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Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Cook the Potato: 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.
  2. Mash the Potato: Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potato until smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: 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.
  4. Flavor the Dough (Optional): If using vanilla extract, mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.
  5. Roll Out the Dough: 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.
  6. Apply the Peanut Butter: Spread an even layer of peanut butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
  7. Form the Candy Roll: 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.
  8. Chill the Roll: Wrap the candy log securely in the parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  9. Slice and Serve: 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: If the dough is too sticky to roll, incorporate more powdered sugar until it reaches a workable consistency.
  • Storage: 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: For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the peanut butter with other spreads such as Nutella, cookie butter, or any preferred nut butter.