Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of simpler times. Made with just a few pantry staples, this sweet, creamy candy is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re creating it for a holiday tradition or to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized potato (russet or Yukon Gold works well)
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on preference)
Instructions
- Cook the Potato:
Peel and dice the potato into chunks. Boil in a pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and mash the potato until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. - Create the Candy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato with vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. The mixture will transform from a sticky paste to a pliable dough. - Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the candy dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4-inch thick. - Add Peanut Butter Filling:
Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter across the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to tear the candy layer. - Roll and Slice:
Starting from one end, carefully roll the candy dough into a log, much like a jelly roll. Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up. - Slice and Serve:
Once chilled, slice the log into pinwheel-shaped pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. Serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving:Â Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or packaging as a homemade gift. Pair it with other nostalgic treats for a charming dessert platter.
- Storage:Â Store the candy in an airtight container, layering pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months).
FAQs
1. Does potato candy taste like potatoes?
No, the potato serves as a neutral base, and its flavor is masked by the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the peanut butter filling.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor and color of the candy. Sweet potatoes add a hint of natural sweetness, which may reduce the need for powdered sugar.
3. Can I use other fillings besides peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can experiment with Nutella, cookie butter, or even jam for a different twist on the classic recipe.
4. Why is my dough too sticky to roll?
If the dough is too sticky, you may need to add more powdered sugar. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm and pliable. Make sure your work surface is well-dusted with powdered sugar as well.
PrintOld-Fashioned Potato Candy
Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is a classic, no-bake treat that combines mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter to create a sweet, fudge-like confection. Originating during the Great Depression, this candy showcases the ingenuity of making delightful desserts with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 hour 20 minutes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 small russet potato, peeled and diced
- 6 to 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Cook the Potato:Â Place the diced potato in a small pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potato pieces are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water and transfer the potato to a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the Potato:Â Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potato until smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar:Â Begin by adding 4 cups of powdered sugar to the mashed potato. Mix thoroughly; the mixture will become watery initially. Continue adding powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until a stiff, dough-like consistency is achieved. This typically requires between 6 to 8 cups of powdered sugar.
- Flavor the Dough (Optional):Â If using vanilla extract, mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Roll Out the Dough:Â Place a large sheet of wax or parchment paper on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough onto the paper and sprinkle the top with additional powdered sugar. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick.
- Apply the Peanut Butter:Â Spread an even layer of peanut butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
- Form the Candy Roll:Â Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment paper to assist in lifting and rolling.
- Chill the Roll:Â Wrap the candy log securely in the parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and Serve:Â Once chilled and firm, unwrap the candy log and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Consistency Adjustment:Â If the dough is too sticky to roll, incorporate more powdered sugar until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Storage:Â Store the potato candy slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers.
- Variations:Â For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the peanut butter with other spreads such as Nutella, cookie butter, or any preferred nut butter.