Potato candy is a classic, old fashioned candy recipe that has been around for a long time. Mashed potato is used to make a sweet dough that’s wrapped up with peanut butter.
Pinwheels can be sweet or savory like these vegetable pinwheels, sausage pinwheels and roast beef roll ups.
Potato and sugar might seem like an unlikely combination but I am here to tell you it works and it’s delicious!
Mashed potato is used to hold this sweet dough together to form these amazing pinwheel confections.
What is old fashioned potato candy?
This candy gained popularity during the Great Depression. People used ingredients that were cheap and available like potatoes, to make everything from dinner to dessert.
Is it the same as Irish potato candy?
They are not the same. Old fashioned potato candy calls for mashed potatoes, powdered sugar and peanut butter.
Irish potato candy usually doesn’t even contain potato. They are made with coconut cream and cinnamon and just look like potatoes.
Ingredients needed
The ingredients you need are staples you might already have in your pantry.
Potato – I recommend using a large, russet potato.
Powdered sugar – This can also be called confectioners sugar.
Milk – You could also substitute with half and half.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract adds a little sweetness and warmth.
Peanut butter – Use creamy peanut butter, nut butter, or a nut-free butter.
How to make potato candy
Scroll to the bottom to watch video and for printable recipe and ingredients.
- Prepare: Cook the potato using your preferred method. For this recipe I like to air fry potatoes, or cook them in the oven because it makes for a nice, drier potato. You can peel and boil the potato in water but I have found it can cause the dough to be too wet. ***Let the mashed potato completely cool before using.
- Dough: Place mashed potato in large bowl. Mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk. Keep mixing in powdered sugar, one cup at a time until you reach a total of 6 cups. Dough should be formed. You might need to add an additional cup to get the right dough consistency.
- Roll: Spread out a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on surface. Sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar to prevent dough sticking. Divide dough into 2 or 3 balls. Roll each dough ball flat, about 1/4 inch thick. Trim off sides to form a rectangle.
- Filling: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over top of rolled out dough. Carefully roll into a log, lengthwise, as tight as possible without breaking the dough.
- Chill: Wrap up roll in wax paper or parchment and then in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer the better.
- Slice: Slice into 1/2 inch circles before serving.
Recipe tips
- I prefer baking my potato so it’s more dry. You can boil it if you prefer, just be sure to make sure to remove as much water as possible.
- Be sure to let the potato completely cool. This helps achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- When rolling the dough, sprinkle powdered sugar over wax paper and also over rolling pin to help the dough not stick. Keep sprinkling it on the rolling pin as needed.
- The dough does dry quickly, so don’t let it sit for too long.
- Make sure to give the rolls long enough in the refrigerator to chill before slicing. If you are in a hurry, place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Variations
You can substitute a few different fillings to replace the peanut butter.
My son is actually allergic to peanuts so I use Sun butter or Wow butter.
You could also substitute with any nut butters or a hazelnut spread like Nutella.
How to store
Store: This candy stays good for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: To freeze old fashioned potato candy, Place in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.
More delicious dessert recipes
- Blonde brownies – Blondies with white chocolate chips.
- Cake mix brownies -Delicious, chewy brownies made with cake mix.
- Cake mix cookie bars – Cookie bars made easy with a cake mix.
- Bread pudding – Classic bread pudding.
- Banana pudding – A family favorite dessert.
*** Feel free to leave a comment and rating below if you make this recipe. Enjoy!
Potato Candy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mashed potato (about 1 potato)
- 1 tablespoon milk or half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-7 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Place cooked, mashed potato in a bowl. ***Make sure potato is completely cooled.
- Using an electric mixer, mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar. Pour in milk and vanilla. Mix.
- Add in more powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until you have a total of 6 cups. You might need to add in additional cup of powdered sugar to achieve dough.
- Place wax or parchment paper on surface. Spread powdered sugar over paper.
- Divide the potato dough into 2-3 balls. Roll each dough ball out 1/4-inch thick with rolling pin dusted with powdered sugar. Trip off sides to form a rectangle.
- Spread thin layer of peanut butter over top of rolled out dough. Carefully roll into a tight log, lengthwise.
- Roll up in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap. Put in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or longer before slicing into pieces.
Video
Notes
- I prefer baking my potato so it's more dry. You can boil it if you prefer, just be sure to make sure to remove as much water as possible.
- Be sure to let the potato completely cool. This helps achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- When rolling the dough, sprinkle powdered sugar over wax paper and also over rolling pin to help the dough not stick. Keep sprinkling it on the rolling pin as needed.
- The dough does dry quickly, so don't let it sit for too long.
My mother made this when my siblings n me were growing up. Every Christmas and I never really cared for it because I always went for her fudge lol. But my brother is wanting me to make him some, I have tried a few years ago but lost patience when rolling it up. Any helpful suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Gayle,
I just try to roll it slow, and use a lot of powdered sugar to prevent sticking. I also try to make sure that the “dough” isn’t too thin or else it will break.
My grandmother made this for us when I was a child. I never knew there was potato in it. The first year I was married, we got a box of candies from a local candy store and there were ovals dipped in chocolate (Teddy Bears). As soon as I tasted one, I remembered my grandmother’s candy. My mother told me it was ‘potato candy’. I tried to replicate it, (no internet searching then) and haven’t made it again. Thanks for the recipe, now I don’t have to guess. Grandma kept the candy in tins on an unheated porch so they were always cold, my preference! I plan to make some to share with my neighbours who are unable to be with their families this year. I think I’ll try Nutella as well as the peanut butter.
;
Thank you so much for sharing! I agree, I love it cold too. I hope you enjoy!
What an interesting combination, potatoes and sweet fillings. This is the first I’ve heard of potato candy and I’m intrigued.
This recipe is so new to me. Never would I have imagined to make a candy made of potatoes, brilliant!
Wow, such an unusual and great snack. Never thought of potatoes made like that.
My grammy used to make this years ago. I haven’t seen a recipe before. I am eager to try it!
Hope you enjoy it!
What an interesting recipe. I have never heard of this before. Does sound good.
I love trying new recipes! I am so curious to try this potato candy!
I’ve never even heard of this, but I’m fascinated! It definitely sounds worth trying. Thanks for the fun idea!
What an interesting idea! I never heard of potato candy before, but it sounds interesting. I am going to give this a try to see what my family thinks.
Ooh, never heard of potato candies but it looks good! I’ll be happy to try this recipe.
I have never heard of potato candy, but I bet my mom has:) She loves peanut butter and potatoes. Nutella seems like a wonderful idea.
I’ve never tried making this before. Looking forward to giving us a try.
My son would love that peanutty doughy delight. It is so great that potatoes can be added to this delicious dessert.
This sounds like a really interesting candy idea. I have to admit I’ve never had potato candy before and now I want to know what it tastes like.
It has been years since I had potato candy! Seeing your recipe makes me want to make this ASAP! I had never thought of adding Nutella.
Okay, this is cool. I had never heard of potato candy before. Now I need to try it!