Potato candy is a classic, old fashioned, depression era candy recipe. Who knew that mashed potatoes could actually be used in dessert? Mashed potato is used to make a sweet dough that’s wrapped up with peanut butter. It’s a little taste of history that is still delicious today.

Potato and sugar might seem like an unlikely combination but I am here to tell you it works! This potato candy recipe takes me back to my grandma’s house when she would make it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was always my job to mash the potatoes.

Looking for more pinwheel recipes, try these sausage pinwheels, roast beef roll-ups, and turkey pinwheels.

What is old fashioned potato candy?

This candy became popular in the United States during the great depression. People used ingredients that were cheap and available, like potatoes, to make everything from dinner to dessert.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Unique: Your friends and family will be impressed with this tasty dessert and might be surprised by the secret ingredient.
• Great for sharing: This is a fun treat to share during the holidays.
• Simple ingredients: Only 5 ingredients are used to make this recipe.

Ingredients

The ingredients you need are staples that you might already have in your pantry.

• Potato – I recommend using a large, russet potato.
• Powdered sugar – This give the candy a sweet flavor.
• Milk – You could substitute with half and half.
• Vanilla – Vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness.
• Peanut butter – Use creamy peanut butter, nut butter, or a nut-free butter. You could use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

How to make potato candy

Scroll to the bottom to watch video and for printable recipe and ingredients. 

1. Prepare: Cook the potato using your preferred method. For this recipe, I like to air fryer my potato or bake the potato in the oven. This makes for a drier potato which helps for the candy. You can peel and boil the potato in water but I have found it can cause the dough to be too wet.
2. Dough: Place cold mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk. Keep mixing in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time until you reach a total of 6 cups. Dough should be formed.
3. Roll the dough: Spread out a piece of wax paper or piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar to prevent the potato mixture from sticking. Divide dough into 2 or 3 balls. Roll each dough ball flat, about 1/4-inch thick. Trim off the sides to form a rectangle.
4. Filling: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the top of rolled out dough. Carefully roll into a log or jelly roll shape, lengthwise or long side, as tight as possible without breaking the dough.
5. Chill: Wrap up roll in wax paper or parchment and then in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer the better.
6. Slice: Slice into 1/2-inch circles before serving.

Recipe tips

• I prefer baking my potato so it’s more dry. You can boil the potato, just 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 the 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.
• This old fashioned candy is a great sweet treat to give away during the holidays.

Variations

Filling: You can substitute a few different fillings to replace the peanut butter. My son is allergic to peanuts so I use Sun Butter or Wow Butter.

You can also substitute with any nut butters or hazelnut spread.

How to store

Store: This candy stays good for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freeze: You can freeze tis potato candy for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

More delicious classic dessert recipes

If you are wanting more tasty sweet treats be sure to check out this buckeye recipe.

• Robert Redford Dessert – A creamy, layered chocolate dessert.
• Cherry Fluff Recipe – Delicious no bake dessert.
• Cherries in the snow – Made with angel food cake.

Did you make this nostalgic dessert? Leave a comment and rating below.