Old Fashioned Potato Candy

Introduction

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a classic, no-bake confection with deep roots in American kitchens, cherished for its surprising main ingredient: mashed potatoes. This humble-sounding treat magically transforms common pantry staples into a sweet, creamy, peanut butter-filled bite-sized delight. The result? A nostalgic crowd-pleaser that’s shockingly simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely irresistible at holiday gatherings or as a unique homemade gift.

Why Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a Must-Try

Despite its name, you won’t taste the potato! The spuds serve as a base that creates an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your mouth texture. The sweetness of powdered sugar and the rich swirl of peanut butter bring a flavor combination reminiscent of the best childhood desserts—a unique throwback treat that still feels fresh and special today.

All About the Creamy Potato Candy Center

The secret to that distinctive candy texture is using just-cooked, plain mashed potatoes (with no butter, milk, or seasonings). This unexpectedly starchy base binds beautifully with powdered sugar to create a smooth, pliable dough. Spread on the peanut butter, roll it up, and slice—it’s that easy to get a swirled, fudge-like bite every time.

How to Roll and Slice Potato Candy

Getting signature swirls is all about patience and precision. After rolling your potato-sugar “dough” into a thin rectangle, spread a generous, even layer of peanut butter over the surface. Carefully roll it up into a log, tight but gentle. Chill before slicing with a sharp knife to keep those beautiful pinwheel shapes intact. Refrigeration also ensures every bite is cool, creamy, and sliceable.

Serving Suggestions for a Charming Display

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is perfect for gift boxes, dessert platters, or holiday cookie trays. Arrange slices in mini paper cups or atop a lacy tray liner for a vintage-inspired look. It pairs well with tea, coffee, or as a whimsical party treat next to other retro candies.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 30 bite-sized pieces. Each slice (approx. 1-inch thick) contains around 60 to 70 calories, with the majority of sweetness coming from the powdered sugar and peanut butter. It’s a small—but mighty—indulgence for those with a sweet tooth!

Old Fashioned Potato Candy (Recap)

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a creative, no-bake candy that features creamy peanut butter wrapped inside sweet, tender potato and sugar dough. Its unique ingredients and straightforward method make it an unforgettable dessert that delights kids and adults alike.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Peel and cube your potato. Boil in water until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain completely and mash well until very smooth. Measure 1/3 cup of mashed potato (neither heaping nor scant).
2. In a large bowl, allow the mashed potato to cool slightly. Stir in vanilla extract and salt if using.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring until you form a stiff, moldable dough (you may need more or less sugar depending on your potato’s moisture). The mixture should be pliable but not wet.
4. Dust a sheet of parchment paper with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle (about 8×10 inches), dusting with more sugar if sticky.
5. Spread the peanut butter in a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
6. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, using the parchment to help lift and guide it.
7. Wrap the log in parchment and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
8. Unwrap and slice into 1/2- to 1-inch pinwheels. Serve cold for the best texture, and store extras in the refrigerator.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly dessert rotation or special holiday prep. Save and schedule this recipe to plan exactly when to whip up a batch and to generate streamlined shopping lists that combine ingredients across all your chosen recipes.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for your whole week
• Organizes shopping lists by store section—no more backtracking in the aisles
• Prevents overbuying or missing ingredients
• Keeps meal prep tasks clear and easy to follow

Pro tip: Planning several sweet treats for a party or holiday? Schedule your recipes in CookifyAI to see how ingredients like powdered sugar or potatoes overlap—saving money and reducing food waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (potato)
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)