Irish Potato Candies trick everyone with their name but surprise with their sweetness. I love their soft, creamy texture. These tiny, spud-shaped treats are a must-try for any dessert lover.

Irish Potato Candies recipe

Irish potato candy, despite its name, does not contain actual potatoes. The candy consists of cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and shredded coconut. The mixture is rolled in cinnamon into small potatoes.

Irish potato candies for st. patrick's day desserts

Irish potato candy emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It became popular alongside Irish immigrants in Philadelphia. These treats are especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day.

Here’s how to make the Irish potato candy:

Irish Potato Candies

Traditional Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day treat! No-bake cinnamon-coconut potato-shaped candies rolled in cocoa powder. Sweet, spicy, and deceivingly potato-free.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 0

Chilling time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter softened
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 tbsp cocoa powder for coating

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Stir in cinnamon for flavor.
Once the mixture is thick and sticky, fold in the shredded coconut.
Use your hands to form small, round balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture. This should make approximately 24 candies.
Roll each candy in cocoa powder to give it a light coating, making it look like a potato.
Place the candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
Enjoy these sweet, creamy Irish Potato Candies as a delightful treat for your family and friends!

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 24gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSugar: 23g

Keyword homemade dessert, no-bake dessert, St. Patrick’s Day recipes

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Pairing suggestions

Irish Potato Candies serve well with these foods and drinks.

Food Pairings:
- Irish Potato Candies balance the savory flavors of Corned beef and cabbage.
- Irish beef stew pairs well with the candies. The candies provide a sweet finish to the meal.
- Irish Cheddar and Stout Biscuits offer a savory contrast to the candies.
Drinks.
- Irish coffee enhances the candies’ flavor.
- The candies fit well in dessert platters. They pair with brownies, cookies, and fruit tarts.
- Piña coladas and coconut mojitos share similar flavors.
- Irish Potato Candy Cocktail mimics the candy’s flavor.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream complements the candy’s flavor. It can be served alone or in cocktails.
- Adult milkshakes enhance the candy’s taste.
- Coconut cocktails match well with the candy.

Variations

Here are some popular variations of the Irish Potato Candies:

Chocolate Variants use cocoa powder instead of cinnamon for a different flavor. Adding cocoa powder creates a chocolatey version of the candy.
Nutty Additions include chopped nuts for extra texture. Nuts enhance the taste while preserving the candy’s appearance.
Flavor Infusions replace vanilla extract with peppermint.
Peanut Butter Twist adds peanut butter to the coconut cream base. The candies are then rolled in chocolate.
Dairy-free options use plant-based substitutes instead of cream cheese. These substitutes maintain the original texture and taste.
Potato-based Variants mix mashed potatoes with sugar for a traditional approach. These candies are then rolled in cinnamon.

Contents

Irish Potato Candies recipe