Irish “Potato” Candy
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A few weeks ago I had some mashed potatoes left over and I got to wondering if potatoes are an ingredient in any international dessert recipes. I assumed I’d find a cake or bread recipe but I came across a recipe for potato truffles.
Yep, chocolate truffles made from mashed potatoes.
I was skeptical, but I thought, hey, a healthier truffle – awesome! Long story short, they. were. HORRIBLE.
While they didn’t taste like potato, they had a grainy potato texture. I just couldn’t get it out of my head that I was eating cold, chocolate potato.
Needless to say, I don’t recommend them.
What I do recommend?
Irish “potato” candy!
These candies only look like little potatoes. They’re actually made with cream cheese, coconut, and cinnamon.
I was intrigued, so I made up a batch.
They’re delicious!
And so cute.
And not at all an Irish candy! These sweet treats actually originated in Pennsylvania, USA.
Irish potato candy is made out of cream cheese and shredded unsweetened coconut, so they have a nice creamy and slightly crunchy texture. If you don’t like coconut you can leave it out but it will change the texture.
You can roll these candies in cocoa powder or cinnamon, depending on which taste you prefer. I recommend the cinnamon! It not only gives the candy a nice “potato” look but also adds a delicious zing to the candy.
This no bake recipe is super easy and a perfect rainy day project for kids (or adults). Combine the ingredients in a bowl, shape into little potatoes, roll in cinnamon (or cocoa powder), and let chill in the fridge until set. That’s it! Super easy. Warning: you won’t be able to eat just one (trust me on this)!
Irish “Potato” Candy Recipe
Irish "Potato" Candy
Delicious no bake cream cheese and coconut candies rolled in cinnamon that look like little Irish potatoes!
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 4 onces cream cheese (1/2 package)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup cinnamon or cocoa powder (for dusting the candies)
Instructions
- Beat softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar a little at a time until incorporated. Then add the shredded coconut and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Roll into small potato shapes, then roll each in cinnamon or cocoa powder. (I prefer cinnamon.) Chill until set. Store in an airtight container.
Here’s something that is from Ireland — Irish Soda Bread!
Got extra cream cheese? Make these super easy chocolate hazelnut truffles!
Made these mostly out of curiosity – they looked fun, and I needed something to bring to an event. I wasn’t sure what to expect but they are really yummy! And very easy to make. I went for the cinnamon version, as I often find cocoa can be too strong of a flavour. I’ll definitely make these again!
I’m so glad you liked them, Bayta!The cinnamon version is my favorite, too.
Excellent recipe. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad you liked it!
One of my all time favorite candies! I first tried them, probably 20 years ago, at Wockenfuss Candies, in Columbia, MD at the Columbia Mall. They only had them around St Patrick’s Day and went really fast!
They’re amazingly good!! And so cute, too. 🙂