If you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple to whip up, the Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe is just the treat you didn’t know you needed. This charming confection has been delighting generations with its creamy texture and perfect peanut butter swirl, all made from humble ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s a unique blend of buttery mashed potato and powdered sugar rolled with luscious peanut butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth candy that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Once you try this recipe, it might just become one of your favorite sweet traditions to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the creamy potato base that gives the candy its unique texture, to the peanut butter that adds richness and balance. Grab these essentials to get started on a charming candy adventure.
- 1 medium potato, peeled and sliced: The star ingredient that creates a smooth, soft base; make sure it’s well-cooked for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons real butter: Adds creaminess and a rich flavor that blends beautifully with the potato.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings harmony to the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Introduces a subtle warm aroma and depth to the candy.
- 2 pounds powdered sugar: The sweet powerhouse that transforms the mixture into a candy-like consistency; keep extra on hand for rolling.
- 1 jar creamy peanut butter (16 ounces): The perfect partner for the sweet roll; creamy peanut butter spreads easily and adds a luscious filling.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Potato
Start by peeling and slicing your potato, then simmer it in a small pan of water until it becomes very tender. This step is crucial as the potato forms the soft, creamy base of the candy. Once cooked, drain every bit of water to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet, which ensures the proper candy-like texture later on.
Step 2: Mash Potato with Butter, Vanilla, and Salt
While the potato is still warm, mash it together with the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This creates a buttery, fragrant foundation and removes lumps so the texture is perfectly smooth. The vanilla and salt enhance the sweet flavors that will come with the powdered sugar and peanut butter.
Step 3: Blend in Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mashed potato mixture, mixing on low speed. This part takes a little patience as you want the sugar to fully incorporate without making the candy too dry or too sticky. The goal is a thick, slightly sticky dough that holds together beautifully when rolled.
Step 4: Roll Out the Candy
Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and roll the candy mixture out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Getting an even thickness here is important for a neat, even roll in the next step. Don’t be shy about using extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer
Spread a thin, even layer of creamy peanut butter over the rolled out candy, leaving a small border around the edges. This peanut buttery goodness is what makes this candy unforgettable, offering a rich contrast to the sweet base.
Step 6: Roll, Chill, and Slice
Carefully roll the candy up from one side to the other, forming a tight spiral. Place the roll in the freezer to chill until firm, which makes it much easier to slice into neat, bite-size pieces. These slices reveal the beautiful swirl of peanut butter and potato candy that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe, consider sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar over the slices or adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate for some indulgent flair. A dusting of crushed peanuts can also add a delightful crunch and an extra burst of peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
This candy shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider serving alongside homemade fudge or simple butter cookies for a nostalgic dessert platter that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your potato candy bite-sized and display it on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper or placing them in colorful mini cupcake liners makes for a fun party favor or sweet gift that anyone would appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover potato candy tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. Kept in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to a week, perfect if you want to enjoy it a little at a time.
Freezing
This candy freezes beautifully! Wrap individual rolls or sliced pieces securely in freezer-safe wrap or place in a sealed container. When frozen, the candy maintains its texture and flavor for up to a month, making it a wonderful make-ahead treat for special occasions or gift-giving.
Reheating
Since this candy is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Just allow frozen slices to thaw for about 15 minutes at room temperature before serving to bring back that perfectly chewy texture.
FAQs
Is the potato taste noticeable in this candy?
Not at all! The potato acts as a soft base and doesn’t impart a potato flavor. The sweetness of the powdered sugar and richness of the peanut butter completely balance the flavor, making it taste like a luscious candy rather than anything savory.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are delicious, they have a different moisture content and flavor profile that might change the texture and taste of the candy. It’s best to stick with regular white or Yukon gold potatoes for the most authentic results.
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter is recommended because it spreads smoothly, creating that perfect peanut butter swirl. Chunky peanut butter can work but might make rolling a bit trickier and result in a less even texture.
How long does the candy last once made?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this candy can last up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option to preserve both taste and texture.
Is this candy gluten free?
Yes! This Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe is naturally gluten free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your peanut butter and powdered sugar brands to ensure they are processed in gluten-free facilities.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe enough for anyone looking to try something delightfully different yet wonderfully sweet. Its simplicity, combined with that creamy peanut butter swirl, makes it an absolute joy to make and share. Give it a try—you might just uncover a new family favorite that will keep everyone smiling for years to come.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a nostalgic sweet treat made by combining mashed potatoes with powdered sugar to create a smooth dough, then rolled out and layered with creamy peanut butter before being sliced into bite-sized pieces. This recipe yields a soft, sweet, peanut buttery candy that is simple to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Potato Candy Dough
- 1 medium potato, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons real butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 pounds powdered sugar (plus more for rolling out candy)
Filling
- 1 jar creamy peanut butter (16 ounces, may not use all)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato: Peel and slice the medium potato, then cook it in a small pan of water until very tender. Drain off all the water thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the candy dough.
- Mash the Potato Mixture: Mash the cooked potato along with the 2 tablespoons of real butter, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is completely free of lumps and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 pounds of powdered sugar to the mashed potato mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes thick, dough-like, and slightly sticky, suitable for rolling out.
- Roll Out the Candy Dough: Lightly dust a clean surface with additional powdered sugar, then roll out the candy mixture to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
- 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 the filling from spilling out when rolled.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the candy starting from one end, forming a log. Wrap or cover the rolled candy and chill it in the freezer until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the potato candy roll into approximately 24 pieces and serve immediately or store chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the potato is well-drained and dry after cooking to avoid a runny candy dough.
- You can adjust the amount of peanut butter used depending on how thick you prefer the filling.
- This candy is best served chilled but can be stored at room temperature for a short period.
- The candy will keep for about 1 week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- This classic recipe is gluten free as it contains no wheat ingredients.
