Potato Candy Recipe

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Potato Candy might sound unusual at first, but one bite of this melt-in-your-mouth treat will make you a believer. This old-fashioned recipe uses mashed potatoes as the base for a sweet, creamy dough that’s rolled with peanut butter and sliced into pinwheel-style candies. It’s soft, rich, and wonderfully nostalgic.

Often found on holiday trays or passed down through generations, this Depression-era candy proves that a few pantry staples can still create something truly special. No baking required, just mix, roll, chill, and slice your way to a uniquely sweet bite of history.

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Why You’ll Love This Potato Candy Recipe

• Surprisingly Delicious: You’d never guess potatoes could create such a sweet, candy-like texture.
• No Baking Needed: Perfect for warm weather days or when your oven is already full.
• Customizable Filling: While peanut butter is classic, feel free to use Nutella, cookie butter, or even maple cream.
• Nostalgic & Fun: A great way to introduce kids to a retro dessert with a story behind it.

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Do I Have to Use Russet Potatoes?

Yes, Russet potatoes are the best choice here. Their high starch and low moisture content creates a firm, dry mash that blends beautifully with powdered sugar. Avoid waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold, which hold too much moisture and can make your dough sticky or runny. Be sure to peel and boil the potato until fork-tender, then mash and cool completely before mixing with the sugar.

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Ingredients for the Potato Candy Recipe

This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, yet the result is rich and nostalgic. Here’s what each one brings to the table:

• Mashed Russet Potato – The unexpected base that gives the dough its soft, pliable texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sugar and round out the flavor.
• Powdered Sugar – Creates the dough when combined with the potato; no other flour or binder needed.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – The classic filling for that salty-sweet contrast in every bite.

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How To Make the Potato Candy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Base

Peel and boil 1 small Russet potato until fork-tender. Drain, then mash until smooth. Measure out 1/2 cup and allow it to cool completely before continuing.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato with a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, stirring until a thick dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Dust a sheet of parchment paper with powdered sugar. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Spread an even layer of creamy peanut butter across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Roll Into a Log

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log using the parchment paper to help guide it. Wrap the log in the parchment and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once firm, remove the log from the fridge and slice into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired, and serve chilled or at room temp.

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How to Serve and Store This Potato Candy Recipe

Potato Candy is best served cold or at cool room temperature, allowing the dough to stay firm and the peanut butter center to remain creamy. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. This recipe yields around 24 slices, enough to serve 8–10 people depending on portion size.

To store, layer the candies in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the whole log or individual pieces for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving.

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What to Serve With Potato Candy Recipe

Hot Coffee or Cold Brew

The bitterness of coffee balances the sugary sweetness of the candy.

Dark Chocolate Squares

Break the sweetness with something rich and slightly bitter.

Toasted Nuts

Add crunch and contrast to this soft and creamy candy.

Fruit Skewers

Juicy fruits like grapes or berries bring a refreshing brightness to your candy tray.

Shortbread Cookies

Keep things old-school with classic buttery cookies that don’t compete in flavor.

Spiced Chai Tea

Its warming spices play well with the vanilla and peanut butter notes.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert platter, serve alongside a small scoop of ice cream.

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Want More No-Bake Treats with a Twist?

If you loved this Potato Candy Recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other easy, nostalgic, and no-bake favorites:

• Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars for a crispy, chewy, salty-sweet combo.
• No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie if you’re craving a cool, creamy citrus dessert.
• Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for a rich, fudgy option made on the stovetop.
• Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding that brings sweet, creamy comfort to the table.
• Coconut Date Energy Bites for a naturally sweet snack with a chewy bite.

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📌 Add this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you don’t forget it.

If you grew up eating this candy, tell me your family’s twist! Some folks add food coloring to the dough, others roll it with different spreads. I’d love to hear how yours turns out.

Looking for more old-school sweets, quick desserts, or no-bake classics? Head over to NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest for daily inspiration and all kinds of treat-worthy ideas.

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