If you’re looking for a fun, no-bake dessert that’s as delicious as it is adorable, Irish Potato Candy is the answer! Despite the name, these sweet treats don’t contain any actual potatoes. Instead, they’re little bites of coconut-packed goodness rolled in cinnamon to resemble tiny potatoes. They’re a perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you’re craving something unique and nostalgic.
Irish Potato Candy is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in no time. Let’s dive into this sweet and creamy recipe that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- No baking required – Perfect for when you want a quick and simple dessert.
- Only a handful of ingredients – You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!
- Great for holidays and parties – These little “potatoes” are always a conversation starter.
- Rich and creamy texture – The combination of cream cheese, butter, and coconut makes for a deliciously smooth bite.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Candy:
✔ 1/4 cup butter, softened
✔ 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✔ 4 cups powdered sugar
✔ 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
For the Coating:
✔ 1 cup cinnamon (for rolling)
✔ Additional powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
HOW TO MAKE IRISH POTATO CANDY
1️⃣ Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures a rich, buttery flavor base for your candy.
2️⃣ Incorporate Sugar and Coconut
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until fully combined. You’ll notice the mixture becoming thick and dough-like. Once combined, stir in the shredded coconut until it is evenly distributed. The coconut adds a delicious texture and a hint of tropical sweetness to these treats.
At this point, the mixture may be a bit sticky. Don’t worry—that’s normal! If needed, you can refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes to make shaping the candy easier.
A LITTLE HISTORY BEHIND IRISH POTATO CANDY
Despite the name, Irish Potato Candy isn’t actually from Ireland—it originated in the United States, particularly in Philadelphia. This nostalgic treat has been a staple in Irish-American households for generations, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
Their unique look—thanks to the cinnamon coating—makes them resemble tiny potatoes, adding to the fun! The combination of cream cheese, coconut, and powdered sugar creates a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet confection that has stood the test of time.
HOW TO SHAPE AND COAT IRISH POTATO CANDY
Now that we have our creamy coconut mixture ready, it’s time to shape these adorable little candies into their signature potato-like form. This is the fun part! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of sweet, cinnamon-coated treats that look just like tiny potatoes—but taste way better.
3️⃣ SHAPE THE CANDY
Take small portions of the coconut mixture and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls or slightly oblong “potato” shapes. Each piece should be about the size of a small walnut.
Pro Tip: If the mixture is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to handle and shape.
Once you’ve shaped all your candies, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will keep them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
4️⃣ COAT THE CANDY IN CINNAMON
Now comes the step that gives these treats their signature potato-like appearance!
- Pour the cinnamon into a shallow dish or bowl.
- Roll each candy in the cinnamon until fully coated. The cinnamon sticks beautifully to the surface, creating that realistic “potato skin” effect.
If you want an extra “rustic” look, you can roll some pieces more lightly for a speckled appearance, while rolling others in a thicker layer of cinnamon.
Optional: To make them look even more realistic, lightly dust the finished candies with powdered sugar. This gives them a slightly “floury” look, just like real potatoes fresh from the ground.
5️⃣ CHILL UNTIL FIRM
Arrange the coated candies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set. This step helps firm them up, making them easier to handle and enhancing their texture.
6️⃣ SERVE AND ENJOY!
Once your Irish Potato Candies are chilled and firm, they’re ready to enjoy! They make a fantastic addition to dessert platters, party trays, or festive holiday spreads. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
VARIATIONS & HELPFUL TIPS
✔ Make them extra creamy: For an even richer texture, swap half of the shredded coconut for finely ground coconut flakes.
✔ Try different coatings: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, roll the candies in cocoa powder or finely crushed graham crackers for a different flavor twist.
✔ Add a crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a little extra texture.
✔ Flavor boost: Want an extra burst of flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the coconut mixture itself.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS SO WELL
Irish Potato Candy has been around for generations, and there’s a reason it remains a favorite treat.
- Perfectly sweet and creamy: The combination of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and coconut creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy and fun to make: No oven required! This is a great recipe to make with kids.
- Unique and nostalgic: Whether you’re making these for St. Patrick’s Day or just for fun, they’re always a conversation starter.
IRISH POTATO CANDY FAQ & FINAL THOUGHTS
By now, you’ve learned how to make this sweet, cinnamon-coated treat, and hopefully, you’re already excited to try them for yourself! Before we wrap things up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you get the best results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1️⃣ Does Irish Potato Candy actually contain potatoes?
No! Despite the name, there are no actual potatoes in this recipe. The name comes from their resemblance to small potatoes after they’ve been coated in cinnamon.
2️⃣ Can I make Irish Potato Candy ahead of time?
Yes! These candies store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties and holidays.
3️⃣ Why is my mixture too sticky to shape?
If your mixture is too sticky, it’s likely due to the cream cheese and butter being too warm. Simply refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
4️⃣ Can I freeze Irish Potato Candy?
Yes! Place the finished candies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
5️⃣ What if I don’t like cinnamon?
If you prefer a different coating, try rolling them in cocoa powder, finely crushed graham crackers, or even finely shredded coconut for a twist on the classic look.
6️⃣ Can I make these without coconut?
The shredded coconut is a key ingredient that gives Irish Potato Candy its signature texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you could try substituting finely chopped nuts or crushed vanilla wafers, though this will change the texture and flavor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday party, or just because, these little cinnamon-coated sweets are always a hit.
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Irish Potato Candy
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
Despite the name, Irish Potato Candy contains no potatoes! These sweet, creamy, coconut-packed treats are rolled in cinnamon to resemble tiny potatoes. They’re a fun and delicious no-bake dessert, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a nostalgic treat!
Ingredients
For the Candy:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 cup cinnamon (for rolling)
- Additional powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Incorporate sugar and coconut: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Shape the candy: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls or oblong “potato” shapes. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to make shaping easier.
4️⃣ Coat the candy: Roll each piece in cinnamon to give it a classic potato-like appearance. If desired, lightly dust with powdered sugar to enhance the “realistic” look.
5️⃣ Chill: Arrange the coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Once set, enjoy these sweet, coconutty treats! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
✔ Make them extra realistic by rolling some pieces slightly lumpy for a more natural “potato” shape.
✔ For a different flavor twist, try mixing a pinch of cinnamon into the candy base.
✔ Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a slightly less sweet version.
✔ Freeze for later! These candies freeze well—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30 small candies
