This old-fashioned potato candy is a nostalgic treat our great-grandmothers made. Don’t be put off by the mashed potatoes — combined with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and creamy peanut butter, it becomes a surprisingly delicious candy.
This post is sponsored by Wada Farms.
Whether you’re curious or already a fan, this recipe is simple to make. The mashed potatoes act as the base that binds the mixture. When combined with powdered sugar and worked to a smooth consistency, the potato flavor becomes nearly undetectable and the dough rolls and slices like a sweet confection.
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
The classic version uses creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. I’ve always used creamy and never crunchy, but if you prefer a bit of crunch you can experiment — just know the texture will be different.
Can I Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Do not use seasoned leftover mashed potatoes. They often contain milk, butter and seasonings that affect flavor and texture, preventing the dough from firming correctly.
If preparing mashed potatoes specifically for this recipe, reserve about 1/2 cup after boiling. Make sure the potato is well drained, dried and completely cooled. Any excess moisture will ruin the dough.
Why are my potatoes watery?
Watery potatoes typically come from boiling. For this candy, avoid adding extra water. Baking or microwaving the potato keeps it drier and helps the dough reach the right consistency. If your potatoes are watery, the mixture won’t set and you’ll need to start again.
Can I Use Unsalted Butter?
Yes. If you use unsalted butter, add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
Recipe Tips
I make this candy often when family requests it. A few tips to help you get the best results:
- Make sure the mashed potato is completely cooled. Don’t refrigerate it ahead of time or it will dry out.
- Be prepared to use a bit more powdered sugar than listed. You’re aiming for a workable, non-sticky dough similar to cookie dough.
- Powdered sugar helps tremendously: dust your work surface, rolling pin and the dough itself to prevent sticking and to make rolling easier.
What candy is made from potatoes?
Potato candy is the classic example. While not widely known everywhere, many people — especially in parts of the Eastern U.S. — remember it from family traditions.
Where did potato candy come from?
Potato candy has roots in Europe, with versions tracing back to Germany. At its simplest, it’s a mixture of potato and powdered sugar formed into a sweet dough.
Does potato candy need to be refrigerated?
Yes — chill the rolled candy briefly so the dough firms up. After it has set, you can store the pieces at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for up to a week.
What’s the difference between Potato Candy and Irish Potato Candy?
Irish potato candy is shaped and dusted to look like small potatoes, typically coated in cocoa powder to mimic the appearance, and it usually omits peanut butter.
What kind of potato is best to use for a potato candy recipe?
Use a russet potato. Its starchy, drier texture works better than softer gold or red potatoes.
Ingredients Needed for Potato Candy Recipe
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp salted butter, softened (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6–8 cups powdered sugar (add until dough is non-sticky)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Recipe Tip
For clean, even slices, wipe the knife with a towel between cuts.
How To Make Potato Candy
Wash the potato, pierce it with a fork and microwave for about 7 minutes, turning halfway through, until fork-tender. If needed, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments. Remove the flesh from the skin and let it cool completely.
Place the cooled mashed potato in a large bowl and add the softened butter. Mix until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, fully mixing between additions. Aim for a dough that resembles cookie dough — firm enough to shape and roll without sticking to your hands.
Generously dust a flat work surface with powdered sugar. Place the potato dough on the surface, sprinkle more powdered sugar on top, and knead just a few times to bring it together. Divide the dough in half.
Roll each portion into a rectangle about 1/4″ thick. Spread an even layer of creamy peanut butter over the dough, leaving a 1/4″ border.
Starting at the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm up.
Unwrap and slice into 1/4″ to 1/2″ pieces. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Enjoy your homemade potato candy — bite-sized, sweet and nostalgic.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
- Copycat Crumbl Lemon Blackberry Cookie — a must-try cookie.
- Apple Pie Tacos — a quick fusion of tacos and apple pie.
- Fresh Blueberry Galette — a simple, impressive warm-from-the-oven dessert.
- Oatmeal Raspberry Cookies — irresistibly good bite after bite.
Potato Candy
Ingredients
- 1/2 c mashed potatoes room temperature
- 2 tbsp salted butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6-8 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 c creamy peanut butter
Instructions
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Wash the potato, pierce with a fork and microwave about 7 minutes, turning halfway, until fork-tender. Remove the potato flesh and cool completely.
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Place cooled mashed potato in a large bowl, add butter and mix until smooth.
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Stir in vanilla.
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Slowly add powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing fully between additions, until the dough is firm and non-sticky.
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Dust your work surface with powdered sugar and place the dough on it, sprinkling more sugar on top.
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Roll the dough to about 1/4″ thickness in a rectangle shape.
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Spread an even layer of peanut butter, leaving a 1/4″ border.
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Roll tightly from the long side, wrap in plastic and chill about 10 minutes.
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Slice into 1/4″ to 1/2″ pieces and serve.
Video
Notes
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled; refrigerating them beforehand will dry them out.
- You may need more powdered sugar to reach a non-sticky, workable dough.
- Keep powdered sugar on your surface and tools to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Why We Love Wada Farms
Wada Farms is a family-run operation with a long history of sustainable farming. Founded in 1943 on 160 acres in Pingree, Idaho, the company has grown into one of the country’s leading suppliers of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes. Their consistent quality is why we trust their produce for recipes like this.
