Soft, creamy, and dusted in cinnamon for that classic earthy look, Irish Potato Candy is the quirky, irresistible treat you’ll want to share with everyone (while sneaking a few pieces for yourself first). Despite the name, there’s absolutely no potato in sight—just a delightful blend of rich cream cheese, butter, sweetened coconut, and a playful coating that fools everyone at first glance. Each bite is a nostalgic throwback to old-school candy shops and St. Patrick’s Day festivities, making Irish Potato Candy a standout recipe for both holiday gatherings and everyday sweet cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Irish Potato Candy is that it leans on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that magically transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the creamy richness to the snowy sweetness and the spicy, cinnamon-dusted finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Packs sweetness and helps create the silky-smooth, non-gritty texture that makes these candies melt in your mouth.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Lends structure and a subtle richness, balancing the cream cheese and giving the candy its signature lushness.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a whisper of vanilla deepens the flavor and adds that little something that keeps you reaching for another bite.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Brings tang and creaminess, making the candies decadently smooth and slightly tangy to offset the sweetness.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: The chewy, tropical flecks give these candies their fabulous, almost-confetti texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Don’t skip this! Rolling each “potato” in cinnamon gives them their fun, earthy appearance and adds a warm, fragrant note.
How to Make Irish Potato Candy
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together your softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. This creamy duo is the backbone of Irish Potato Candy, creating a silky base that’s ready to soak up all the sweetness to come. Make sure both are truly at room temperature—this ensures your mixture is ultra-smooth, not lumpy.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar
Next, pour in the vanilla extract and blend until combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar eruption in your kitchen. Watch as the mixture comes together, thickening and becoming airy with each addition. Don’t rush this part—the powdery snowdrift of sugar is what gives the candy its structure.
Step 3: Stir in the Coconut
With your creamy mixture ready, it’s time to fold in the sweetened shredded coconut. Stir until the coconut is evenly distributed—those tiny slivers add a chewy bite and make every piece of Irish Potato Candy a celebration of texture.
Step 4: Shape the Candies
Now for the fun part! Scoop up a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a small, potato-like oval—think about the size of a grape. If things get sticky, chill your mixture for a few minutes or very lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon
Pour the ground cinnamon onto a plate. Gently roll each “potato” in cinnamon until it’s fully coated, giving it that classic, earthy look. The cinnamon adds a touch of warmth, making Irish Potato Candy taste as special as it looks.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Arrange the finished candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least one hour, letting them firm up so they hold their shape perfectly for serving or gifting. This brief chill is the secret to their signature bite.
How to Serve Irish Potato Candy
Garnishes
Let your creativity shine by adding a final flourish—maybe a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a tiny green sprinkle for a playful St. Patrick’s Day twist. If you want to get fancy, tuck a mini mint leaf or tiny edible flower on the platter for charm.
Side Dishes
Irish Potato Candy pairs delightfully with a cup of strong black tea, fresh coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a party, arrange them alongside fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or a platter of chocolate truffles to offer a colorful, irresistible dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic candy boxes lined with parchment or rustic tins make these sweet treats feel like a treasure. Try serving each “potato” in a tiny cupcake liner to keep things tidy and charming, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece. For St. Patrick’s Day, nestle them into baskets of green tissue or tuck a few into clear baggies with a gold twist tie for festive edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish Potato Candy is a dream when it comes to staying fresh—just store the candies in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Layer them between sheets of parchment to keep each “potato” looking pristine. They’ll happily last for up to two weeks, making them perfect for advance prep or nibbling over several days.
Freezing
If you’re looking to enjoy your Irish Potato Candy even further out, you can freeze them! Arrange the candies in a single layer (with parchment or wax paper between them) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their shape and flavor for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No reheating required here—these candies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If they’ve been stored in the fridge or freezer, simply let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before treating yourself.
FAQs
Is Irish Potato Candy actually made with potatoes?
Nope! Despite the clever name and appearance, there are absolutely no potatoes in the recipe. The “potato” part comes from their rustic look when rolled in cinnamon, which mimics the humble spud with a sweet twist.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
You can swap in unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet candy, but the texture may be a bit drier and the overall flavor less rich. For classic Irish Potato Candy, sweetened coconut offers just the right chew and taste.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is essential for the signature silky texture and slight tang, but in a pinch, a thick, full-fat mascarpone could do the trick. Avoid substitutions like ricotta or spreads—they just don’t bring the same magic.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cinnamon for coating?
Absolutely! If you want a deeper, chocolatey “dirt,” cocoa powder works beautifully. Some folks even mix cocoa and cinnamon for a bolder flavor and an extra touch of whimsy.
How far ahead can I make Irish Potato Candy?
These candies are happiest when made ahead! You can prepare Irish Potato Candy up to two weeks in advance and store them in the fridge. Just keep them covered so they don’t pick up any fridge flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making and sharing Irish Potato Candy—the process is easy, the results are adorable, and the taste is pure nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, loading up a candy tray, or just craving a no-bake treat, give this recipe a try. I promise, one batch and you’ll be hooked!
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Irish Potato Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat that resembles tiny potatoes but is made with powdered sugar, cream cheese, and coconut. These sweet, cinnamon-coated candies are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion.
Ingredients
Potato Candy:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Cinnamon Coating:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Candy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
- Incorporate Coconut: Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the Candy: Form the mixture into small, potato-shaped balls about 1 inch in size. Roll each candy in ground cinnamon to coat, resembling tiny potatoes.
- Chill and Serve: Place the candies on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Irish Potato Candy does not contain actual potatoes—it’s a sweet confection named for its appearance.
- Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For variety, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or using cocoa powder instead of cinnamon for a different coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
