30 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness of Irish Potato Candy. These no-bake treats are a delightful addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration, with a unique texture and flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Incorporate Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in ground cinnamon until fully coated.
- Chill and Serve: Place the candies on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Despite the name, there are no actual potatoes in this candy—it gets its name from the potato-like appearance.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
