Homemade Potato Candy: An Old-Fashioned No-Bake Treat with Peanut Butter
Discover the delightful simplicity of old-fashioned potato candy! This unique, no-bake treat is surprisingly soft, wonderfully sweet, and boasts a creamy peanut butter filling that will leave you craving more. Made with just three pantry-staple ingredients, it’s the perfect homemade confection for holiday gift-giving, special occasions, or simply a nostalgic indulgence. Don’t let the name fool you – this candy doesn’t taste like potatoes at all, but rather offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that has charmed generations.
Why This Easy Potato Candy Recipe Works
This potato candy recipe isn’t just a classic; it’s a testament to the magic of simple ingredients creating something truly extraordinary. Its incredible ease of preparation is a major draw, making it a beloved confection, especially during the busy holiday season. If you’re new to the concept of “potato candy,” you might be thinking, “Potatoes in candy? Really?” And yes, really! But here’s the best part: it absolutely does *not* taste like potatoes. Instead, the humble potato acts as a remarkable binder and gives the candy its signature tender, smooth texture, allowing the rich sweetness of powdered sugar and the nutty flavor of peanut butter to shine through.
This old-fashioned confection is often passed down through families, a cherished secret that delights everyone who tries it. It’s perfect for beginner candy makers as it requires no cooking over a stove, no thermometers, and minimal specialized equipment. The result is a tender, sweet, and slightly chewy peanut butter-filled candy roll that looks impressive but is incredibly simple to whip up. You only need powdered sugar, your favorite peanut butter, and a single russet potato to create these irresistible treats. Paired with other easy-to-make goodies like microwave caramels, homemade potato candy makes an impressive and thoughtful gift, ideal for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings or as a sweet surprise anytime.
Ingredients You Will Need for Potato Candy
Making homemade potato candy is wonderfully straightforward, primarily due to the short and sweet ingredient list. For the exact measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version of this recipe, please refer to the recipe card located at the end of this post. Before you begin, gather your ingredients and ensure they are ready for use to make the process even smoother.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect potato candy. Here’s a closer look, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas:
POTATO – You’ll need one medium-sized russet potato, typically weighing about 5 to 5-1/2 ounces, to yield approximately 20 pieces of delicious candy. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content and fluffy texture when mashed, which helps them absorb the powdered sugar beautifully and contribute to the candy’s signature soft consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they can lead to a stickier, less pliable dough. It’s crucial not to season the potato or add anything to it during boiling or mashing – we want its natural, neutral flavor to allow the sweetness and peanut butter to dominate. If you’re looking to make a larger batch for a party or extensive gift-giving, feel free to easily double or triple the recipe ingredients.
POWDERED SUGAR – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is the main sweetener and structural component of the candy. Its fine texture dissolves easily and creates a smooth dough. The exact amount needed can vary significantly depending on the potato’s size, water content, and even the humidity in your kitchen. We recommend having at least 8 cups on hand, even if the recipe starts with 6 cups, as you’ll be adding it gradually until the dough reaches the perfect play-dough-like consistency.
FILLING – Classic potato candy traditionally features a rich, creamy peanut butter filling. This timeless combination creates a delicious balance of sweet and salty, with a delightful nutty flavor. However, the filling offers a fantastic opportunity for customization! You can substitute the peanut butter with any nut butter you prefer, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a slightly different flavor profile. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is an excellent alternative. For a decadent twist, consider spreading Nutella, Biscoff spread, or even a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. Ensure your chosen filling is relatively thick and spreadable to prevent it from oozing out during rolling and slicing.
How to Make Potato Candy
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delightful potato candy. For a concise, printable version of the recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Potato: Begin by peeling your russet potato and dicing it into uniform, small cubes. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Place the diced potato in a saucepan, cover it with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potato pieces are incredibly fork-tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain all excess water thoroughly. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, using a hand mixer or a potato ricer for the smoothest results, mash the potato until it is completely smooth and lump-free. A smooth mash is key to a smooth candy dough.
- Form the Candy Dough: Transfer the mashed potato to a large mixing bowl. Begin to gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing it in thoroughly with a hand mixer. The amount of powdered sugar required can vary significantly, usually between 6 to 8 cups, depending on the moisture content of your potato and the humidity in your kitchen. You’ll know you’ve added enough sugar when the mixture transforms from a shaggy dough into a pliable, firm consistency similar to play-dough or putty. It should be easy to handle without being overly sticky.
EXPERT TIP – The key is patience! Continue adding powdered sugar slowly and mixing until the dough is smooth, cohesive, and no longer sticky, easily forming a ball. If it feels too wet, add more sugar; if it feels too dry and crumbly, you may have added too much, but typically, it will come together with persistent mixing and careful sugar addition.
- Roll Out the Dough: Prepare a clean baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or wax paper. Generously dust the paper with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking and adds an extra touch of sweetness. Spoon the potato candy dough onto the prepared surface. Using an offset spatula or a rubber spatula, carefully smooth out the dough into a uniform rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Ensure the edges are as straight as possible for neat rolls.
- Add the Filling and Roll: Evenly spread your chosen filling (peanut butter, nut butter, or Nutella) over the entire surface of the potato dough rectangle, leaving a small border free along one of the longer edges. This ensures the filling doesn’t squeeze out when you roll. Starting from the opposite long edge, carefully begin to roll the dough tightly onto itself, much like you would when making cinnamon rolls. Roll it up lengthwise into a snug log.
- Chill and Slice: Once rolled, wrap the potato candy log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the candy to firm up, making it much easier to slice cleanly. After chilling, unwrap the log and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Potato candy should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layering pieces of parchment paper between each layer of candy will prevent them from sticking together. Stored properly, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 10 days. For longer storage, you can freeze potato candy for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Russet potatoes are highly recommended for potato candy. Their starchy texture breaks down easily into a smooth mash, which is crucial for a smooth, pliable candy dough. Waxy potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold, tend to be stickier and might require more powdered sugar to reach the right consistency, potentially altering the texture.
If your dough is too sticky, it likely needs more powdered sugar. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, mixing well until it reaches that firm, play-dough-like consistency. If it’s too crumbly, it might be due to too much powdered sugar or not enough moisture in the potato. If it’s only slightly crumbly, try kneading it gently with your hands; the warmth can help it come together. If it’s very dry, you can try adding a tiny bit (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) of milk or water, but be very cautious not to make it too wet.
Absolutely! While the classic peanut butter is delicious, you can get creative. A few drops of vanilla extract in the potato dough or even a pinch of cinnamon can add depth. For the filling, consider adding mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a different flavored extract to your peanut butter for a unique twist. Always experiment with small batches first!
After chilling, the log will be firm. To get clean, even slices, use a sharp, thin knife. For extra precision, you can gently warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. Some people even use unflavored dental floss to “cut” the log, creating perfectly smooth cuts without any sticking!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Potato Candy
Once you’ve successfully created your batch of delightful, old-fashioned potato candy, the best part begins: enjoying them! These powdered sugar-dusted, peanut butter-filled, potato-based candies genuinely live up to their hype. Their tender texture and sweet-and-nutty flavor make them an instant hit.
For serving, arrange them on a platter for a dessert spread, or present them beautifully in small candy boxes or festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gift-giving. They make charming and personal gifts for holidays, birthdays, or as a thoughtful “thank you.”
Remember, if your potato candy log has been chilling overnight and is very firm, allow the dough to rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This slight softening will make cutting much easier and help prevent cracking. Always store any uneaten candy in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and delightful texture.
More Delicious No-Bake & Easy Candy Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this potato candy, you’re in for a treat! There are many other fantastic easy and no-bake candy recipes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or preparing for gift-giving. Explore some of these delightful options:
- Saltine Toffee
- Candied Pecans
- Homemade Peanut Brittle
- Peppermint Candy Cane Bark
- Homemade Lollipops
- Cool Whip Candy
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Potato Candy
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 russet potato 5 – 5 1/2 oz, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups powdered sugar 6-8 cups*
- ½ cup peanut butter
Things You’ll Need
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Hand mixer
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Baking sheet
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Offset icing spatula
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Saucepan
Before You Begin
- If chilling overnight, allow the dough to rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes for easier cutting.
Instructions
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Peel and dice the potato. Boil in water until fork tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess water and mash with a hand mixer until smooth.
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Mix in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time with a hand mixer. Depending on humidity and water content in the potato this can take 6-8 cups. The final result should look like that of shaggy dough. Slowly keep adding powdered sugar until the consistency is that of play-dough or putty
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Spoon out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and dust generously with powdered sugar. Smooth out the potato dough using an offset spatula or rubber spatula about 1/4 inch in thickness.
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Spread the peanut butter on top of the potato dough. Roll the dough on itself length-wise as if making cinnamon rolls.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Slice into 1/2 inch pieces and serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared on this blog on November 24, 2021.