If you are craving a nostalgic treat that brings back the warmth of grandma’s kitchen, then this Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe is just what you need. This charmingly simple candy combines the creamy softness of mashed potatoes with the sweet richness of powdered sugar and peanut butter to create a unique, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Not only is it an easy recipe to whip up, but it also offers a surprising balance of flavors and textures that capture the essence of old-time sweets, making it perfect for sharing or savoring by yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find this Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients, but each plays a crucial role. From the potato lending moisture and smoothness, to the peanut butter adding that luscious, nutty finish, every component is essential to making this candy absolutely irresistible.
- 1 medium potato, peeled and sliced: Acts as the creamy base that creates the candy’s soft, pliable texture.
- 2 tablespoons real butter: Adds richness and helps make the mixture smooth and luscious.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor in the candy.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall taste.
- 2 pounds powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture to the perfect consistency; plus, keep extra on hand for rolling.
- 1 jar creamy peanut butter (16 ounces): Provides the classic, creamy filling that complements the sweet dough beautifully.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Potato
Start by peeling and slicing the potato, then cook it in a small pan of water until very tender. This step is essential because the softness of the potato ensures your candy will have that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. After boiling, drain off all the water carefully to avoid making your mixture watery.
Step 2: Mashing and Flavoring the Potato
Next, mash the potato along with the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and lump-free. This creamy base will carry all the flavors and help bind the candy together, so take your time to create a perfectly smooth mixture.
Step 3: Adding the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar on low speed. This takes a bit of patience, but it’s important to add the sugar slowly until the dough becomes thick, sticky, and workable. This sweetness is what transforms the simple mashed potato into a candy that tastes indulgent and satisfying.
Step 4: Rolling Out the Candy Mixture
Dust your work surface liberally with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then roll out the candy dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This step prepares the candy to be filled and rolled into that iconic pinwheel shape that everyone loves.
Step 5: Spreading the Peanut Butter
Spread a thin, even layer of creamy peanut butter over the surface of your rolled-out candy, leaving a small border around the edges. The contrast of the smooth, salty peanut butter against the sweet candy exterior is what makes this recipe truly memorable.
Step 6: Rolling, Chilling, and Slicing
Carefully roll the candy up from one edge, then place it in the freezer to chill until firm. Once chilled, slice into bite-sized pieces that showcase the beautiful swirl of candy and peanut butter inside. These little rounds are as pretty as they are delicious!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe extra special, sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of each slice. These simple additions elevate the presentation and add delightful texture and flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even cold milk. It also goes well alongside simple desserts like fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream, balancing the candy’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, wrap the slices individually in wax paper or cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. You can also arrange the candy on a platter with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a fun, vintage-inspired display that will captivate your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the candy’s freshness and texture for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy this treat long after you make it.
Freezing
If you want to save your candy for longer, freeze the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Frozen candy can last up to three months and is just as delicious once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake candy, reheating is not necessary. Simply let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Is it really made with potatoes?
Yes! The potato acts as a creamy base that helps give the candy its soft texture and subtle flavor, making it uniquely delicious.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
You can experiment, but sweet potatoes might add an unexpected sweetness and change the texture slightly. The classic recipe calls for regular potatoes for best results.
What if I don’t like peanut butter?
Feel free to substitute with other spreads like Nutella, cream cheese frosting, or jam. The roll and slice technique still works beautifully with different fillings.
How sweet is this candy?
It has a balanced sweetness thanks to the powdered sugar, but the peanut butter filling adds a salty richness that keeps it from being overly sweet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, it’s a perfect treat for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and downright delightful to eat. Sharing this sweet, nostalgic treat with loved ones is like passing down a delicious piece of history. I hope you give it a try soon and experience the joy this charming candy brings to any table.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a nostalgic treat made from mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter. This unique recipe creates a sweet, soft, and slightly sticky candy roll that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 1 medium potato, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons real butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Candy Mixture
- 2 pounds powdered sugar (plus more for rolling out candy)
- 1 jar creamy peanut butter (16 ounces, may not use all)
Instructions
- Cook the Potato: Peel and slice the potato. Cook it in a small pan of water over medium heat until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain off the water completely to avoid excess moisture.
- Mash the Potato Mixture: Mash the cooked potato with real butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a consistent texture for the candy base.
- Combine with Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing at a low speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes thick, dense, and slightly sticky, creating the perfect candy dough consistency.
- Roll Out the Candy Mixture: Generously dust a surface with powdered sugar and roll out the candy dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, making it easy to spread and roll later.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Evenly spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over the rolled-out candy dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the candy up tightly from one edge to the other. Place the roll in the freezer for a short time to firm up, then slice into 24 pieces for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the potato is mashed completely smooth to avoid lumps in the candy texture.
- If the candy dough feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
- Use creamy peanut butter for easy spreading and a smooth texture; crunchy peanut butter may cause unevenness when rolling.
- For best results, chill the rolled candy before slicing to get clean pieces.
- Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
